This spring, the Aquatic Habitat Grant program approved funds for a restoration project at Riverside Park. The two-phased project will improve aquatic habitat quality and fish passage along the Grand River by restoring the connection between Kirby Bayou and the river.

Phase 1

In the first phase of the project, a perched culvert that currently impedes fish passage will be replaced with a larger culvert that will be sunk and lined with natural material. A similar culvert will be installed on the east side of the park to re-connect the bayou. Frequent visitors to Riverside know that the road near this bayou is frequently closed due to flooding. These culverts will help!

Phase 2

Ottawa County Parks applied for a National Fish & Wildlife grant to cover the cost of the second phase of this project: stabilizing 500′ of riverbank using natural shoreline techniques. Stabilization of the river bank will reduce the sediment load into the river.

Funding for phase two has not been approved, but the use of grant funds and the county’s match to complete phase one should illustrate our commitment to the project.

Local Press

This project was featured on Fox 17 on June 17, 2018 in a piece produced by the Michigan Wildlife Council. Watch the video online!