In 1989, Ottawa County Parks identified a nearly 300-acre property along Lake Michigan south of Grand Haven as a top conservation priority. The first 164 acres were protected in 1994, establishing Rosy Mound Natural Area. An adjacent 127 acres were used as a sand mining operation for decades until 2024, when the mining was completed and the site was restored after being sold to Ottawa County Parks.
Rosy Mound now covers 291 acres, encompassing over 3,400 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. Improvements to the area will be guided by the 2024 Rosy Mound Master Plan and include nearly 4 miles of new trails with stairways and decks, modern restrooms, and a 50-space parking lot. Construction of these improvements would impact less than 8% of the total property acquired, preserving 92% of natural and restored habitat.
The public is invited to a dedication ceremony on October 8th at 5:30 pm with parking available at Rosy Mound Elementary School.
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