4 parks to explore in Allegan County

The Allegan County Parks Department is developing its 2025-2029 Recreation Plan as required by the State DNR to be eligible for state grants. They are seeking public input to help develop the goals, objectives, and projects for the next five years for the Allegan County Parks system with an online survey and a public input session at the Parks Advisory Board meeting at 8:30 a.m. April 2 at the Allegan County Services Building at 3283 122nd Ave., Allegan.

Anyone who has an interest in helping to plan the future of the Allegan County parks and recreation system is encouraged to attend.

Many Allegan County parks are perfect for day trips to relax and socialize, grill, and picnic. Kids will enjoy the parks’ play areas, trails, volleyball and basketball courts, fishing and beaches. Whether you’re eager to get out there now or wait for the spring thaw, here are eight parks that offer the beauty of nature on full display, including many that are accessible to all abilities.

These four parks are part of the Allegan County Park System and they would love to hear your feedback  on them with the Recreation Plan Survey:

3540 113th Avenue, Allegan

Located on Littlejohn Lake, 3 miles southwest of the city of Allegan, Littlejohn Park is 113 acres, mostly consisting of wooded trails. There is also a developed area with dozens of picnic tables and grills along with a playground, a nature trail, and a large wooden pavilion with electricity. A swimming beach with an ADA accessible walkway is also part of the park. There are two restroom buildings, a basketball area, volleyball and horseshoe courts, and two fenced softball fields.

2. Bysterveld County Park 
4171 14th St., Wayland

Bysterveld Park is 70 acres of natural beauty, donated to the county by the late John and Josie Bysterveld. There are miles of trails for walking, running, or cross-country skiing; a picnic shelter; playground; catch-and-release fishing pond; a grass picnic and recreation area; restroom facility; and paved parking. All of the park amenities are ADA accessible. 

3160 Old Allegan Road, Fennville

The centerpiece of the historic New Richmond Bridge Park is a fully restored swing bridge that spans 400 feet across the Kalamazoo River. Originally built in 1879, the bridge was restored in 2004. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and connects park property on both the north and south sides of the river.

An active railroad bridge with 30 to 40 train crossings a day runs parallel to the swing bridge. 

The park also includes five fishing piers, a half mile of boardwalk trails that run along the river and through the surrounding wetland, a new restroom building, a small picnic area, and a revamped boat launch and parking area.

2152 Lakeshore Dr., Fennville

A stairway takes visitors to the beach and Lake Michigan at West Side Park. A gazebo overlooks the lake for the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset. The 11-acre park has 630 feet of beachfront. Picnic areas, two covered pavilions, two modern restroom buildings, a fenced playground, and open field recreation area add to the charm.