Acquisition of the 127-acre property adjacent to the current Rosy Mound Natural Area, a former sand mining site, was finalized on December 20th, completing a vision that has been in place since 1989 and nearly doubling the size of the park, creating a 291-acre recreation area.
The acquisition was funded by over $3 million in grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, as well as a significant donation of value from the former landowner, funding from the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and the county millage.
With the acquisition complete, the county can move forward with its 2024 Master Plan to integrate a new expansion area focusing on ecological enhancements and improved visitor access. The preliminary plan calls for improvements on only 2.5% of the expansion area, ensuring that 97.5% of the land remains in its natural state or only receives ecological enhancements.
New features include paved parking, picnic areas, and an expanded trail system.
