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Kent County Parks Department E-mail Newsletter
| September 2011 |
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PRINT AND USE COUPON:
$3 off Boat Rentals
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Greetings!
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Green Places is Going Green!
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This is the first edition the new e-mail version of Kent County Parks Department's Green Places newsletter. With this new format, we'll be able to send shorter, more frequent newsletters that will keep you better updated on news and opportunities around Kent County Parks. Also, distributing our newsletter by e-mail will result in significant cost savings, allowing us to channel more of our funds to maintaining and improving the parks and trails you enjoy.
If you are receiving this edition directly, it means you're already on our mailing list because of your past activities and interest in our parks and trails. If someone forwarded this to you and you'd like to start receiving future editions, then please follow this link to add yourself to our distribution list.
I hope you enjoy the new Green Places and I thank you for your past interest and support! Best regards, Roger Sabine Kent County Parks Director |
Millennium Park Boathouse
A Successful First Year
This year, we dedicated a popular new facility at Millennium Park, the DeVos Family Boathouse. Boat rentals began in May and the new boathouse has quickly become a popular attraction at the park. Brightly colored paddleboats offer a fun time on the water for families and kids, while kayaks, canoes and row boats allow for quiet exploration of the farther reaches of two of the Park's extensive lakes.
Rental fees are $8 per hour for canoes and two-person kayaks, $7 per hour for row boats, $6 per hour for singe-person kayaks, and $6 per half hour for paddleboats. Season pass holders get $3 off per boat. We also offer $2 off per boat with a paid beach admission. (Discounts can't be combined.)
Located south of the swimming beach, the boathouse is open for rentals from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day. After Labor Day, the boathouse will mainly be open on weekends, but hours will vary so it's a good idea to call us at (616) 336-PARK (7275) to be sure. We are extremely grateful to members of the younger generation of the DeVos Family. Their generous contributions allowed us to create this wonderful new opportunity at Millennium Park! Visit us online for more on the boathouse, including boating rules and photos of construction. |
Volunteer Services Update
Lots of New Projects Already This Year
It has been a busy spring and summer for our Kent County Parks volunteers! Individual volunteers, along with more than 30 community, corporate and school volunteer groups have contributed over 3000 hours of service this year, building and clearing trails, removing invasive species, planting trees and flowers, and working on special park projects!
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On August 12, more than 300 volunteers from GE Aviation contributed a day's work to improve four County parks!
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Our new "Partner With the Parks" program has given school groups the opportunity to learn about invasive species while contributing their time to protecting the natural habitats of our county parks. Many of our individual volunteers are supporting their favorite county park through the "Park and Trail Patrol" program, removing invasive species, clearing trails, maintaining garden areas and assisting with special projects. Thank you to all of our awesome Kent County Parks volunteers!
There are some exciting projects and events coming this fall! Park lovers of all ages are invited to the " Discover! Pickerel Lake" event being held at Pickerel Lake Park - Fred Meijer Nature Preserve. The Kent/MSU Extension Master Naturalist Program and Kent County Parks is sponsoring this fun and free interpretive event on Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Volunteers are invited to sign up for the "Annual Fall Park Clean" being held the third week of October at various county parks throughout the week. Pitch in to help give our county parks a clean up before the snow falls!
 Be sure to visit our Volunteer Services program on Facebook! Return to Top of Page |
New Cabins a Hit at Wabasis Lake
Camping Made Easy!
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New cabin reflected on the lake
Photo by David Hinds
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Another great addition to the park system this year was the construction of three new cabins at Wabasis Lake Campground. Renting for just $50 a night, the cabins have quickly become favorites for many overnight guests. Noting a rise in the popularity of "cabin-camping" at other locations, Park Manager Josh Matzen had been hoping to add new rental cabins for the past few years. According to Josh, "These cabins offer a great affordable alternative for folks who want a camping experience with more of the comforts of home. A big thanks to all the Kent County Parks staff who made this possible!"
Park staff built the cabins during the off season this past spring under the leadership of Josh Mattice, who normally works at Douglas Walker and Earl Brewer Parks on 84th St. The project went down to the wire, with finishing touches being applied just hours before our first renters checked in in June.
Wabasis Campground is open through the end of October. In addition to the new cabins, the campground offers campsites ranging from primitive walk-ins to full hook-up, as well as a larger cottage. Follow Wabasis Campground on Facebook to take advantage of discounts and specials.
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A Stable Home for Horses
Openspace near Rockford Accommodates new Sheriff's Facility
The Kent County Sheriff's Department Mounted Unit plays a unique role in unique settings. Members of the Mounted Unit are the Sheriff's representatives on horseback you may have seen at special events and festivals throughout Grand Rapids or at Millennium Park. The horses can have a presence that isn't available any other way. However, housing the horses and the travel time to downtown have been issues. Now, thanks to a collaboration with Kent County Parks, the Mounted Unit will have a new, permanent home.
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Volunteers are preparing this this two-level barn to house Mounted Unit horses.
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Several years ago, 31 acres on the north side of Kroes St., between Wolverine and Northland Drives was bequeathed to Kent County Parks. The land includes a mix of scenic rolling terrain and flat pasture. While the property is a little small for typical county park development, its location, setting and barn make if perfect for the Sheriff's Department Mounted Unit.
The Parks Department and the Sheriff reached an agreement earlier this summer and volunteers were on site almost immediately, cleaning up and getting the barn ready for horses.
As County government strives to become more effective and efficient, we are especially pleased to have worked out this partnership with the Sheriff's Department. The Kroes property will serve an excellent public use, while maintaining much of its current rural character.
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Committee Studies Parks Collaborations
Area Parks Departments Searching for Ways to Work Together
Here in Kent County, we're fortunate to enjoy an extensive and diverse system of public parks and trails. The Kent County Parks Department alone manages 38 parks and open spaces, as well as four regional trails, but Kent County is not alone in providing residents with great opportunities for recreation. Nearly two dozen different government units manage parks, trails or open spaces within our county borders. Kent County Parks has a very long history of collaborating and cooperating with the various park systems within the county and with outside organizations. Now, in this time of shrinking resources we are looking for more ways to improve and strengthen our partnerships. With this goal in mind, Kent County Board Chair Sandi Frost Parrish appointed a 30-member Citizens Committee to conduct a countywide study of parks and recreation. The committee will review existing partnerships as well as the entire system of city, township and county parks, trails and recreation programs. The main goal of the committee will be to seek ways to further improve the quality of opportunities available and the efficiency with which these opportunities are provided. Citizen input will be sought during the process. In the end, if ideas are developed to improve the delivery of recreational opportunities, recommendations will be presented to communities throughout the county. Kent County Parks and our partners in this process remain committed to maintaining and sustaining a high-quality and highly-valued system of parks and trails. By working together to seek enhanced collaborations, we are helping to ensure we continue meeting this goal into the future.
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Kent County Parks Foundation
Gifts Support Parks and Trails
Founded in 1999, the Kent County Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding and improving park land by supporting the mission of the Kent County Parks Department.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our KCPF members. We hope you will all be able to join us for our next donor appreciation event; the last one was great! A great and informative hike with Rob Keys at Pickerel Lake followed by a picnic lunch at Townsend Park.
If you haven't done so already, please consider joining our efforts by becoming a member. You can sign up on our website: www.kcpf.org.
The planning for the 12th Annual Bailey's Doggie Dash is well underway! It is set for October 22 at Wabasis Park. This is a fun 5K Run/Walk for dogs and their owners. If you have not attended in the past, you are in for a real treat! Visit our our website for more information and to sign up for the race.
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About Kent County Parks and Trails
The Kent County Parks Department enhances the quality of life in Kent County by establishing and maintaining outstanding parks to meet the needs of the county's growing population. The department efficiently provides recreational, environmental, and social benefits by adhering to high standards and coordinating with individuals and organizations. In total, we manage 38 properties totaling 6,712 acres, as well as four regional trails. Kent County parks and trails are supported by the County general fund, fees for services at our parks, and donations of money and time by private individuals.
We appreciate your support of Kent County Parks, and hope you continue to enjoy the wide variety of recreational opportunities we provide.
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