By: Deborah Johnson Wood
With the help of the Department of Natural Resources, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and several generous financial donors, Ada Township has reclaimed 15 acres of wetlands along the Grand River and is developing the remaining 242 acres with paved trails, observatories, and a scenic river overlook.
The new park is on the property of the former Ada Beef slaughterhouse on Grand River Drive, a few miles north of Ada. Carl Ezinga donated $500,000 of the $600,000 needed to purchase the land, and asked the township to name the park after his wife, Roselle.
Roselle Park is undergoing Phase 1 of its development: handicapped-accessible paved trails to the river's edge, a river overlook that leans over the river and allows visitors a scenic view up and down stream, a canoe landing, restrooms, and the conversion of one of two remaining silos into a 55-foot observatory.
"The observatory can be used to watch construction now, and later for birders and other observations," says Wendy Tatar, parks director. The township board will vote on the proposed observatory at this week's board meeting.
In memory of their son Rob Woodrick, former D&W owners Bob and Aleicia Woodrick commissioned a 10-foot high, $51,000 decorative metal observation deck for the park. The deck features a handicap-accessible first level, and a second level with a 30-foot by 30-foot surface area.
Tatar expects to have the park and trails open by Labor Day.
Source: Wendy Tatar, Ada Township
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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