County Buys Parkland

GRAND RAPIDS — Kent County commissioners recently agreed to buy 96 acres of land adjacent to Chief Hazy Cloud Park in Ada Township for $1 million and closing costs that are estimated at $20,000.

The property, which features woods, wetlands and fields, will increase the park’s acreage to 120 and add 1,900 feet of Grand River frontage to the park, bringing that total to 2,800 square feet.

Commissioner Carol Hennessy, who voted against the acquisition, expressed a concern about where the money would come from to maintain the property. But Commissioner Jack Boelema said the purchase was a good investment because a $740,000 state grant, awarded by the Department of Natural Resources, was picking up 74 percent of the property’s cost.

“We’re getting a good deal,” said Boelema.

The county’s share will come from its parks acquisition budget, which had slightly more than $1 million in the account prior to the decision to buy the land. The property’s purchase price was supported by a DNR appraisal.