The Eastmanville Bayou Segment of the Idema Explorers Trail is closer to realization, after a bid for construction was approved by Ottawa County’s Planning and Policy Committee on July 14.
The measure now awaits final approval from the Ottawa County Board.
The Idema Explorers Trail is part of the Grand River Greenway — a 9,000-acre network of public land between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven. The concept was initialized in 1987, as the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission sought a way to protect land along the Grand River.
When complete, the trail will stretch 36.5 miles through the greenway, connecting Grand Haven and Grand Rapids. The trail is divided into 11 segments, with seven complete and four remaining.
“I’m really excited about this project,” said Commissioner Jacob Bonnema. “I truly believe that people are going to drive from far away to come and have this experience. It’s quite an asset.”
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Director Jason Shamblin said the entire project remains on track for completion in 2028 or 2029.
Eastmanville Bayou Segment construction will cost $3,548,794, covered by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and the Parks Capital Projects Fund.
For more information, visit grandrivergreenway.org and miottawa.org/park-locations/idema-explorers-trail.
— Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on X @cassideykava.i
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Ottawa County nears bid approval for segment of Idema Explorers Trail
Reporting by Cassidey Kavathas, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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By Cassidey Kavathas, Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
