Pop into Kirk Park
June 27 from 4-6 pm at Kirk Park
Open House Style Event
Join us on June 27 from 4-6 pm for an open house style event to celebrate the completed renovations at Kirk Park (keep reading to learn more). Pop into Kirk Park to check out the new playground, go on a scavenger hunt, and enjoy a popsicle. Motor vehicle permits will be waived from 3-7 pm during the event!
Kirk Park Upgrades
The current playground at Kirk Park will be replaced with this newly designed playground and relocated.
Significant upgrades are coming to Kirk Park thanks to a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant; the upgrades are projected to be finished by early summer 2024.
The project involves:
- Renovating the existing restroom to ensure full accessibility, adding new changing rooms, and installing a new roof
- Relocating and replacing a playground.
- Adding signage to establish Kirk Park as a trailhead for the Lakeshore Drive Pathway, US Bike Route 35, and the Lake Michigan Water Trail.
Kirk Park Dog Beach
May 1 – September 30: Dogs are allowed off-leash during all hours of park operation on the south beach area. Photo by Jessica McMahan.
We have exciting news for all dog lovers! The south beach area of Kirk Park will be welcoming back our furry friends to roam off-leash at the dog beach during park hours. Due to high water levels and erosion in 2020, access to the dog beach at Kirk Park was limited after the steps and parts of the dune ridge trail were damaged. In late 2023, the south stairs were reconstructed, and access has been restored at the southern entry point. Please note dogs will no longer be allowed on the north end of the beach May 1 – September 30.
Dog Policy
- May 1 – September 30: Dogs are allowed off-leash on the south beach area. Dogs are not allowed on the north end of the beach. Dogs must remain leashed on-trail.
- October 1 – April 30: Dogs are allowed off-leash on the north and south beach area.
- If dogs are not at the dog beach, they are required to be leashed (10′ max) and under control at all times. This includes walking to and from the beach.
- Dogs are not permitted in park buildings, restrooms, picnic shelters, playground areas, off-trail, or as posted.
- Owners must clean up after their pet and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle.
- Service dogs for persons with disabilities are permitted in all areas at any time.
- Recognizing that most dogs enjoy running and playing freely, many Ottawa County Open Space Lands allow dogs year-round off leash.