Ottawa County voters renewed and restored the parks millage in August, 66.7 percent to 33.3 percent. On November 3 every voter in the county decides whether to add to it: up to 0.20 mill more for 2027 through 2036, about $3,763,000 in the first year. It is the first increase the parks have asked for in the 30 years the millage has existed, according to the county.
What the increase would pay for
The county's list starts with accessible, year-round restrooms at six parks: Riley Trails and Paw Paw near Holland, Rosy Mound near Grand Haven, Grand Ravines in Jenison, Eastmanville Farm in Polkton Township and the Bend Area. It continues with snow removal on designated trails, more trail and water access along four greenways, nature playscapes at two parks, a bigger Grand Ravines dog park, improved nature education facilities and gathering spaces, habitat restoration at Bend Area, invasive species, flood and wildfire work, and $3 million for buying land.
The August renewal, 0.33 mill, already covers day-to-day operations and maintenance, finishing the Idema Explorers Trail, land purchases at Bend Area and improvements to the Rosy Mound expansion, including parking, an accessible loop trail and trail connections. That money continues whatever happens in November. Since 2016 the millage has protected 1,150 acres, including Ottawa Sands, Stearns Creek Park and Bass River Open Spaces.
What it costs
The increase costs $20 a year for every $100,000 of taxable value. A home with a taxable value of $200,000 would pay $40 a year more, or about $3.33 a month, if the increase is approved and levied in full. With the renewal, the total parks levy would be 0.53 mill.
A mill is $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value. Use the taxable value printed on your property tax notice, which can be substantially lower than half your home's market value.
How it got to the ballot
The county parks commission asked for a single 0.53-mill question. Commissioners split it into a renewal in August and an increase in November, and on April 30 they voted 11-0 to place the renewal on the ballot and 7-4 to place the increase on it (board minutes). Commissioners Zylstra, Teeples, Jorritsma, Kuyers, Barry, Bonnema and Chair Josh Brugger voted yes; Miedema, Rhodea, Moss and Wenzel voted no. During an earlier discussion, Commissioner Sylvia Rhodea said she preferred 0.10 mill: "I'd be more comfortable with a 0.1 millage and then being careful that we're spreading our efforts out more across the county" (Ottawa News Network).
A committee called the 2026 Ottawa County Parks Millage Committee is campaigning for it at yes4ocparks.org. The millage passed with 53.5 percent in 1996, 67 percent in 2006 and 72.3 percent in 2016.
Park Township
Park Township voters also decide on the township's parks and recreation millage. Voters approved 0.6 mill, rollbacks have brought it to 0.572, and the question renews it and raises it to 0.7 mill for 2027 through 2030: $70 a year per $100,000 of taxable value, about $13 more than now, and about $1,007,000 in the first year (county proposal list).
Where to vote early
City of Holland residents, including those in the Allegan County part of the city, vote early only at Holland City Hall, 270 S. River Ave., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Holland voters who live in Allegan County will not have the Ottawa County parks proposal on their ballots. Holland and Park township residents go to the Holland Charter Township Community Center, 12343 James St., open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. except Monday, October 26, when it runs 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Zeeland city voters go to the Howard Miller Library, 14 S. Church St., and Zeeland Township voters to the township hall, 6582 Byron Rd. Early voting runs October 24 to November 1. Your sample ballot at Michigan.gov/Vote shows exactly what is on yours, and the full lakeshore voting guide has dates, sites and the statewide races.
