For more than 80 years, Park Township Airport served as a quiet hub for general aviation, nestled just off Ottawa Beach Road on the way to Lake Michigan. Built in 1937, the airport once welcomed hobby pilots and flying enthusiasts from across the region. But by 2020, with usage dwindling and a millage to support operations failing, the Township faced a new challenge: how to honor the legacy of the site while reimagining its future.
Rather than leave the land dormant, Township leaders invited the community to help shape a new vision. Residents responded with enthusiasm, expressing a desire for a recreational space that could serve people of all ages. Ideas included multi-use trails, a playground, splash pad, community garden, and a plaza dedicated to veterans. Among the most popular suggestions was a state-of-the-art pickleball facility that could draw both casual players and competitive tournaments.
Construction of the new facility was completed in spring 2024. Ten tournament-level pickleball courts were built using post-tensioned concrete for durability, surrounded by pedestrian pathways, lighting, shade shelters, and a promenade that connects the site’s features. The layout supports year-round activity and sets the foundation for future expansion, with the potential for 10 to 16 more courts and expanded trails.
This revitalized space reflects Park Township’s commitment to honoring its history while investing in recreation and community wellness. What was once a place for takeoffs and landings is now a vibrant destination for sport, play, and connection—welcoming a new generation of visitors to an old, familiar site.