From sand mine to county park: Ottawa Sands reopens with new amenities

What was once a sprawling sand mine along the shores of Lake Michigan has been transformed into an accessible park where visitors can explore nature, paddle the waters, and enjoy stunning views of restored dunes and wetlands. 

Ottawa Sands County Park, a 345-acre site at the junction of the Grand River and Lake Michigan Coastal Greenways will celebrate its grand reopening on Oct. 17.
The event will kick off at 4 p.m., with remarks and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m., rain or shine. Afterward, guests can explore on a self-guided park tour, get a sneak peek of the future Idema Explorers Camp, and paddle in the serene bay known as “the Sag.”

“We are excited to welcome visitors back to Ottawa Sands and celebrate the completion of significant ecological restoration, access improvements, and new park amenities,” says Rylie Dorman, Communications Specialist with the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation. “The enhancements at Ottawa Sands showcase the power of collaboration and the harmonious balance between nature and community.”
 
The transformation of Ottawa Sands is part of a broader effort to connect public green spaces and restore natural habitats. The park, acquired by the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Department in 2019, links the Lake Michigan Coastal Greenway and the Grand River Greenway, completing a 2,479-acre corridor of protected natural land.

New features include ADA-compliant parking, modern restroom facilities, a paved 1.6-mile “Lake Loop” trail with accessible benches, and a universally accessible kayak launch along the Grand River. 

Public, private support

The enhancements align with the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission’s strategic plan to create expansive, biodiverse natural spaces for the public.

In partnership with Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Ottawa County Parks completed several ecological enhancements, including turning a former mining lagoon into an interdunal wetland and planting native vegetation to stabilize the park’s newly constructed dunes. Invasive species were removed, and woody habitat structures were placed around the lake to encourage wildlife.

Funding for the project came from a combination of public and private sources. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund provided over $8 million for land acquisition, while the Bill & Bea Idema Foundation contributed $2.5 million toward access improvements. 

Other contributions helped fund elements such as the park’s lake loop and restroom facilities.

Four benches along the Lake Loop are available for sponsorship through the Ottawa County Parks Foundation for those looking to leave a personal mark on the park. These benches offer a place for visitors to rest and enjoy the serene surroundings, making them an ideal tribute to loved ones or special memories.

For more details, visit news.miottawa.org/ottawasands.