Parks staff tout 2 million annual visitors as commissioners prepare millage hearing

Parks and Recreation leaders reviewed 2025 accomplishments and the parks commission's request to place a parks and open-space millage on the ballot. Jason Chamblin highlighted acquisitions, trail progress and volunteer contributions, saying, "We are deeply grateful for the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, whose support helped expand health and wellness initiatives." The presentation noted more than 2,000,000 visitors in 2025 and new land protections at Rosy Brown and The Bend.

Multiple residents used public comment to press the board to let voters decide on a parks millage. Tim Stoker urged the board to "allow the voters to make this decision," arguing delay will increase land and construction costs. Don Williams and others described personal experiences in county parks and urged support.

The board adopted a resolution to hold a public hearing on April 30, 2026, to receive input on a proposed parks millage to replace or increase current funding to a combined 0.53 mills; the resolution was amended to note the board could consider placement on the August 4 or November 3, 2026 ballots. Commissioners discussed whether the ballot question should present a single levied amount or multiple options, and staff offered to hold additional briefings with the parks commission before the hearing.

The parks presentation and the scheduled public hearing set the stage for public feedback and for the board to refine a final ballot proposal at its meeting after the hearing.