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 asked, “Why the parks?”
Brian said it must have started with his parents always taking (and sending) his brother, sister, and him outside to parks of all kinds… local, state, and national. He grew up across from a very nice Downers Grove, Illinois park with a creek running through it that provided plenty of opportunities to get muddy in nature. In the winter, the creek was dammed and flooded making a beautiful skating rink with sledding and other snow play all around. He believes being outdoors in God’s beautiful creation in the sunshine and fresh air is one of the most healthful things one can do.
This upbringing and involvement in a great variety of sports led him to racing in triathlons and all sorts of multi-sport events including road and mountain biking, trail running, cross-country and downhill skiing, ice skating, kayaking, snowshoeing, and more.
To do well in these races (he’s won more than 130 of them overall) it’s important to train for them and this brings him outdoors daily into the fresh air and sunshine. And yes, he says, the sun is still shining even on a cloudy day. One of his favorite quotes comes from the Norwegians saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” So, dress right and get out there. The beauty of Ottawa County Parks is hard to beat and they provide great places to exercise and play.
When asked, “What’s your favorite park?”
He said that’s too hard a question since they’re all so outstanding, however, he narrowed it down to three favorites: Riley Trails since all those great trails are practically in his backyard on the north side of Holland; Pigeon Creek with all the beautiful, groomed trails for skate and classical cross-country skiing as well as snowshoeing (he loves teaching ski lessons there); Upper Macatawa Natural Area with the great mountain bike trails that he has the honor of designing, building, and maintaining with friends and volunteers.
When asked, “Why the Foundation Board? Why were you a part of the formation of the Foundation?”
He had worked extensively on parks and trails with the original parks director, John Scholtz. When John asked him to consider joining this board and what the cause would be, it was an easy decision. For nearly seven years, playing a role in founding an organization that supports the growth, enhancement, and nature education of the parks he loves has been incredibly rewarding.
When asked, “Anything memorable from your time on the Foundation Board?’
He said, not a particular moment, but just generally being with and working with the people from the board and the public who also have a strong love for our parks and nature. The times spent with the board and public in this position were often in some of the most beautiful places in the county and state.
When asked, “How do you plan to stay involved with the County Parks and Foundation?”
There are a few things that have and/or will keep him connected: Directing a snowshoe and cross-country ski Biathlon at Pigeon Creek Park (January 21, 2023); teaching cross-country ski lessons for the County at Pigeon Creek; becoming more involved with the Michigan Edge Mountain Biking Association (MEMBA) and their work together with Ottawa County Parks on trails throughout the county. He plans to continue supporting the Foundation and Ottawa County Parks and Recreation in working on the long-planned Macatawa Greenway in the Holland/Zeeland area. He considers the parks of Ottawa County a lifetime cause worth continuing to devote himself to.