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Dec 9, 2025 - For immediate release
Press contact: Rylie Dorman, (616) 994-4774
Explore, Solve, and Win: 2026 Parks Challenge Scavenger Hunt
OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Ottawa County Parks is excited to announce the return of the Parks Challenge in 2026, now featuring a brand-new Scavenger Hunt. Thanks to the creativity and generosity of Kristopher Reinhardt of Edward Jones, park visitors can take part in a year-long adventure designed to highlight Ottawa County’s parks in a fun and interactive way.
The Scavenger Hunt runs throughout 2026 and invites participants to follow clues, explore county parks, and search for hidden tokens. Each season, three clues will lead to one county park, for a total of four mystery parks during the year.
The first participant to find the hidden token at each mystery park will win $250. Participants must be registered to be eligible. If the token has already been found, visitors can still participate by searching for and scanning a QR code at the site to enter a quarterly prize drawing.
Reinhardt shared why supporting this effort was meaningful to him:
"Ottawa County Parks have become a foundational part of who I am. I didn’t know or understand that when I started exploring them," said Kristopher Reinhardt, sponsor of the 2026 Scavenger Hunt. "I have visited these places during some of the most triumphant and hardest times of my life. Each time, the Parks have amplified the highs and softened the lows. Every visit has left me feeling less stressed, happier, and more optimistic. This is the true prize of the Scavenger Hunt. The money is simply an incentive for people to start their journey.”
How to Get Started
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Entirely buried underground.
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Located inside a reservable area or within 10 yards of a reservable area or building.
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Placed outside an Ottawa County Park.
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Placed more than 4 ft above ground level.
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Placed in any body of water.
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Located in any closed park area or off-trail
Digging, prying open doors/windows, or damaging park property is strictly prohibited.
The first clue will be released in January 2026. Whether you join the Scavenger Hunt, the Visit Every Park Challenge, or both, get ready for a year of discovery in your Ottawa County Parks.
About the Ottawa County Parks Foundation
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation supports and enhances the work of Ottawa County Parks through fundraising and outreach efforts. The Foundation plays a key role in expanding opportunities that connect people to nature, including special projects like the 2026 Parks Challenge Scavenger Hunt. This year's event is made possible through the Foundation's collaboration with sponsor Kris Reinhardt, whose idea and support helped bring the Scavenger Hunt to life.
“The generous contribution from Kris, as well as other sponsors and donors, makes fun, family-friendly adventures like this possible,” said Jason Shamblin, Parks Director. “Funds for the Visit Every Park Challenge and Scavenger Hunt are raised through the Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s health and wellness initiative, which supports programs and events in Ottawa County Parks that promote community well-being. We are so excited to celebrate the Foundation's 10th anniversary by getting more folks outside and exploring our amazing park system.”
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