Jun 29 2008
Holland State Park, Nearby Parkland in the News
Greg Chandler of the Grand Rapids Press has a good review of a dune restoration and trail project in and around Holland State Park. Excerpts and link:
PARK TOWNSHIP — Construction is under way on an Ottawa County parks project to stabilize the Mount Pisgah dune overlooking Lake Michigan and Holland State Park.
The project, which will include construction of a trail, boardwalks, stairs and overlook decks by Rockford Construction Co., has an expected Oct. 1 completion, said John Scholtz, director of the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission.
While area residents and visitors have walked on the 157-foot-high dune for many years, the Mount Pisgah project aims to preserve their views of Lake Michigan, Holland State Park and Lake Macatawa while putting a stop to dune erosion from thousands of people walking on it, said Curt Ter Haar, coordinator of park planning and development for the county.
Mount Pisgah is part of the Park 12 properties, an area of about 60 acres of separate parcels near the state park.
The land’s ownership was disputed for decades, until a 2006 agreement between Ottawa County and a group of cottage owners confirmed the county’s ownership.
The project includes construction of a pathway on state park property, from Ottawa Beach Road to the base of the boardwalk. About 490 feet will be paved and an additional 375 feet will consist of stone and gravel, parks planner Jonathan Nagel said.
In addition, the project will include about 850 feet of boardwalks and stairs that will get visitors off the dune surface while preserving views, Nagel said.