Saugatuck Township Riverside Park: A Home Trail
Our fundraising efforts for Saugatuck Township Riverside Park continue, and the project has reached some important milestones. As of August 2026, the Michigan Legislature has approved and appropriated a $2.5 million Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant to support Saugatuck Township’s acquisition of the property.
Now, it’s up to us. The grant requires a community match of $1.05M. Saugatuck Township has raised 80 percent of the needed match, and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has committed to helping raise the remaining $200,000.
Our community has already stepped up in a big way. Thanks to generous donors like you, we have raised $122,000, with just $78,000 left to go.
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. Riverside Park constitutes an opportunity to create a space that meets the community’s recreational needs while preserving important ecological communities.
A Home Course for Saugatuck’s Cross Country Team
One vision for the property is to create a 3.1-mile trail loop suitable for cross country practice and races. Currently, the Saugatuck cross country team practices at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Rick Bauer, Head Boys’ Cross Country Coach at Saugatuck High School, says the park provides a nice natural setting for running, but it is not a viable home course for the team.
“From a training standpoint, Saugatuck Dunes State Park gives us a place to run, but the terrain is not ideal for every type of training. There are times when our athletes need to do workouts on grass, on flatter terrain, or on a measured course. We are constantly looking for places that will allow us to do those workouts safely and effectively,” Bauer said.
There isn’t a place in Saugatuck where the school can host cross country meets, which Bauer says is a lost opportunity, not just for students who don’t get the chance to compete in front of their classmates, teachers, friends, and families, but for the larger community as well.
“Every other sport in our school has a home. Cross country does not,” Bauer said. “When you host a cross country meet, you are often bringing 10, 15, or even 20 schools into the community rather than just one visiting team. That can mean hundreds of athletes, coaches, parents, and spectators coming to Saugatuck and Douglas.”
Bauer sees potential in Saugatuck Township Riverside Park.
“Riverside Park could give Saugatuck cross country something we have never had: a true home,” Bauer said. “A properly designed permanent course could provide us with a place to practice on grass, conduct workouts, host our own meets and potentially host larger conferences, regional, and even collegiate competitions,” Bauer said.
Bauer notes that the benefits of having a dedicated trail system and recreational facilities would extend far beyond the cross country team.
“A permanent trail system could potentially be used for cross country skiing and snowshoe events in the winter. It could provide a location for community 5Ks and other races that could raise money for schools, nonprofits and other community causes,” Bauer said. “In other words, I don’t see Riverside Park simply as a cross country course. I see it as a community recreational asset that could be used in many different ways throughout the year.”
More than anything, Bauer feels hopeful about the prospect it offers to the hardworking cross country runners of Saugatuck High School.
“I would love to see our kids walk out of school, head to their home course, and know that this is their place. I want them to compete here with their classmates and families watching,” Bauer said. “I want our community to experience the excitement of cross country and see the amount of work these athletes put into their sport.”
Help Us Cross the Finish Line
Riverside Park is an investment in the future of Saugatuck Township—an investment in access to nature, healthy habitats, the Kalamazoo River, and a beautiful public space that can serve residents and visitors for generations.
We are more than 60% of the way to our goal. Our community has brought Riverside Park this far. Will your gift help take us across the finish line? Please donate today!