Jan 22, 2025 – For immediate release
Press contact: Jessica VanGinhoven, (616) 405-3999

High resolution images available for download here. See file name for photographer's credit. 

Ottawa Sands wins state award for Park Design

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks), an organization dedicated to the advancement of public spaces, recreation and natural resources, announced that the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC) was awarded a 2025 Park Design award for Ottawa Sands. Park Design projects typically contain landscape and facility components, such as splash pads, playgrounds, trails, and linear parks.

The award application included a narrative describing the park’s natural features and access improvements, such as the universally accessible kayak launch, 1.6-mile paved "Lake Loop" path, modern day-use restroom and parking area, interdunal wetlands, and more. 

“Ottawa Sands is a testament to the importance of creating expansive, accessible, and biodiverse spaces for current and future generations,” said Jason Shamblin, OCPRC Director. “We’re honored to see this vision celebrated and proud to share this accomplishment with everyone who made it possible.”

Read the application narrative & view the photos included in the application: https://news.miottawa.org/ottawa-sands-park-design-award/

The Park Design Award will be presented to Ottawa County Parks staff on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the mParks Conference and Trade Show in Traverse City, Michigan. 

Over 30 native plant species and 200 woody structures were placed around the lake. Temporary fencing was installed around planting areas to protect plants while they establish.

More information about Ottawa Sands

Located at the junction of the Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway and the Grand River Greenway, Ottawa Sands County Park, a 345-acre former sand mining site, represents a remarkable transformation to a vibrant ecological and recreational hub.

To the north and south of Ottawa Sands is a six-mile, 2,400 acre+ corridor of public, natural land that stretches from the Grand River’s mouth in Grand Haven to P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon County, along the Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway. Meanwhile, the Grand River Greenway in Ottawa County encompasses 9,000 acres of public land, linked by a planned 36-mile trail that spans from Grand Rapids to Grand Haven. Together, these greenways are essential components of Ottawa County Park & Recreation Commission’s (OCPRC) vision “to create a legacy of expansive, accessible, and biodiverse natural communities for all to enjoy,” especially amidst rapid urban growth.

From 2010 to 2020, Ottawa County experienced a population increase of 10.6%, making it Michigan’s fastest-growing county in that timeframe. As of 2023, Ottawa County is home to 303,372 residents. This trend poses challenges for land preservation, particularly along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where few undeveloped parcels remain. Ottawa Sands is crucial in this context, serving as the last link in a six-mile corridor of public land along Lake Michigan in Ottawa County. Situated in Ferrysburg, Michigan, Ottawa Sands is a part of the Tri-Cities area, which also includes Grand Haven and Spring Lake. This area is home to 47,263 (2020) residents and counting. The area is valued as a destination for adults in their golden years, looking for a community in which to retire. For many years the land that is now Ottawa Sands County Park was considered a prime location for future residential development. As Ottawa County continues to grow, the balance between development and conservation remains a focal point for planners and citizens alike.

Read more of the narrative here: https://news.miottawa.org/ottawa-sands-park-design-award/

Ottawa Sands Documentary - Coming Soon! 

February 22, at 6:30 pm - Hemlock Crossing Nature Center

Join Ottawa County Parks and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation for the Ottawa Sands Documentary Premiere on February 22 at 6:30 pm. This short film, directed by Scott Vandenberg, tells the story of the unique and complex acquisition, ecological enhancements, accessibility improvements, and more. Complete the form here to register and save your spot for the premiere. There is no cost to attend but a donation is welcomed.

Following the film there will be time for Q & A with the director of the documentary and interviewees.