Thanks to a nearly three and a half million-dollar gift from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, the Idema Explorers Camp is currently being built at Ottawa Sands Park in Ferrysburg. Riley Dorman with Ottawa County Parks explains some of the new amenities the public can look forward to.
“That consists of ten campsites, five yurts and three treehouses, all of which are expected to be available for rent in late 2024 for overnight stays.”
The treehouses and yurts, which are permanent, circular structures assembled much like a tent, will be available year-round.
“We’ll have a paved, non-motorized pathway providing access to the camp. There will be a universally accessible kayak launch.”
Dorman says this was all part of the Ottawa Sands Master Plan, which began with the acquisition of the 345-acre park in 2019, ensuring people of all ages and abilities would be able to enjoy it.
“Part of that is making it more accessible and also improving the ecological features of the park.”
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation has been working with Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan DNR on these improvements. The public will be able to make reservations online once the project is complete. Updates will be posted to the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
