Explore what’s happening in your Ottawa County Parks this December.





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Parks Winter Banner
December

Scroll down for park news, upcoming programs, volunteer opportunities, and more. Thanks for reading!

*Quick Links* [ [link removed] ]






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Park News - Blue
Winter Recreation at Pigeon Creek

Pigeon Creek Lodge [ [link removed] ] operations are tentatively planned to begin on 12/15 (weather dependent and staffing dependent). We are currently hiring! Click here to apply online. [ [link removed] ] 

Bookmark these pages for your winter fun:


* Winter Recreation [ [link removed] ] - Ski and snowshoe rentals, ski lessons, sledding and more!
* Sledding Hill Livestream [ [link removed] ] - Watch the Pigeon Creek sledding hill LIVE!
* Trail Conditions [ [link removed] ] - Stay up to date on trail conditions and equipment rental!

"Please note: Equestrian trails close at Pigeon Creek on December 1."

Ski Lessons

Beginner, intermediate, and skate ski lessons will be offered on a pop-up basis throughout the season, as conditions allow. Want to stay in the loop? Sign up for email notifications. [ [link removed] ]

Sledding Hill Cam [ [link removed] ]
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Event Update: Night Lights with Bikes is Now with Snowshoes!

Dec 6 • 5-7 PM • Pigeon Creek Park

Thanks to the snow, we are switching gears! Join us at Pigeon Creek for Night Lights with Snowshoes [ [link removed] ] and try snowshoeing for free as you explore the “Lights at Night” decorations with family and friends. This event is open-house style and first-come, first-serve.


* Limited snowshoes are available, so there may be a wait
* You're welcome to bring your own snowshoes or enjoy the trail on foot
* Velo Kids [ [link removed] ] will be there cheering on outdoor fun with candy canes

*Event Details* [ [link removed] ]

Night Lights with Snowshoes [ [link removed] ]
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Winner Revealed: Own the 2026 Mug Club Mug Today!
Great Blue Heron by June Kuiper

This Great Blue Heron captured by June Kuiper will be featured on the 2026 mug.

*Congrats to June Kuiper!* Her Great Blue Heron photo won this year’s Coffee with the Birds Mug Club contest and will appear on the 2026 mug, available for sale online [ [link removed] ] and at the Nature Center.

Mug Club membership [ [link removed] ] makes a perfect gift and supports the Coffee with the Birds program and Nature Center feeders! Members receive: 


* Mug with winning photo on it
* Free hot drinks with your membership card
* Access to special events and door prizes

"Keep scrolling for info on upcoming Coffee with the Birds events!"

2026 Calendar Available for Sale

A 2026 calendar featuring the winning photo, four honorable mentions, and select contest entries is also available for $25 at the Nature Center. Payment is cash or check only (made out to OAISD). Proceeds support CTC Environmental Field Studies stewardship projects in Ottawa County Parks.

*Purchase your Mug* [ [link removed] ]


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Winter Park Notices

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*Parking lots closed for winter:* Spring Grove Park, Olive Shores, Tunnel Park (pedestrian access only)


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*Lower parking lots closed Jan–Feb:* Grand Ravines North

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Winter camp
Winter Break Camp is Filling Up Fast!

Kids ages 6-13 will bundle up for outdoor fun, wildlife tracking, seasonal crafts, winter survival skills, and more at Hager Park. Fun, adventure, and fresh air guaranteed!

✅ Full-day care (8 am-5:30 pm)
✅ Daily & weekly pricing + sibling discounts
✅ Experienced, caring staff

*Week 1:* Dec 22, 23, 26 – Winter Wildlife Wonderland
*Week 2:* Dec 29-31 & Jan 2 – Winter Wilderness Survival

*Sign Up Today* [ [link removed] ]


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Upcoming Events - Blue
Coffee with the Birds 

Dec 6, Jan 10, Feb 14, Mar 14

Enjoy coffee provided by Aldea Coffee [ [link removed] ] and baked goodies as you watch and learn about the birds at the feeders inside the Nature Center at Hemlock Crossing. Bring your bird questions, stories, your favorite mug! 

Want to watch from home? These events are also live streamed on the Ottawa County Parks YouTube channel [ [link removed] ], thanks to Rick Veldman with Point of Light Media [ [link removed] ] who provides professional live-streaming services.

*Event Details & Registration* [ [link removed] ]


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Lights at Night at Pigeon Creek

From November 22-December 14, one loop of our lit trails will be softly decorated with holiday lights each evening from dusk until park close at 10 PM. Enjoy a peaceful, self-guided stroll through the forest with friends and family! 

Lights at Night
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Programs
Featured Programs

Click here [ [link removed] ] for a full list of programs coming up in Ottawa County Parks!





Tuned into Nature
Tuned into Nature

Dec 10, 9:30-10:30 AM - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]

Kids ages 2-4 can bring their favorite grown up to sing songs, dance, and learn about nature together. We'll spend time making and moving to music based on a nature theme and go outside for a walk to explore it outdoors. "Registration is required (ages 2-4). "







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Herbal Fire
Fire Cider Workshop

Dec 11, 6:30-7:30 PM - Grand Ravines North [ [link removed] ]

Warm up from the inside out! Learn how to make fire cider—a traditional, immune-boosting herbal tonic packed with vinegar, honey, and a spicy blend of roots, herbs, and peppers. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll prepare your own batch to take home, explore the health benefits of each ingredient, and discover creative ways to use fire cider in your daily routine. All supplies provided! "Registration is required (ages 12+)."



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Pine Removal
Service Saturday: Non-native Pine Removal

Dec 20, 10 AM-12 PM - Rosy Mound Natural Area [ [link removed] ]

Volunteers will work to remove small non-native pines with loppers and hand saws. All equipment and training will be provided." Registration is required and carpooling is highly encouraged (all ages)."







*View our Full Event Calendar* [ [link removed] ]


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Parks logo

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission | 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan 49460 | 616-738-4810

Visit miOttawa.org/parks to learn more about the 7,000 acres of parks and open spaces available for your enjoyment. Operations, improvements, and programs are funded by grants, private donations [ [link removed] ], and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you invest $26 annually in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. *Thank you!** *

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*
All programs & events are brought to you by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners:*
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners: Chairperson John Teeples | Vice-Chairperson Josh Brugger | Jordan Jorritsma | Jim Barry | Jacob Bonnema | Phil Kuyers | Doug Zylstra | Joe Moss | Sylvia Rhodea | Allison Miedema | Kendra Wenzel 

Questions? Contact Us <[email protected]>

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