 July
Scroll down to find information about ways to get outside this summer, as well as upcoming programs, events, and much more. Thank you for reading!
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Build Together, Play Together: 40 Years of Park and Recreation Month
This July we are celebrating the 40th year of Park and Recreation Month! Join us as we highlight the people, spaces and programs at Ottawa County Parks & Recreation.
And to kick things off... big news!
The Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing is now OPEN ON MONDAYS! We’re expanding access so even more visitors can explore and enjoy.
New Hours:
- Mon–Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sun: 12 PM – 5 PM
Visit Every Park Challenge
Looking for a fun and rewarding way to explore Ottawa County's natural spaces? Take on the Visit Every Park Challenge and discover the beauty of over 40 unique parks and open spaces, featuring more than 7,400 acres of land and 150+ miles of trails just waiting to be explored.
Make sure to use #ottawacountyparks or tag us in your photos @ottawacountyparks as you visit parks this summer!
Prizes are available for pickup at the Nature Center!
How it works:
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Visit 20+ parks – Receive a patch or decal
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Visit 30+ parks – Patch or decal + 1 entry for the grand prize
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Visit 40+ parks – Patch or decal + 2 entries for the grand prize
Grand Prize:
Choose your own exclusive park adventure! Options include a guided kayak trip, private night sky viewing, and other memorable experiences.
This challenge is supported by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation.
 If you visit 20+ Ottawa County Parks, you can choose between a decal and patch proving you're an Ottawa County Parks explorer!
Ottawa Sands County Park Honored with 2025 NACPRO Award in Conservation
The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission is proud to announce that Ottawa Sands County Park has received a 2025 National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) Award in the Conservation category. This national honor recognizes efforts to acquire, restore, and preserve natural areas, as well as initiatives that foster public awareness and appreciation of conservation.
New Inclusive Play Feature Installed at Grose Park
We’re excited to share that Grose Park now features a brand-new inclusive Atom Spinner, made possible by the hard work and leadership of Parker Slater from Troop 37 in Spring Lake.
As part of his Eagle Scout project, Parker set out to create a more inclusive play experience for children of all abilities. With the support of his troop and our Parks team, he helped bring this vision to life—from planning in fall 2024 to hands-on installation with Park Operations Technician Tom Dorton.
We’re inspired by young leaders like Parker who are making a lasting impact in our community and helping to ensure our parks are welcoming and accessible for everyone. Be sure to visit Grose Park and see this exciting new addition in action.
 The Atom Spinner was unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 28, 2025.
Book your Stay at the Idema Explorers Camp
There are still spots available for the 4th of July weekend!
The Idema Explorers Camp (IEC) is officially open, offering a unique overnight experience in nature at Ottawa Sands County Park. Located at intersection of Lake Michigan and the Grand River, the IEC features three treehouses, five yurts, and 10 tent sites.
Plan your stay or learn more at miottawa.org/IEC.
Zee Bus
Reminder: No Zee Bus the week of July 4th.
The Zee Bus rolls through the Zeeland area in the summer from June-August! Join us every Thursday at Upper Macatawa Natural Area from 9:30-11:30 AM for nature activities led by an Outdoor Educator. Follow Zee Bus on Facebook for the full 2025 Zee Bus Schedule.
Archery at Summer Camps
Weekly sessions available from June-August
Every Friday this summer, campers have the special opportunity to do archery with Ottawa County Parks in collaboration with the Sheriff's Department!
Don’t miss out on a summer of fun and adventure. Register now for our full-day, week-long summer camps at Hager Park.
There are two groups to choose from:
- Greenway Explorers (Ages 6-8)
- Greenway Voyageurs (Ages 9-13)
 Officers Jake and John joined our campers on Friday for archery, helping them hit the mark with safety, fun, and skill-building.
Spectrum Sailing Holland
August 16-18, 2025
Hosted by the Macatawa Bay Junior Association, this FREE 3-day progressive camp will give autistic kids, ages 10-17, the opportunity to develop new skills, make friends, and build confidence, all while enjoying the adventure of sailing.
20 sailors will be selected via lottery to attend and learn knot-tying, boat handling, water safety, and essential skills in a fun, supportive environment!
Spectrum Sailing is a national, 501(c)3, organization that provides autistic children with opportunities to learn how to sail.
 Bites & Bloodsuckers: The low-down on Ticks, Mosquitos, and Rabies
Tuesday, July 8 • 6-7 PM • Hemlock Crossing
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health will be hosting an informative evening on how the county monitors for ticks and mosquitoes, what you can do to protect yourself and your family from the diseases they may carry, and a brief talk on rabies. You’ll leave with more knowledge on how to safely enjoy the outdoors this summer! Registration is encouraged but not required.
Macatawa Water Festival
July 12 • 10 am - 2 pm • Kollen Park
Visit us at the Macatawa Water Festival for a ride in the replica Gabagouache Canoe! Over 20 community partners and sponsors will come together to offer water activities and educational experiences designed to engage all ages to learn about restoring and preserving Lake Macatawa and its watershed.
The festival is a benefit for Project Clarity and the Macatawa Watershed Project.
West Michigan Philosophy in Nature: Beach & Sea Edition
July 26 • 6-8 PM • Kirk Park
Philosophy in Nature is a free public humanities series presented by Grand Valley State University in which participants take turns reading passages from philosophers, poets, historians, theologians, scientists, etc. A community ball helps guide ope conversation. Each event ends with journaling, watercolor painting, and hanging out in nature.
Pedal the Pigeon with Velo Kids
August 9 • 9:30-11:30 AM • Pigeon Creek Park
Calling all little mountain bikers….join us for a KIDS ONLY mountain bike race!
Mark your calendars for Pedal the Pigeon with Velo Kids! It is not only a race for kids, it’s a celebration of accomplishment and a bike party for friends and family. We hope to see you and all your little rippers out there! Yes, this is a race…but we are biking in the woods with our friends, let’s HAVE FUN no matter how fast we are going.
 Volunteer with us every third Saturday of the month!
Service Saturday: Spotted Knapweed Removal
July 19 • 10 AM-12 PM • Ottawa Sands
Invasive plant species are one of the leading causes of habitat loss. Volunteer with us and our friends from Loutit Library to help protect wildlife habitats and native plant communities! We will work together to remove invasive spotted knapweed by hand pulling. All equipment and training will be provided. Registration is required.
Rain Barrel Workshop with ODC Network
Join the Outdoor Discovery Center for a Rain Barrel Workshop at the Macatawa Water Festival! This year, they are holding two workshops where participants will be assisted in building their very own rain barrel to take home! Cost: $50 per barrel.
Saturday, July 12:
Volunteer Opportunities at KLH Dunes Preserve
Join our friends at Kitchel Lindquist Hartger Dunes Preserve on July 12 to help pull spotted knapweed, a highly invasive plant. If you're interested in joining, just show up; there is no registration required! Equipment, snacks, a water jug (bring your own bottle), sunscreen, and bug spray will be provided. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Check the KLH Dunes Facebook account for any cancellations relating to inclement weather.
 July
Click on a program date to be redirected to our registration page for that program!
Into Nature
Naturally Speaking: Monarchs Reign
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
Monarchs reign over the kingdom of butterflies. They’ve got a lot to do to perpetuate their species, including a migratory journey that defies logic. Discover how these dainty insects strive to thrive in such a big world with so many challenges to face.
Astronomy: Public Observing
No registration necessary • FREE • All ages
Observe the night sky with the Shoreline Amateur Astronomical Association. They will have the observatory open and telescopes available to view from (weather/cloud cover permitting). When viewing conditions call for overcast skies, chance of rain or snow, the viewing session will be canceled.
Before heading to the park, check holland-saaa.org for updated information. Please note the gate closes automatically at 10 pm, so you will need to arrive before then to enter the park.
Sunday Stroll
Registration required • FREE • All ages
Take a guided stroll at 2 pm every Sunday at Hemlock Crossing! Topics vary.
Summer Wildflower Walk
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
On this casual hike, you'll experience the variety of prairie wildflowers blooming in our parks through the summer.
Nature Saturday: Butterflies & Dragonflies
Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages
Do you enjoy watching butterflies and dragonflies in the summer? Come join others to search for them and learn about which ones are found locally in our parks. Paw-Paw (east) is one of the best locations for finding a wide variety of both butterflies and dragonflies.
Nature Saturday is scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Each date features a different nature-focused topic/activity you can engage in at Ottawa County Parks.
Butterfly Walk
Registration encouraged • FREE • Ages 12+
Explore a meadow habitat and the butterflies and wildflowers that grow there. We will attempt to identify them through various means and discuss host plants for different butterfly species.
Nature Photography Hike
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 16+
A walk in a County Park provides special scenes in nature and opportunities for creative photography! Grab your phone or favorite camera and join a group at the park to explore seasonal plants, animals, and insects, capturing nature’s beauty through an artistic lens. The theme is Butterflies & Dragonflies.
Recreation Saturday: Beach Swimming Safety
Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages
We will be exploring beach swimming safety at North Beach Park. Meet at the Picnic Shelter.
Recreation Saturday is scheduled on the 1st Saturday of each month. Each date features a different recreational activity you can do in Ottawa County Parks.
Forest Bathing
Registration required • Resident-$25 / Non-Resident-$30 • Ages 18+
Join us for a guided forest bathing session designed to help you disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with nature. Our guide, Chrystal Drewhitt of Metta and Shanti, will lead you through a serene woodland path, encouraging you to engage all five senses. Please bring a journal, pen, and bottled water.
Nature Journal Club
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 18+
Calling all nature lovers! Gather each month to learn new drawing and writing techniques specific to the theme and enjoy community connection with fellow journalers. The Nature Journal Club compliments an Introduction to Nature Journaling, however taking the class prior is not required. *Journals are not provided.
Introduction to Nature Journaling
Registration required • Resident-$5 / Non-Resident-$6 • Ages 18+
Learn how to start a nature journal, a few drawing basics, and some simple tricks to help you be successful.
Foraging Plants & Mushrooms Walk
Registration required • Resident-$30 / Non-Resident-$40 • Ages 12+
Join parks for a plant and mushroom walk to discuss plant and mushroom species that can be used for food and medicine right out of your backyard with nurses and wild foragers Mel Deboer and Tabitha Corlett.
While foraging isn't allowed in Ottawa County Parks or Open Spaces, this walk is a great opportunity to learn how to forage safely and responsibly in other settings.
Paddle the Pigeon
Registration required • Resident-$25 / Non-Resident-$30 • Ages 12+
Join us on a leisurely guided kayak trip down the Pigeon River, enjoying the sights and sounds as you paddle through Hemlock Crossing and Pine Bend Parks. Kayaks, Paddles, and PFD's included in fee.
Kids & Families
Early Sprouts
Registration required • Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15 • 4-5 years
Each week, we will explore a different natural theme through music, games, books, outdoor exploration and crafts. A caregiver must remain with the child.
Nature Buds
Registration required • Resident-$10 / Non-Resident-$15 • 6-9 years
Nature Buds will explore and engage with nature through activities that may include using dip nets in the wetland, catching insects, and searching for salamanders! Caregivers drop off children.
Family Campfire
Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages
As evening fall upon the woods, gather around the campfire to make S'mores and engage in various campfire games & activities. Meet around the fire ring outside the Pigeon Creek Lodge. If the weather is poor, we will move event inside.
Family Nature Day: Beach Fun!
Registration encouraged • FREE • All ages
Summertime is for visiting the beach! We’ll be visiting as well! Join us to engage in some fun beach activities to enhance your day of fun at the beaches of Ottawa County Parks.
StoryWalks
No registration required • FREE • All ages
Take a StoryWalk®! Pages from a featured book will be posted on signs along the path for your family to read together. Stories are available to read during park hours. Thank you to our local libraries, Loutit District Library and Herrick District Library, for making StoryWalks possible!
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*June 16 – July 6 at Paw Paw Park East: Milo Walking by James Howe
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*June 30 – July 20 at Pine Bend: Now by Antoinette Portis
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July 14 – August 3 at Paw Paw Park East: Berry Song by Michaela Goade
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July 28 – August 17 at Hemlock Crossing: Boy Here, Boy There by Chuck Groenink
* This StoryWalk is presented in collaboration with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health’s 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go! initiative!
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