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 Board Secretary and chaired the Governance and Nominations Committee, helping shape the Foundation during its formative years.
Looking Back: The First Meeting
“As I recall, we met at the Weaver House, and it was a crowded, noisy, and joyful gathering designed to present the idea of a Foundation to a group of potential board members who had been invited based on their past support for the parks. The group represented a cross-section of county residents because geographic diversity was a priority. Someone, perhaps John Scholtz, gave an overview of how fundraising and foundations work to provide support for expenditures not covered by millage appropriations. There was discussion about what needed to be done and how to best accomplish that goal, lots of questions, and a bit of self-weeding as folks assessed their ability to make a commitment to the work.”
A Lasting Perspective
Reflecting on her years of service, Cathy shared:
“The opportunity to expand and enhance our amazing county parks was a fantastic learning experience and one I am very proud to have contributed to. As residents of Ottawa County, we are privileged to have one of the finest county park systems in the country. That didn’t just happen. It requires vision, resources, and physical effort on the part of staff, volunteers, and donors who are committed to ensuring public access to Ottawa County’s unique natural features.
While most park users, and maybe even Parks staff, don’t fully understand the role and impact of the Foundation’s efforts, I know the work to raise funds and grow the Foundation’s investments will pay off for years and generations to come. I learned how much volunteering matters and how it contributes to building quality communities.”
Looking Ahead
When asked about her hopes for Ottawa County Parks and the Foundation, Cathy offered a simple but meaningful vision:
“To nurture a vision of quality over growth and to steward the fabulous human and natural spaces that surround us.”
As we celebrate a decade of Bridging Community to Nature, we’re grateful to Cathy and our other founding board members whose vision, dedication, and volunteer leadership helped establish a Foundation that continues to create lasting opportunities for people to connect with nature.