Ottawa Sands County Park – Idema Explorers Camp

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation initiated an effort to implement several components of its Ottawa Sands Master Plan, transforming a previous 345-acre sand mining property nestled in the dunes into a coastal destination and ecological hub. Ottawa Sands Park features a paved park around the lake, day-use areas, modern restrooms, connections to regional trails, and overnight camping at the Idema Explorers Camp (IEC).

Integrated Architecture worked with the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission and Viridis Design to plan and design the IEC. Situated at the intersection of Lake Michigan and the Grand River, this central piece to the master plan imagined various overnight camping options. The Treehouse Village is made up of three elevated cabins with an interconnected deck system and a central outdoor fire pit. A modern restroom and shower building, including laundry services, supports visitors at the adjacent yurts, treehouses, and tent camping sites. A renovated welcome center, originally a mining office, stands at the entrance.

The Ottawa County Parks Commission’s primary project objectives are to improve ecological health, promote education and awareness, and create a unique destination that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the outdoors. The project design closely follows Sustainable Living Building Challenge principles.

In the News

Ottawa Sands Project Documentary

Grand Haven Tribune: Ottawa Sands wins state award for Park Design

Ottawa County: Ottawa Sands Park Design Award

WGHN: Ottawa Sands wins state award for Park Design

MLive: Ottawa County park near Lake Michigan honored for transformation of former mining site