2026 Parks Millage
Ottawa County Parks August 4, 2026 Millage
The Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission enhances the well-being of our community by stewarding a connected system of natural communities and promoting outdoor experiences for everyone. Thanks to voter support, Ottawa County has built a vibrant system of 40+ parks and open spaces, a system that continues to grow alongside our population.
This has all been made possible by the Ottawa County Parks & Open Space Millage.
- First approved in 1996 as a 10-year, 0.33-mill tax
- Renewed in 2006 with 67% support
- Renewed again in 2016 with 72.3% support
Is the millage the only source of parks funding for Ottawa County Parks?
No. While the parks millage is the primary and most consistent source of funding, it is not the only one. As Ottawa County continues to grow, so does the need for park maintenance and improvements. Over time, millage funds have shifted focus from land acquisition to essential operations and upkeep.
To diversify funding and extend its impact, Ottawa County Parks also relies on: user fees, where appropriate, partnerships with organizations and municipalities, gifts and donations, and State and federal grants.
To support long-term growth, the Parks Commission looks to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation for financial support. The Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization, receives and invests private donations and grants benefiting the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission.
In addition, volunteers contribute over 10,000 hours each year, helping stretch the parks budget and enhance services through their time and dedication.
Accomplishments the parks millage made possible since 2016
In addition to high-quality maintenance of parks lands, with a special focus on stewardship of natural resources, specific accomplishments include:
- Continued emphasis on environmental stewardship and high-quality maintenance across all parks and open space properties.
- Expanded nature education programs and educational opportunities for all ages.
- Significant progress on the Grand River Greenway, a 36.5-mile pathway connecting Grand Haven to Grand Rapids, including acquisition of key lands and easements and development of connecting trails:
- Bill Idema Moraine Nature Segment – connects Grand Ravines to Grand River Park
- Jenison Mill Segment – connects Ottawa County to Kent County
- Bayou Segment – completes the Grand Crossings Loop, a 24-mile continuous around the Grand River
- Development of a master plan and completion of improvements at the Crockery Creek Natural Area, including an expanded trail system.
- Continued progress on Macatawa Greenway, including land and easement acquisition and trail extension.
- Expansion of the Bend Area in Georgetown Township
- Expand and improve Pigeon River Greenway lands, facilities, and trails.
- Further improvements to Grand Ravines following the park master plan.
- Renovation and maintenance of existing facilities as needed, including resurfacing parking lots, rebuilding stairways and boardwalks, renovating restrooms, and making other infrastructure upgrades to maintain park quality.
- Maintained and improved accessibility throughout the park system for visitors of all abilities.
- Construction of a Public Observatory, offering free year-round astronomy programs.
- Completion of the Ottawa Sands project, focused on increasing public access and restoring vital natural habitats.
