Grand Haven Schools to break ground on outdoor playscape at Duneside Discovery Center

GRAND HAVEN — Grand Haven Area Public Schools, in partnership with ODC Network, will host a groundbreaking for a new outdoor playscape at Duneside Discovery Center at Mary A. White at 4 p.m. Monday, May 4, at 1400 Wisconsin Ave., Grand Haven.

The project reflects the ongoing partnership between the two organizations following the launch of Duneside Discovery Center last year. ODC Network secured funding to bring the new playscape to life, along with significant naturalization and restoration of the 10-acre site, leveraging additional support from the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, Ottawa County ARPA funding, and Shape Corp. 

The new playscape will include climbing structures, nature-based play elements, open green space, trails, and outdoor learning areas that connect directly to indoor classrooms. Plans also include native landscaping, seating areas, and flexible spaces for gathering and instruction.

“Kids learn differently when they’re outside — they’re curious, active, and engaged,” said Travis Williams, CEO of ODC Network. “This space is designed to support that kind of learning every day.”

Since the start of the school year, a team of district leaders and Duneside staff has been meeting with the ODC design team to intentionally plan the playscape and how it will support student learning.

“Our planning team has worked closely with designers to create a space that reflects the needs of students and staff,” said Erica Kelly, GHAPS director of early learning services. “We’ve been intentional in designing this playscape so all students can access and enjoy it, with a focus on safety, joy, inclusion, and connection to the natural environment. It is designed to support learners of all abilities and create opportunities for every child to explore, engage, and feel a sense of belonging, guided by principles of universal design.”

The project will begin with site preparation and infrastructure work, followed by installation of playscape features and development of outdoor learning areas. Final landscaping and site work will prepare the space for use by students and the broader community. Completion of the playscape is expected in time for the start of the 2026-27 school year.

Duneside Discovery Center at Mary A. White will enter its second year of operation in fall 2026 and offers programs including the Preschool Development Program, Great Start Readiness Program, Early Childhood Special Education and Young Fives.

“Students are already engaged in daily outdoor learning experiences,” said Superintendent Kristin Perkowski. “On any given day, you can find students identifying animal tracks, discovering different types of trees, searching for insects, and observing birds as part of their learning. This playscape will build on that foundation by creating even more opportunities for exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning. We are grateful to ODC Network for their partnership and for the role they have played in helping bring this vision to life for our students.”

Perkowski added that the playscape will serve as a public space for the surrounding neighborhood and the broader Grand Haven community as well.

“This represents an important investment not only in our students, but in our community,” she said. “It will provide a place for children and families across Grand Haven to come together, explore, and enjoy outdoor play and learning.”

Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is now open. Families interested in learning more about Duneside Discovery Center or beginning the enrollment process can visit ghaps.org/duneside.

ODC is a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing outdoor education and conservation in West Michigan, according to its website. Learn more about GHAPS at ghaps.org.

— Submitted by Grand Haven Public Schools. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.