COMMUNITY PROFILES / OTTAWA COUNTY
County Offices
12220 Filmore Street
West Olive 616-738-4000
https://www.miottawa.org/
Chamber of Commerce
11325 54th Avenue
Allendale 616-892-2632
https://www.allendalechamber.org/
Services
One of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan, Ottawa devotes a significant portion of land to farming. The county leads in the production of turkeys, ornamental nursery crops, blueberries, and perennials. In spite of its rural beauty and small-town appeal, Ottawa is home to three community hospitals that offer the finest of personalized care and advanced technology. Skilled professionals in every major specialty are available to meet a wide range of health-care needs.
Area schools provide a quality education in public and private schools, where modern classrooms and dedicated teachers receive the support of the entire community. The school system educates 5,000 students and provides 1,500 students with vocational and special education programs. Unique educational opportunities are available in this rich environment, such as the 110-acre “living laboratory” of the Outdoor Discovery Center. Those who desire to pursue a higher education will find many choices for public and private colleges and universities within a reasonable commute from home.
Lifestyle
Naturally beautiful Ottawa County takes advantage of its splendid resources in 2,200 acres of parks, natural areas, and open space. Year-round recreational opportunities are available for all ages, from swimming or enjoying a guided tour with a naturalist to cross-country skiing on miles of pristine trails. A 30-mile expanse of white, sandy beach from Holland to Muskegon along the Lake Michigan shore forms the western boundary, inviting water sports and boating.
The pride and industry of Dutch immigrants can still be found in several of the communities on Ottawa County, most obviously in Holland and Zeeland. Nearly half of the population in the county claims Dutch ancestry. Tributes to this colorful cultural background in buildings, gardens, and events have attracted a healthy tourism industry. Visitors from around the world flock to Holland for the annual “Tulip Time” festival, the third largest such celebration of its kind in the nation. Also very popular is the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven. With miles of rivers and streams, rich heritage and charming cities, Ottawa County is positioned for continued growth and prosperity throughout the coming decades.
Allendale, Tallmadge Township, Blendon Township
Allendale Township
616-895-6295
https://www.allendale-twp.org/
Tallmadge Township
616-677-1248
http://tallmadge.com/
Blendon Township
616-875-7707
www.blendontownship-mi.gov
Chamber of Commerce
616-892-2632
https://www.allendalechamber.org/
The small, unincorporated, semi-rural community of Allendale and the surrounding township is located 20 minutes from Grand Rapids. The local school district offers a quality education from kindergarten through 12th grade; and a private, religiously affiliated school is also available. Serving as a hub for services and commerce, Allendale offers medical facilities and a shopping mall. The township park adds a range of recreational activities, and golfers will find lush fairways for perfecting their backswing. Throughout the townships of Allendale, Tallmadge, and Blendon, quiet neighborhoods provide a country atmosphere for affordable single-family homes.
Coopersville
Town Hall
616-997-2113
www.cityofcoopersville.com
Chamber of Commerce
616-997-5164
www.coopersville.com
Located between Grand Rapids and Grand Haven on Interstate 96, the growing community of Coopersville retains the country feeling of its agricultural roots. Several picturesque farms still dot the area. Excellent schools provide a quality education to local youth, and major hospitals and medical centers are available in Grand Rapids and Grand Haven to meet health-care needs. Housing options are diverse, from condominiums to a variety of single-family homes. Newcomers are drawn to Coopersville and the surrounding townships for a quiet, rural atmosphere just minutes from metropolitan amenities.
Jenison, Georgetown Township, Jamestown Township
Georgetown Township
616-457-2340
https://www.gtwp.com/
Jamestown Township
616-896-8376
http://twp.jamestown.mi.us/
Chamber of Commerce
616-531-8890
http://grandjen.com
Once under the jurisdiction of Georgetown Township, the settlement of Jamestown began with a dozen residents. From its roots as a lumber center, the unincorporated community of Jenison has emerged as a suburban haven that boasts quality housing and excellent schools. In fact, the local high school athletes excel in a variety of sports, consistently winning state championships. Urgent-care centers meet routine health-care needs, while major hospitals are available close to home. Small malls and plazas combine to offer a wide selection of goods and services. Recreational opportunities are available in local and county parkland and the Grand River, which encourage boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports.
Holland City, Holland Township, Park Township
Holland City
616-355-1300
https://www.cityofholland.com/
Holland Twp
616-396-2345
https://www.hct.holland.mi.us/
Park Twp
616-399-4520
https://parktownship.org/
Chamber of Commerce
616-392-2389
https://www.westcoastchamber.org/
The exceptionally beautiful Holland area and nearby Park Township provide a scenic and welcoming atmosphere for new residents. Both Holland City and Township border Lake Macatawa for a wealth of recreational activities. A popular choice for commuters, this area nevertheless employs thousands of its residents in local businesses and industries. The Dutch spirit remains a highlight of the area, serving as a magnet for tourism. Visitors flock to the colorful village in May for Tulip Time, a 10-day event that showcases the city’s distinctive architecture and style. Outstanding highway links, local hospitals, excellent schools, cultural attractions, and two colleges add to the quality of life. The city and two townships all maintain wonderful parks and many programs in golf, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and other sports.
Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, Robinson Township
Grand Haven
616-842-3210
https://grandhaven.org/
Ferrysburg
616-842-5803
www.ferrysburg.org
Spring Lake
616-842-1393
www.springlakevillage.org
Grand Haven Township
616-842-5988
https://www.ght.org/
Robinson Township
616-846-2210
http://robinson-twp.org/
Chamber of Commerce
616-842-4910
https://grandhavenchamber.org/
Enjoying close proximity to the major thoroughfare of U.S. 31, Grand Haven evolved from a shipbuilding and fishing haven into a vacation and resort destination. Natural mineral waters and sugar-white sandy beaches attracted visitors and permanent residents to the clusters of elegant Victorians and cottages in the tri-city area of Grand Lake, Ferrysburg, and Spring Lake. Communities like Highland Park with its wooded dunes and scenic boardwalk offer a variety of new home developments that appeal strongly to newcomers. North Ottawa Community Hospital meets health-care needs, and a scattering of industries are flourishing. Grand Haven offers outstanding shopping, and annual celebrations include the U.S. Coast Guard Festival.
Hudsonville City
City Offices
616-669-0200
https://www.hudsonville.org/
Chamber of Commerce
616-662-0900
www.hudsonvillechamber.com
Known affectionately as “Michigan’s Salad Bowl,” the community of Hudsonville is proud of its early history as a truck farming center. Today, the city is strategically located in the center of impressive economic growth. Many factors have contributed to the growing popularity of Hudsonville, including the friendly community spirit, excellent public and private schools, commercial conveniences, and opportunity for employment locally or close to home. Recreational opportunities are abundant throughout the area. Hudsonville Nature Center provides a wonderful 76-acre nature preserve of woodland, prairie, and wetlands for hiking, nature study, and picnicking.
Zeeland City, Zeeland Township
Zeeland City
616-772-6400
https://www.cityofzeeland.com/
Zeeland Township
616-772-6701
https://www.zeelandtwp.org/
Chamber of Commerce
616-392-2389
https://www.westcoastchamber.org/
Mirroring the spirit of Holland, the community of Zeeland is a tribute to the strength and dedication of its Dutch founders. A number of the original structures from settlement days remain, giving the town a quaint, old-fashioned atmosphere. One small but exceptional museum captures the daily life of early settlers. Among the collection of Dutch farming villages surrounding Holland, Zeeland has enjoyed the strongest growth and development. The traditional work ethic has attracted a host of employers and generated thousands of jobs. The surrounding townships enjoy all the employment opportunities, fine schools, and cultural amenities within cities like Zeeland, Holland, and Grand Rapids. At the same time, they expand the options for beautiful homes in a country atmosphere.
