Welcome to the electronic newsletter from
Grand Haven Charter Township!

Stay informed on what is happening in the township. This newsletter will deliver up-to-date information including upcoming meetings, development news, township services and more!

You can always find more information on our website or Facebook.
Thank You!
The $12.36 million bond proposal for a new Grand Haven Charter Township Fire/Rescue station was approved by the voters with 2,536 “Yes” votes (or 55.27%).
This construction project will use a “Design and Build” approach – wherein the architect and construction firm work together as a team from the beginning. This provides unified project recommendations and a single point of responsibility for completing the project that typically results in 6% lower↓ costs and 12% faster construction.

Five Bugles Design – a national architecture, engineering, energy efficiency and construction management firm specializing in public safety construction projects – was selected by the Township to design the new station.

Christman Construction – a leading construction firm with more than five hundred full-time professionals that has vast experience in private and public building projects – was selected by the Township to build the new station.

Working closely with Township staff, this team expects to have substantial completion of the new Fire/Rescue station by October 17, 2024.

The municipal bonds that will finance this project are expected to be sold in mid-July. Because the Township has a “AA” bond rating, it is expected that the Township will receive a favorable interest rate on the bonds.

Again, thank you to the residents of the Township for approving the new Fire/Rescue station.
Change of Command
Township officials – Supervisor Mark Reenders and Trustee Howard Behm – attended the Ninth Coast Guard District Change of Command ceremony at which Rear Admiral Michael Johnston (left) relieves Rear Admiral Johnathan Hickey (right).

The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Kevin Lunday (center).

The Ninth Coast Guard District includes the Grand Haven Coast Guard station.
Township Graduates Two from "Leadership Connect"
Public Services Director Alando Chappell and Captain Matt Schweitzer graduated from the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Connect program.

These graduates completed over 30 hours of leadership skill training and received a comprehensive understanding of our Northeast Ottawa County community.
New Brush Truck
The Township’s new brush truck (that was originally approved in 2021) has been placed into service. Supply chain issues proved challenging and delayed the completion of this project. 

The brush truck is specifically designed to assist in fighting wildfires by transporting firefighters to the scene, along with water and other equipment. The brush truck can drive on narrow roads, fields, swampy areas, or tight urban spaces that the Township’s heavy fire apparatus cannot.
Sounds of Summer
Weekly Concerts will be held at Pottawattomie Park in July, the artists include:

  • July 5th - Velvet Mushroom
  • July 12th - The Electric Red
  • July 19th - Big Nick and the Rhythm Kings
  • July 26th - U′Neek
Township Graduates Two from "Leadership Connect"
Because of the expansion of the trail system within the 583 acres of Hofma Park and Preserve, the Township re-designed the trail map and trail marking system. 

Installation of the maps and trail markers will occur the week of May 26th.
Save the Date
The Schmidt Heritage Park Dedication Ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, June 28th at 11:00 a.m.

It is confirmed that the Michigan State University mascot – Sparty – will attend the dedication event. 


Water Bill Assistance Available
The Ottawa County Community Action Agency has a Water Assistance Program available to help customers pay their past due water bills. Although this program has not been heavily used by Township residents (to date, about $530 in past due bills have been paid for Township customers), the program has funding that will expire on September 30th.

If you know of anyone in Ottawa County that could benefit from this program, please have them contact the Ottawa County Community Action Agency at 616-393-4433.

Township Questions?
If you have specific questions about Township operations, please send an email to bcargo@ght.org .
(616) 842-5988  | info@ght.org | www.ght.org