Ottawa Sands to close to the public beginning in April

OTTAWA COUNTY — A local park will close to the public next week to allow time for construction and ecological restoration.

Ottawa Sands will temporarily shutter Monday, April 1. In addition to ongoing work at the Idema Explorers Camp (including three treehouses, five yurts and tent pads), major construction will build the park’s new day-use parking lot, restroom and paved loop path.

Restoration and enhancements will focus on 238 acres of the park — 69% of the total site.

Improvements to Ottawa Sands, including the Idema Explorers Camp, are supported by a $3.48 million gift from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, along with county, state and federal funds. The work will “greatly enhance accessibility to the site for all users and improve natural habitat,” according to a release.

Ecological improvements will include “softening” 3,300 feet of shoreline around the mined lake at Ottawa Sands and incorporating woody debris along the shoreline to create habitat. A six-acre area of filled-in mining lagoon will be converted into a wetland.

Meanwhile, in the new day-use area, the parking lot will have ADA accessible spaces and a modern restroom. The 1.6-mile paved loop trail will have benches.

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Treehouses and yurts at Idema Explorers Camp are expected to be available later this year for overnight stays. Reservations will not be accepted until an exact opening date is set, according to the parks department.

The park, as a whole, is expected to reopen sometime this summer. For updates, follow Ottawa County Parks and Recreation on Facebook. For more information, visit miottawa.org/parks/ottawasands.htm.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.