OLIVE TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 13, 2024) – Another hurdle in realizing the dream of a pathway between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven has been cleared.
On Monday, the Ottawa County 4-H Council announced the gifting of a parcel of land to the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission towards the completion of the Idema Explorers Trail. The 31-acre site, valued at more than $265,000, had been in the hands of 4-H since 1959 following the deeding of the land by the Ten Brink family, and had been used as a rustic camping area.
“4-H’ers used the land for rustic camping for many years, but it is now landlocked and difficult to access except by the trail. The 4-H Council wanted to honor the Ten Brinks’ request that the land only be used for recreational purposes. Donating it to help complete a section of the trail seemed like a great compromise. Once completed, 4-H families and others can access the land and explore the area as the Ten Brinks envisioned.” – Tyler Lidgard, Michigan State University Extension 4-H program coordinator in Ottawa County
The Idema Explorers Trail will be, when completed, a 10-foot wide, 36.5-mile-long paved trail connecting Millennium Park with Grand Haven along the Grand River Greenway. Last fall, the Jenison Mill Segment was opened near the Grandville Water Treatment Plant with the unveiling of Secchia Gateway Arch. The trail was supposed to be completed in 2022 but has been held up for a variety of reasons.
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