News

In 2026, the Ottawa County Parks Foundation proudly celebrates 10 years of Bridging Community to Nature. Throughout the year, we’re sharing special reflections from members of the Foundation’s founding Board of Directors. This month, we’re featuring Cathy Feyt, who served on the Foundation Board from its founding through 2023. During her tenure, Cathy served as…

The Ottawa County Parks Foundation would like to thank Brian Stauffer for his service to the Foundation as a founding Board member and former Vice President of the Board. Brian’s service on the Board ended December 31, 2021. Brian was interviewed about his time with the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and here are his responses: When…

For Amber and her family, the Ottawa County Parks Scavenger Hunt became more than a game it was an opportunity to spend time outdoors together and explore local parks. After receiving the monthly clue email, Amber debated whether to head out and search for the hidden token. “A good high school friend was married at…

Congratulations on the Parks Foundation’s 10 years of collaboration, planning, and success!  Let’s all increase our efforts to engage with our neighbors to enlist support for each succeeding initiative.  Our Parks Foundation can continue to provide that extra assistance for next steps in creating and maintaining quality parks.  Parks for all! – Alice Hoban I had been a volunteer with the parks and an officer of the…

In 2026, the Ottawa County Parks Foundation proudly celebrates 10 years of Bridging Community to Nature. All year long, we will share special reflections from members of the Foundation’s founding Board of Directors. This month we are featuring Tom Werkman. Tom served as the Foundation’s Board President from 2016 to 2019. What motivated me to…

Growing up in Michigan, Marcia developed a lifelong connection to the outdoors spending her childhood exploring wooded areas, climbing trees, hunting for morels, stream fishing, and camping throughout northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula with her family. Alongside her love of nature, she also discovered an early passion for drawing and creative expression. This connection…

In 2026, the Ottawa County Parks Foundation proudly celebrates 10 years of Bridging Community to Nature. All year long, we will share special reflections from members of the Foundation’s founding Board of Directors. What motivated you to start the Foundation?  The Foundation was the vision of John Scholz the Director of Ottawa County Parks. He created the Foundation and…

In 2026, the Ottawa County Parks Foundation proudly celebrates 10 years of Bridging Community to Nature. All year long, we will share special reflections from members of the Foundation’s founding Board of Directors. Did this experience change you or your perspective?  I have learned a great deal through my involvement with the Ottawa County Parks Foundation.  I am…

The Ottawa County Parks Foundation is pleased to welcome Martin Harris to its Board of Directors. With a strong professional background, a long-standing commitment to community service, and a deep appreciation for outdoor recreation, Martin brings valuable perspectives to the Foundation’s ongoing work in support of Ottawa County Parks. Martin is a Product Development Engineer…

January 2026 Newsletter DONATE New Year, New Ottawa County Parks Foundation Board of Directors The Ottawa County Parks Foundation is pleased to welcome Scott Blinkhorn as a new member of its Board of Directors. Scott brings valuable experience and a shared passion for supporting parks and outdoor spaces across Ottawa County. In addition, the Foundation has elected…

The Ottawa County Parks Foundation is pleased to welcome Scott Blinkhorn to its Board of Directors. Scott Blinkhorn brings more than four decades of professional experience in health care and higher education to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation Board. Over the course of his career, Scott worked with four health agencies serving West Michigan, followed…

For many, the idea of visiting every park in a county might seem daunting. But for Betsy, it became an opportunity to combine exercise, exploration, and a deep connection with the natural beauty of Ottawa County. Starting in 2015, Betsy made a bold move to ditch traditional biking for triking, and what started as a…

November 2025 Newsletter DONATE Connecting with Ottawa County Parks This year’s newsletter series focuses on the dedicated Parks staff who work tirelessly to maintain, manage, and enrich these treasured spaces. The Ottawa County Parks staff is made up of a diverse group of professionals, each bringing unique skills and backgrounds to their roles. From park…

October 2025 Newsletter DONATE Foundation Board Members: Bobbi Jones Sabine and Jessica Gregory We extend our deepest gratitude to Bobbi Jones Sabine and Jessica Gregory for their outstanding dedication and service to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. Bobbi joined the Board of Directors in 2016, during the early days when we were still pursuing our 501(c)(3) status. Over the…

September 2025 Newsletter DONATE Meet Katie Clifford Wright, The New Coordinator of Fund Development and Major Gifts  We are excited to welcome Katie Clifford Wright to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation team! Katie grew up in Grand Rapids and spent her summers exploring the same places that are now part of Ottawa County Parks. A…

August 2025 Newsletter DONATE Connecting with Ottawa County Parks This year’s newsletter series focuses on the dedicated Parks staff who work tirelessly to maintain, manage, and enrich these treasured spaces. The Ottawa County Parks staff is made up of a diverse group of professionals, each bringing unique skills and backgrounds to their roles. From park…

July 2025 Newsletter DONATE Connecting with Ottawa County Parks: Natural Research Management (cont.) This year’s newsletter series will focus on the dedicated Parks staff who work tirelessly to maintain, manage, and enrich these treasured spaces. The Ottawa County Parks staff is made up of a diverse group of professionals, each bringing unique skills and backgrounds…

June 2025 Newsletter DONATE Connecting with Ottawa County Parks: Natural Research Management This year’s newsletter series will focus on the dedicated Parks staff who work tirelessly to maintain, manage, and enrich these treasured spaces. The Ottawa County Parks staff is made up of a diverse group of professionals, each bringing unique skills and backgrounds to…