You’re Invited! Rosy Mound Expansion Dedication
October 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Join us to dedicate the recently acquired 127-acre property next to Rosy Mound Natural Area, nearly doubling the park’s size to 291 acres and fulfilling a vision that started in 1989. We will also recognize the invaluable contributions of long-time supporter Alice Hoban by dedicating a future trail in her honor.
Please RSVP by October 3: bit.ly/rm-dedication
Event Parking Information:
Please park at the current Rosy Mound day-use parking lot or at the Rosy Mound Elementary School parking lot (designated special event parking only). Carpooling is highly encouraged.
 The Ottawa County Parks Foundation Annual Meeting will take place just prior to the dedication at 5:00 PM. Please complete the form on the following webpage to RSVP by October 1: ottawacountyparksfoundation.org/annual-meeting |
Updated January 2, 2025
A significant milestone has been reached with the acquisition of the Rosy Mound Expansion property, finalized on December 20, 2024. This 127-acre acquisition nearly doubles the size of Rosy Mound Natural Area to 291 acres, completing a vision that has been in place since 1989. This acquisition was funded with $3.29 million in grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF), a significant donation of value by the landowner, funding from the Ottawa County Parks Foundation (OCPF), and the Ottawa County Parks millage. This expansion is a critical step in achieving our vision of creating a connected system of natural communities for public enjoyment.Â
“This acquisition represents our commitment to providing high quality natural resources and recreational opportunities to residents and visitors of Ottawa County while ensuring that this beautiful coastal dune ecosystem thrives for generations to come. This would not be possible without the MNRTF, the generosity of the landowner, donors to the OCPF, and the residents of Ottawa County.” – OCPRC Director, Jason Shamblin
The upcoming 2024 Master Plan update for Rosy Mound will integrate this new expansion area, focusing on ecological enhancements and improved visitor access. The preliminary plan calls for recreational improvements on only 2.5% of the expansion area, ensuring that 97.5% of the land remains in its natural state or receives ecological enhancements. Proposed features include paved parking, picnic spots, and an expanded trail system. Â
Rosy Mound Natural Area Expansion – Overall Draft Concept Plan (Ottawa County Parks and Recreation & MCSA Group)
Preliminary Master Plan
December 13, 2024
Ottawa County Parks is nearing completion of the acquisition of an additional 127-acre property adjacent to the current Rosy Mound Natural Area with the intention of integrating the two properties and expanding the experiences provided at the existing park.
In November, the Board of Commissioners approved a purchase agreement, with the closing tentatively scheduled for December 2024. If the closing is completed as planned, the expanded area could then be opened by spring 2025. The property will be purchased with funding from two Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants, private donations to the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, and funding from the Parks Millage. Stay tuned for a celebration event in 2025.
Based on public input, a preliminary master plan for the Rosy Mound Natural Area Expansion is now available. The plan was presented at the December Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission (OCPRC) meeting. Public comments can be submitted to ocparks@miottawa.org with the subject line ‘OCPRC Meeting Public Comment’ until Friday, January 3, 2025.
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