Ottawa Beach Marina to Open Spring 2019

When Ottawa County considered its options for renovating and operating a county-owned marina (currently Parkside Marina) on Lake Macatawa, it eventually decided the most cost-effective approach would be to run the facility itself. So when the lease of the current private marina operator expires on October 15, the Ottawa County Parks Department will launch a renovation project that will result in a completely new marina opening for boaters next spring.

The new fixed wooden docks will offer 15 seasonal slips and 26 transient slips. The transient slips will be 30 feet long (with an extra 10 percent allowance) and will include broadside mooring for boats up to 100 feet.

An agreement signed with the parks department in 2005 gave members of the West Michigan Park Association the first opportunity to reserve seasonal slips. As of mid-July, those members had signed up for eight slips and two moorings. Since the county anticipated that demand would be high, the remainder of the slips were awarded through a lottery drawing in August.

Other improvements to the site will include a new building to house a small marina office, plus private restrooms and showers for both seasonal and transient marina patrons, according to Jessica VanGinhoven of Ottawa County Parks. Separate public restrooms will also be available in the building. A for-fee washer and dryer will be provided as well as vending machines and ice.

The marina will offer electric service on a charge-back basis plus water and wireless internet at no charge. There will also be a pumpout station.

Funding for the $2.4 million project—which includes construction of some green space—will come from several sources, including a $642,917 Boating Infrastructure Grant from the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, $64,000 from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for the public kayak launch and $20,000 from the DNR to help pay for the sewage system for the pump out service. The parks department will contribute $528,000 and is planning a $1 million bond that will eventually be repaid with revenue from the marina.