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Ottawa County adopts 2026 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan with two millage options
Summary
The Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 Ottawa County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan after a presentation outlining two millage scenarios (0.33 renewal and 0.53 expansion), project lists and revenue estimates of about $63 million and $102 million respectively.
Jason Shamblyn, director of Ottawa County Parks and Recreation, presented the county's 2026 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan and asked the board to adopt the plan and authorize transmittal to make the county eligible for state and federal grants. Shamblyn said the plan is a comprehensive inventory and long-range needs assessment based on a resident survey and stakeholder engagement and noted, “So it's not a recommendation for the millage rate.”
The plan includes two millage scenarios: a 0.33-mill renewal focused on restoration and reinvestment and an optional 0.53-mill proposal to expand services and capacity. Shamblyn summarized the proposed outcomes for each scenario, saying the 0.33 option would produce about $63,000,000 in millage funds and the 0.53 scenario would produce roughly $102,000,000. He told commissioners the plan lists roughly 400 projects and includes estimates for major repairs, trail connections, conservation acquisitions and expanded programming.
Supporters in public comment urged approval. John Schultz, a former county parks director, told the board the plan is "very comprehensive and forward-looking" and urged adoption to preserve grant eligibility. Commissioners and staff discussed survey methodology, project prioritization and how the parks commission coordinates projects with the county capital improvements program.
After discussion the board moved to adopt the resolution approving the 2026 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan as submitted by the Parks and Recreation Commission. The resolution passed by roll-call vote.
The board also authorized Parks Director Jason Shamblyn to enter into a proposed land acquisition and settlement with Spring Lake Township, conditioned on corporate counsel and the county administrator's approval.
What happens next: the county will post the adopted plan and continue project-level planning; commissioners said staff will provide maps and project-level briefings to jurisdictions and will bring funding requests through the capital process as projects are prioritized.
