Park Facility Rental Rules

General Rules

• Nothing is allowed that would damage park property or furnishings. This includes nails, screws, tacks, staples, duct tape, mailing tape, or similar products.
• Anything that would leave evidence after the reservation is not allowed. This includes sidewalk chalk, glitter, confetti, birdseed, rice, or sprinkled decorations of any kind.
• There is a fee to bring in an amusement (such as a bouncy house) and these items must be approved in advance. Proof of liability insurance and a completed liability release form are required. Please contact the Parks Office for more information.
• Larger/specialty appliances are not allowed, such as cotton candy, popcorn, or ice cream machines. No more than one appliance is allowed per plug, including crock pots. Please do not use power strips for appliances, or the circuit breaker may trip.
• Dogs and other animals are not allowed in any rental areas. Service dogs are permitted if working and wearing an identifying harness or vest.
• Helium balloons are not allowed at Grand Ravines Lodge. Air-filled balloons are permitted.

Alcohol

Alcohol is prohibited at most rental facilities.

Beer and wine are allowed for special events in the Grand Ravines North Lodge, Pine Bend Park Weaver House, Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing, and Connor Bayou Woodland Cabin. An approved bartender and a security deposit are required.

View approved bartender list and alcohol rules here. 

Decorations

Set-up, decorating, and clean-up must be done within your rental time period. All decorations must remain within your rental area. All decorations, including any portable furniture/ structures, such as trellises, podiums, etc., must be contained within your rental area, must be completely removable and must not damage park property or trees in any way.

Aisle runners and portable dance floors are allowed but must be removed immediately following the reservation time period and may not be left overnight.

Wire stake signs are allowed at the entrance to the facility to indicate your event during your reservation time only. Signs and balloons may not be stapled, nailed, tied, or taped to light poles or park signs. It is the responsibility of the reservation holder to remove all signs at the end of the event.

Tents

Tents are not allowed at all facilities. Please check the individual facility page for specific rules.

Tent companies should setup/take down on the same day as the reservation. All tent companies should schedule their times with the Parks Office: 616-738-4810.

Tents may be set up and torn down any time that day, as long as they are aware they may not enter the building until their specified time. To inquire on pickup times outside of your paid reservation time please contact the Parks Office to discuss options.

Approved Tent Vendors

• A & B Rental: (616) 669-3270
• Alpine Rental: (616) 396-7300
• B-n-T Tent Rental: (616) 647-9617
• Tent Chik: (616) 638-4643
• West Michigan Tent Rental: (616) 477-4139

Facility Opening/Closing

If you wish to request an arrival time that is earlier than the facility’s scheduled opening time or change an arrival time, at least two weeks’ notice is required. Please notify the Parks Office. Additional fees will apply. We are not able to accommodate early arrival requests with less than two weeks’ notice.

Parks Staff Responsibilities & Services

• Staff will have the facility clean, setup and open at your arrival time.
• Staff will have tables and chairs set up. You may rearrange them but need to return them to their original locations at the end of the reservation.

Renter Responsibilities

• Any decorating or food-related needs, such as table coverings, dishes, utensils, etc.
• Cleanup instructions are available at the facility as a guide to follow at the end of your event.
• We ask that you leave the facility in the condition you found it, including bagging all trash and depositing in the dumpster located in the parking lot. If you need assistance with this task let the staff person know when you arrive.

Cancellation Policy

If the person renting a facility cancels the reservation, the following policy applies:

• 61+ days prior to the reservation: 80% refund of reservation fee plus 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled for a $20 rescheduling fee.
• 31 to 60 days prior to the reservation: 50% refund of reservation fee plus 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled for a $20 rescheduling fee.
• 0 to 30 days prior to the reservation: Reservation fee will not be refunded, and reservation may not be rescheduled. 100% of deposit will be refunded.
• No show, no call, or cancellation after the reservation date: Neither the reservation fee nor the deposit will be refunded, and reservation may not be rescheduled.

Exceptions to cancellation policy

• If the facility is unavailable due to a building maintenance issue (e.g. a fire, plumbing or HVAC issue, etc.), a natural disaster, pandemic, government restriction, or other problem outside of the control of both Ottawa County Parks and the renter, the renter would be offered a 90% refund of the reservation fee and 100% refund of deposit, or the reservation may be rescheduled at no additional cost, or the funds may be placed on account for a future reservation, park program, or merchandise.
• If Ottawa County Parks chooses to cancel the reservation for any reason not listed above, 100% of all fees will be refunded, or the reservation may be rescheduled at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions