The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board has recommended a total of $800,000 in funding for two Ottawa County Parks projects: $400,000 for improvements at Rosy Mound Natural Area and $400,000 for the Bass River Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail.
The Trust Fund Board’s recommendations will now advance to the Michigan Legislature for review as part of the state appropriations process. Upon approval, the Legislature will forward a bill to the Governor for signature.
A full list of the final recommendations made by the Trust Fund board is available at Michigan.gov/MNRTF.
Rosy Mound Natural Area Improvements
The recommended funding would support a major expansion and enhancement of visitor access at the Rosy Mound Natural Area expansion site per the approved 2024-2025 Master Plan. Proposed improvements include construction of a new 50-space day-use parking area near a new park entrance along Lakeshore Drive and 2.57 miles of new trails, expanding the total trail system from 1.87 miles to 4.44 miles. Additional project elements include, .85 miles of universally accessible paved trails, two new beach connections, two scenic overlooks, an extensive stair and boardwalk system, a vault toilet, and more.
If approved, Ottawa County Parks will proceed with selecting a consultant to complete the required design and engineering work, with the goal of completing the first phase by fall 2027.
For more on the 2025 MNRTF recommendations, see this MDNR press release.
Bass River Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail
The MNRTF recommendation would also fund Phase II of the Bass River Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail. This phase includes construction of a 0.7-mile, 10-foot-wide, paved pedestrian and bicycle trail from the Max Bayou boat launch area to the Bass River Open Space – Walcott Site, a bridge over the Bass River, accessible fishing stations, a 0.5-mile natural-surface trail loop, and more.
“This segment is phase two of the 7.4-mile Bass River corridor, which will be built over several phases and has the potential to be one of the most scenic sections of the Idema Explorers Trail,” said Jason Shamblin, Parks Director. “It will connect five parks, feature extensive waterfront views, cross the Bass River, and be almost entirely separated from roadways.”
Phase I, a 3-mile segment from Riverside Park to the Max Bayou boat launch area, is scheduled to go out for bid in January, with construction anticipated to be complete by fall 2027.
For more on the 2025 MNRTF recommendations, see this MDNR press release.
Map of full Bass River Segment
About the Idema Explorers Trail
The Idema Explorers Trail is a key feature of the Grand River Greenway, which encompasses more than 9,000 acres of public land between Grand Haven and Grand Rapids. Preservation of this land provides scenic natural spaces and high-quality habitat for wildlife while supporting a wide range of recreational opportunities. Currently, 20 miles of the 36.5-mile trail that will connect Grand Haven to the Kent County border have been constructed, with two additional projects slated for 2026.
While the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission works to complete the Idema Explorers Trail in Ottawa County, several partner agencies in Kent County are working to establish a route from Kent County border to Lowell. Once completed, this would create a larger 85-mile Greenway route from Grand Haven to Lowell, with abundant recreational and cultural destinations along the way. Learn more at grandriver.network.