The 119-acre property is located along the shores of the Kalamazoo River, adjacent to state-owned marshland and across the river from River Bluff Park. Saugatuck Township envisions protecting the land’s natural communities and transforming the fallow areas into sorely needed recreational and athletic facilities for the community. 

Protected Land & Healthy Habitats

The land includes a mosaic of ecosystems: a meandering creek, sensitive marsh wetland habitat, freshwater forested/shrub and emergent wetlands, open fields, woodlands, and a wooded ravine that drains directly into the Kalamazoo River. These ecosystems provide essential habitat for birds and breeding amphibians. With 2,200 feet of river shoreline, it is the last significant undeveloped stretch of riverfront land in the Township. 

The protection of Riverside Park would be a strategic conservation win. If successful, Riverside Park would increase protected land within the Lake Michigan Shoreline region, one of the Land Conservancy’s three strategic focal areas, preserving a critical migratory corridor and improving Kalamazoo River water quality. The parcel is connected to nearby public and natural lands, including River Bluff Park and adjacent state-owned marshland. As Riverside Park, this critical ecological corridor will remain intact, supporting species movement and diversity and preventing further habitat fragmentation. Protecting Riverside Park means a stronger, more resilient Kalamazoo River ecosystem. 

Inspired People

Saugatuck Township envisions transforming this 119-acre property into a destination park and nature preserve that reflects the community’s commitment to conservation, inclusive recreation, and public access to nature.  

Upon the Legislature’s approval of the recommended MNRTF grant, the Township will first install a defined parking area, entrance signage, trail maps, and a short interpretive trail loop to provide safe, passive public access. These improvements will allow immediate enjoyment of the site while protecting sensitive natural areas.  

Future development will be informed by the input of regional partners and community members. Proposed improvements include universally accessible trails, a wetland boardwalk, river overlooks, nature-based play features, an outdoor classroom, a kayak launch, and a fishing pier. The park could also include amenities for athletic use, including a 9-hole disc golf course, flexible-use athletic amenities, and an entire 3.1-mile cross-country trail loop, which Saugatuck Public Schools consider a high-priority need. 

The new features will be concentrated in the fallow, open field areas on the landscape, preserving over 75% of the site for nature and restoration. 

Community-Led Conservation

The community of Saugatuck Township has demonstrated a shared vision of protected land, healthy habitats, and inspired people in West Michigan. 

The Township’s parks and recreation and conservation planning efforts, informed by extensive community input and collaboration with local and regional partners, identified the Riverside Park parcel as the most strategically significant opportunity on the Kalamazoo River. 

Riverside Park is a transformational chance to expand recreation access, protect ecologically critical land, and create a destination park for those living in the Saugatuck Township area, visitors, and the broader region of West Michigan.