FERRYSBURG — Once a barren sand-mining site, Ottawa Sands County Park has blossomed into a nationally recognized beacon of conservation, earning a prestigious 2025 National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials Award for its environmental efforts. 

The honor celebrates the park's remarkable transformation from an industrial wasteland to an environmentally appealing county destination.

Stretching six miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Ottawa Sands was, for decades — from 1950s to the mid-2000s — a primary source of dune sand for industries, including automotive manufacturing. Its two-phase acquisition, finalized in 2019 by Ottawa County Parks and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, set the stage for a comprehensive $30 million master plan aimed at restoring the site's natural ecosystem and providing vital habitat for wildlife.

The Ottawa Sands Master Plan, adopted in February 2021 after extensive public input, balanced the site's inherent charm with ambitious regenerative efforts. 

The plan dedicated a significant 69 percent of the site to restoration and enhancement, with an additional 8 percent focused on ecological improvement. Key initiatives included the formation of new wetlands to boost biodiversity and the removal of a 30-acre RV park that was part of earlier proposals. 

These changes were critical for protecting a variety of at-risk species, including birds, butterflies, insects, fish and other wildlife, county officials have said.

Since the master plan's adoption, Ottawa County Parks has forged partnerships with organizations like Audubon Great Lakes, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and MDNR’s Fisheries Habitat Grant Program. 

Together, they have created six acres of wetlands, sculpted the shoreline to promote fish spawning and installed more than 200 wood structures to enhance the ecosystems for fish, turtles and amphibians. Significant work has also been done to remove invasive species, plant native flora and install educational signage throughout the park, informing visitors about ecological conservation.

Audubon Great Lakes recognizes the Grand River Coastal Corridor, which encompasses Ottawa Sands, as an Important Bird Area for migratory stopovers.

Rylie Dorman, communications specialist for the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission (OCPRC), emphasized the park's unique blend of ecological richness and public accessibility.

"Ottawa Sands emerged as a strategic site due to its unique ecological, geographical and recreational value," Dorman said. "As a newer addition to the park system, Ottawa Sands presented a timely opportunity to improve accessibility, enhance natural features and restore critical habitats."

Further enhancing the park's appeal, a generous $3.48 million philanthropic gift from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation enabled the construction of the Idema Explorers Camp at Ottawa Sands. This innovative project allows campers to stay overnight in treehouses, tents and yurts, offering direct access to local trails and the park's kayak launch pad.

OCPRC collaborated with Michigan director Scott Vanderberg to produce a documentary short, released in February, detailing the acquisition and restoration of Ottawa Sands. The film highlights the site's profound transformation and its vital role within West Michigan's ecosystem and community.

"What truly distinguishes Ottawa Sands is the combination of its extraordinary setting and the strength of public-private partnerships that have fueled its development," Dorman added.

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Bolstered by generosity, recognition

The park's acquisition involved significant contributions, including: 

• The previous land owner sold the property to OCPRC with a 25 percent donation of the $11.2 million appraised value, and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan purchased part of the property with funding from the Conservation Fund. 
• The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund also provided over $8 million for land acquisition. Since then, various grants and contributions from entities such as Coastal Zone Management, the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners and the Land and Water Conservation Fund have supported the master plan's completion.
• A 2025 Park Design accolade was received for Ottawa Sands from the Michigan Recreation and Park Association. This award recognized the park's impressive "Lake Loop" path, interdunal wetlands and modern restrooms as key components of its landscape and facilities.

Dorman said the county is grateful to all who have contributed to the park’s success.

"Ottawa Sands exemplifies this vision, not only serving as a beloved destination for outdoor recreation, but also as a living classroom that demonstrates the importance of sustainable land management and conservation partnerships,” he said. 

For more information, visit the park’s website at miottawa.org/park-locations/ottawa-sands. 

— Contact ONN reporter Hailey Hentz at hhentz@ottawanewsnetwork.org.