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





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Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Monthly Newsletter Banner




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Park News Banner
Thank You Ottawa County!

We are happy to announce that the Ottawa County Parks and Open Space Millage Renewal and Restoration passed on August 4 with *66.7% *support. Thank you to everyone who voted! We are excited to bring you another decade of excellent parks and open space lands.

Looking ahead, Ottawa County voters will consider a 0.2-mill increase on November 3, 2026 to help meet growing demand, rising costs, and priorities identified by residents for trail connections, natural resource protection, improved access, and year-round recreation.

*Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Applications Now Open for Special Hunting Permit Lotteries

Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers hunting opportunities on more than 4,500 acres across selected park properties. Hunting at six of these properties requires a special permit, available through an annual lottery. Applications will be accepted through *August 31, 2026. *

*Learn More and Apply Online* [ [link removed] ]

Deer
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Ottawa Conservation District Logo

Pre-Orders for Garden Kits and Beach Grass Now Open

Pre-orders are now open for the Ottawa Conservation District's Fall Native Plant Sale! Reserve your garden kits and beach grass by *noon on August 28*.

Mark your calendars for the browse-and-buy sale on Saturday, September 26 from 9 am-12 pm. 

*Pre-Order and Learn More* [ [link removed] ]


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Musketawa Trail Partially Reopens

The trail from the Marne Trailhead west to Squires Rd. has reopened, providing approximately 9.5 miles of continuous trail access. The Conklin Trailhead and eastern portion from Squires Rd. to the Ravenna Trailhead will remain closed, with reopening expected in early September pending bridge work and final construction.

Thank you for your patience, and to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for its continued investment in the Musketawa Trail!

Musketawa Trail
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Upcoming Events Banner
Pedal the Pigeon

Pedal the Pigeon

August 15 • 9-11 am • Pigeon Creek Park

Pedal the Pigeon is more than a mountain bike race. It's a celebration of kids doing hard things, cheering for friends, and discovering what they're capable of on two wheels. Join Velo Kids at Pigeon Creek for a morning of dirt, determination, cowbells, and fun for the whole family.

Online registration closes TODAY (8/12) at noon. 

*Register Now* [ [link removed] ]


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ODC Network Logo

Macatawa Water Festival Rescheduled

The Macatawa Water Festival has been rescheduled for September 26, right back at Kollen Park. We hope to see you there! 

*Event Details* [ [link removed] ]


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

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*Butterfly Walk (FREE)*

*August 15, 1-2:30 PM at Grand Ravines
"Click here to register! [ [link removed] ]"*

 

*Homegrown Habitats: Native Landscaping Basics (FREE)*

*August 19, 6-8 PM at Hemlock Crossing
**"Click here to register! [ [link removed] ]"*

 

*Dune Discovery Hike (FREE)*

*August 20, 6-7:30 PM at Rosy Mound Natural Area
"Click here to register! [ [link removed] ]"*

 

*Archery for Kids!*

*August 22, 12-1:30 PM at Eastmanville Farm
"Click here to register! [ [link removed] ]"*

 

*Awareness, Art, & Action: Mighty Oaks!*

*August 22, 1-3 PM at Hemlock Crossing
"Click here to register! [ [link removed] ]"*

 

*Wildflower Walk (FREE)*

*August 27, 6-7:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing
"Click here to register! [ [link removed] ]"*

 

*The Tale of the Petoskey Stone*

*August 29, 3-4:30 PM at Hemlock Crossing
"Click here to register! [ [link removed] ]"*

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*Event Calendar & Online Registration* [ [link removed] ]


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Parks logo

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 explore more than 7,700 acres of parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces available for your enjoyment. Operations, improvements, and programs are funded through grants, private donations [ [link removed] ], and the voter-approved parks millage. Learn more about the August 4, 2026 Parks and Open Space Millage proposal at miOttawa.org/parks-millage [ [link removed] ]

*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

Questions? Contact Us <[email protected]>

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