Ready to hit the pool? Here's where to go in Ottawa County
With the winter weather slowly fading away and dreams of long summer nights on the beach or in the sun begin to shape our imaginations, many parents are making plans for fun.
OTTAWA COUNTY — With the winter weather slowly fading away and dreams of long summer nights on the beach or in the sun begin to shape our imaginations, many parents are making plans for fun.
With these pool and splash pad options and some of the best freshwater beaches in the world, residents of Ottawa County have numerous excuses to get the swimsuits out and enjoy a day in the sun.
Here’s a list of where to go:
Indoor and year-round
You don’t have to wait for summer weather to make it poolside. The Holland Aquatic Center is open year-round and offers day passes that cost $7.50 for residents within the Holland Public Schools District and $14 for non-residents (military and senior discounts are available).
The center offers a lazy river, splash zone, lap pool and more. More information can be found at hollandaquatic.org.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools also operates the Community Aquatic Center, an indoor pool for community use. Located at Grand Haven High School, the pool offers four types of memberships: student, adult, senior and family. More information on the costs of each membership can be found at ghaps.org/community/community-aquatic-center/membershipdaily-fees.
The Spring Lake Fitness and Aquatic Center includes a family fun pool, a lap and competition pool, as well as other amenities such as child watch services, a weight room, a cardio room, an indoor track, a hot tub and a steam room. The center is membership-based and details can be found at slfac.com/membershipoptions.
Zeeland Recreation offers several open swim options at the Zeeland Natatorium. For more information, visit zps.org/z-recreation/aquatics/open-swim.
Outdoor and seasonal
Holland Parks and Recreation operates Bouws Pool at 365 Fairbanks Ave. The seasonal pool opens June 11 and closes Aug. 20 with open swim times 1-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. daily. More information can be found at cityofholland.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Bouws-Pool-5.
Grand Haven offers a free splash pad at 1 N. Harbor Drive near Lake Michigan. More information about this free feature may be found at visitgrandhaven.com/listings/grand-haven-splash-pad.
Allendale also offers a splash pad at Allendale Community Park, 10994 68th Ave. The splash pad is situated near multiple picnic shelters, playground equipment and paved walking paths, making it suitable for family outings or community events. Restrooms and ample parking are available. More can be found at allendalemi.gov/community-park.
Other splash pads can be found across the county, including:
- Terra Square, downtown Hudsonville
- Maplewood Park, 8049 12th Ave., Jenison
- Rosewood Park, 1899 Rosewood St., Jenison
County beaches
More of a beach bum? Ottawa County Parks and Recreation has seven lakeshore parks with beach access:
- Kirk Park: 9791 Lakeshore Drive N., West Olive
- Kouw Park: 5591 Lakeshore Ave., Holland
- North Beach Park: 18775 N. Shore Drive, Spring Lake
- Olive Shores: 8555 Olive Shore Ave., West Olive
- Riverside Park (boat launch only): 10317 North Cedar Drive, Grand Haven
- Rosy Mound Natural Area: 13925 Lakeshore Ave., Grand Haven
- Tunnel Park: 66 Lakeshore Drive North, Holland
- Windsnest Park: 7905 Margaret Ave., West Olive
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