The Macatawa Greenway continues to expand, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy the natural landscape.
At Hawthorn Park (formerly Hawthorn Pond Natural Area), a property jointly owned by Holland Charter Township and Ottawa County Parks, partners completed several improvements, including a modern restroom, expanded parking, improved security, and the new Middle Macatawa Connector.
The 2.1-mile natural surface trail links Hawthorn Park and Upper Macatawa Natural Area. Featuring boardwalks and a new bridge crossing the Macatawa River, the connector creates a continuous route for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers.
A dedication event was held on June 23 at Hawthorn Park to celebrate the completion of these improvements and the new trail connection.
The new connection represents years of collaboration among Macatawa River Greenway partners, who worked together to protect key properties needed to establish a continuous trail corridor, complete wetland and floodplain restorations, and assemble the funding needed. Land within the corridor is owned by Holland Charter Township, ODC Network, and Ottawa County Parks. These agencies also contributed funding and resources to complete the project. Additional funding was leveraged from Zeeland Charter Township, Ottawa County, and the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.
“The Macatawa Greenway is an excellent example of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships,” said Parks Director Jason Shamblin. “These projects improve access to the outdoors while helping protect the natural resources that make this corridor so special.”
Middle Macatawa Connector Trail Map
Upper Macatawa Natural Area Improvements
Construction is underway on a new year-round, modern restroom facility at the 84th Avenue access site in the Upper Macatawa Natural Area. The facility will include showers and a water collection system, providing enhanced amenities for visitors once construction is complete.
The project is supported by a $347,500 grant, with design work and necessary floodplain permitting completed prior to construction. Final plans and specifications have been developed, and construction is now in progress.
Upper Macatawa Natural Restroom Groundbreaking
A Growing Greenway Network
The Macatawa River Greenway stretches from Lake Michigan through the Holland and Zeeland area along the Lake Macatawa and Macatawa River corridor. Through the collaborative efforts of state, county, municipal, and nonprofit partners, more than 1,500 acres of public land have been protected and connected, creating new opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and nature exploration while restoring sensitive habitats and improving flood storage and water quality.
“The Macatawa River Greenway is creating a legacy that will benefit our community for generations,” said Dan Callam of ODC Network. “It’s preserving the landscapes that make this region unique while ensuring future generations have the opportunity to explore, learn, and build lasting connections with nature.”
The shared vision for the greenway is to protect, restore, and enhance sensitive natural lands while improving opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation. The completion of the Middle Macatawa Connector and improvements at Hawthorn Park mark another important step toward achieving that vision.