Explore what’s happening in your Ottawa County Parks this February.
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February
Scroll down for park news, upcoming programs, and more. Thanks for reading!
*Quick Links* [ [link removed] ]
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Park News - Blue
2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Approved
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan [ [link removed] ] on January 27. This plan is updated every five years to maintain eligibility for State of Michigan grant funding and to guide the future development of parks, trails, and recreational facilities in our community.
?? "Watch [ [link removed] ] our presentation to the Board of Commissioners (1:00:52–1:13:39)."
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Summer Camp Registration is OPEN
Campers ages 6-13 will spend their summer exploring Hager Park, where every week brings a new theme, outdoor exploration, and archery fun!
?? Weekly sessions from June-August
?? Full day camp | 8 am-5:30 pm
?? Outdoor adventures, crafts, games, and more!
For more information on summer camp dates & themes, visit miottawa.org/camps [ [link removed] ] ??
Kids at summer camp walking through woods [ [link removed] ]
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Community Survey to Inform Parks & Recreation Decisions
The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission has partnered with Probolsky Research, a nationally recognized research firm with extensive local government experience, to conduct a statistically valid community survey. The results will help inform and validate future policy decisions related to parks and recreation.
Voters may be contacted by Probolsky Research over the next several weeks and are encouraged to participate.
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Pop-Up XC Ski Lessons at Pigeon Creek
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers beginner, intermediate, and skate ski lessons at Pigeon Creek Park on a pop-up basis, as conditions allow. Two more ski lessons are now open for registration!
* 🎿 Skate Ski: Feb 7 | 10-11:30 AM
* 🎿 Beginner: Feb 10 | 6-7:30 PM
*Sign Up for a Ski Lesson* [ [link removed] ]
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Pre-orders for Ottawa Conservation District Spring Native Plant & Native Tree Seedling Sale are now OPEN!
The Ottawa Conservation District's annual Spring Native Plant & Tree Seedling Sale offers a variety of native plants, shrubs, trees, and more. It serves as a fundraiser for the District, generating operational funds for free educational and technical services for local residents.
??* Shop Native Plants [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]*
*?? Shop the Tree Sale [ [link removed] ]*
Pre-orders close at 4 pm on Friday, March 27th.
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Upcoming Events - Blue
Recreation Saturday: Ice Fishing
February 7 • 10 AM-12 PM • Riverside Park
Bundle up and join us on the ice! Whether you’re new to ice fishing or just want to brush up your skills, this class covers the basics in a relaxed, hands-on environment.
Participants aged 17 and older must have a fishing license [ [link removed] ], unless they are an adult assisting a child. No fishing license? Families and friends can enjoy fishing for FREE in Michigan during Free Fishing Weekend [ [link removed] ], which occurs twice a year.
The winter Free Fishing Weekend is set for February 14-15, 2026!
*Rec Saturday Event Details* [ [link removed] ]
Program participants ice fishing
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DIY Winter Sowing: Native Seeds Made Easy
February 12 • 6-7:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing
Join us for a free, hands-on workshop to learn the art and science of winter sowing native seeds! Create your own winter sowing containers using milk jugs (all supplies provided) and take them home ready to sprout this spring.
Limited spots available!
*Register for Event* [ [link removed] ]
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ocpf logo
Piece Together Parks
March 21 • 12-3 PM • Grand Haven Eagles
Join the Ottawa County Parks Foundation for Piece Together Parks, a fun and fast-paced jigsaw puzzle competition to support the Foundation's work. Limited spots available!
*Event Details & Registration* [ [link removed] ]
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2026 Grand Explorers Trail Race Logo
2026 Grand Explorers Trail Race
Jun 20 • 8 AM • Grand River Park to Grand Ravines
Join us and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation [ [link removed] ] for the 4th Annual Grand Explorers Trail Race, where you can explore two stunning parks in Ottawa County all in one event. Bring the whole family, including the dog! Walkers welcome.
Sign up before April 1 for early bird pricing!
*Register Now* [ [link removed] ]
Programs
Featured Programs
Click here [ [link removed] ] for a full list of programs coming up in Ottawa County Parks!
Devonian Fossils
Earth Encounters: Fossils from the Devonian Seas
Fossil records reveal that coral reefs once covered a large part of the northern lower peninsula of Michigan. We will investigate the formations that contain these fossils, the fossilized organisms they contain, and evidence of their existence in Ottawa County. This program is free! "Registration is appreciated."
* *Feb 7 • 3-4:30 PM • Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]*
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Winter tracks in snow
Nature Saturday: Winter Wildlife Tracks
Winter snow leaves a canvas for active wildlife to write their story on. Join for a search of the park for signs of winter wildlife: scat, tracks and more! This program is free. "Registration is appreciated."
* *Feb 14, 10 AM-12 PM - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]*
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Mushrooms
Mushrooms of Michigan - Two Sessions!
Join Tabitha RN, a certified Wild Mushroom Forager, to learn what native mushrooms we have in Michigan, why they are important, how to use them, and how to forage ethically. "Registration is required."
* *Feb 19, 6:30-8:30 PM - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]*
* *Feb 21, 1-3 PM - Hemlock Crossing [ [link removed] ]*
*View our Full Event Calendar* [ [link removed] ]
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Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission | 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, Michigan 49460 | 616-738-4810
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Visit miottawa.org/parks [ [link removed] ] 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!*
*All programs & events are brought to you by the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners:*
Chairperson Josh Brugger | Vice-Chairperson Phil Kuyers | Jim Barry | Jacob Bonnema | Jordan Jorritsma | Allison Miedema | Joe Moss | Sylvia Rhodea | John Teeples | Kendra Wenzel | Doug Zylstra
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[email protected]>
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