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Ottawa County Parks reports record visits, board schedules public hearing on 0.53‑mill proposal
Summary
Parks Director Jason Chamblin reported 2 million+ visitors in 2025 and highlighted new acres, trail progress and volunteer hours; the board set a public hearing for April 30 to consider a parks millage replacement/raise to a combined 0.53 mills.
Jason Chamblin, director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, told the commissioners that parks welcomed over 2,000,000 visitors in 2025, described recent land acquisitions and trail work, and outlined volunteer and education programs that officials say support a parks millage request.
"In 2025, the parks welcomed over 2,000,000 visitors for the 3rd year in a row," Chamblin said, and highlighted additions including 127 acres at Rosy Brown Natural Area and a 185‑acre expansion in the Bend area. He also noted progress on the Idema Explorers Trail and volunteer contributions totaling more than 12,000 hours.
Later in the meeting the board voted to schedule a public hearing on April 30, 2026 to receive input on a parks and open‑space millage replacement and possible increase to a combined 0.53 mills; the resolution was amended to clarify possible placement on the August 4 or November 3, 2026 ballots and to make clear the board retains authority over final levy decisions. Commissioners and members of the public used the comment period to express support for the parks millage and to urge that voters be allowed to decide funding levels.
The parks director and the parks commission presented the millage request as part of a multi‑year strategic plan; commissioners said the hearing will allow the public to weigh in on whether to renew, replace or change the proposed rate before the board acts.
