Village of Spring Lake Recommended to Receive $400,000 in State Funding for North Bank Park Redevelopment Project

The Village of Spring Lake has been recommended to receive a grant of $400,000 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) to help revitalize aging amenities at North Bank Park, formerly known as Central Park. This project will impact both Village and greater Northwest Ottawa County residents, who accounted for a combined 100,000 visits to the park in 2024.

If approved by the State Legislature, the $400,000 grant will be used toward the construction of the new pavilion at North Bank Park. The overall budget for the project is $3.5 million, and the Village has received $1,232,500 in funding commitments. The additional support will enable improvements that reflect community needs and elevate the visitor experience, including a heated year-round public restroom, an outdoor fire pit at the pavilion, a playground, a renovated dog park, expanded pathways with new lighting, and a sledding hill.

In addition to new year-round recreational opportunities, the project will add inclusive amenities, such as accessible play equipment for children of all abilities and adult changing tables designed to support individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. These improvements reflect the Village’s strong commitment to an enhanced park experience for all visitors.

“I am proud to say that every element of this project, with the sole exception of the sledding hill, exceeds ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards to achieve a universally accessible rating,” said Peter Vanderberg, Assistant Village Manager. “This will be the only park in Ottawa County that meets this standard, representing a large step towards achieving equity for a population that is very underserved in recreational opportunities.”

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2027. 

Contact

Peter Vanderberg
Assistant Village Manager
(616) 842-1393
peter@springlakevillage.org