Residents voted in August of 2026 to renew the existing .33-mill property tax rate for Ottawa County Parks. However, since they first passed the millage at that rate 30 years ago, the parks system has acquired more property, and the number of visitors has increased due to population growth. That .33 mill is now mainly used to cover daily operations, maintenance, and repairs, with little left over for improvements or expansion.

Ottawa County residents love their parks, and as the population and use continues to grow, the park system will need to grow with them to serve its residents well. That’s why the Parks Department is asking voters on November 3, 2026, to approve an additional .20 mills to be added to their property taxes. These funds will allow investments such as:

• Improved winter trail grooming, updated accessible bathrooms at several parks, an expanded dog park, and new nature-scape playgrounds 
• Enhanced trail access in the major greenways and enhanced facilities for nature education and school trips
• $3 million for land acquisitions adjacent to existing parks and the planning and personnel to conserve, restore and care for them
• Initiatives to protect park property from emerging threats like floods, fires, and invasive species

These are just some of the ways suggested by residents and staff to ensure that the parks system continues to serve the needs of county residents and visitors in the future. Investing in the park system helps Ottawa County maintain its reputation as a great place to live and work, while also providing the wonderful benefit of having these natural spaces nearby for all of us to enjoy. 

The cost for a median residence (a $400,000 home with a taxable value of $200,000) is about $40 a year—about what you’d spend on four Big Mac combos. Not a bad deal for a wonderful resource that you and your family will enjoy over and over again!

You can find out more and ask questions at the informational meeting to be held at Hemlock Crossing on Thursday, October 1, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (details here). You can also visit the millage website.

Make your plans now to vote—early if you can—in person or by mail, and vote YES on the Parks and Open Space Millage Increase proposal. Voting information is available at the county clerk’s website.