Grand Haven Charter Township faced the challenge of developing a new community park on nearly 70 acres of donated land, with a tight deadline to avoid losing the land. The project required meticulous planning, budgeting, and community engagement to bring the vision to life.
The successful passing of a recreational millage was driven by detailed cost estimates and renderings. The Township worked with the Northwest Ottawa Recreation Commission and local pickleball enthusiasts to determine the park’s needs, resulting in a design that includes soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, and pickleball courts.
Infrastructure was prioritized, with sanitary sewer and water mains installed before mass grading. The park features the Jo-Jo Jogging Trail, which winds through 15 acres of wooded uplands, and includes amenities like elevated boardwalks, restrooms, parking, and shelters.
The use of local subcontractors supported the community and ensured high-quality construction. A fund for ongoing maintenance, established by land donor Jim Schmidt, guarantees the park’s long-term sustainability. Schmidt Heritage Park now stands as a vibrant recreational hub, a testament to community collaboration and vision.
