Park Township is moving forward with plans to convert a former U.S. Coast Guard station into a marine station for its fire department, hoping to enhance water safety and reduce response times for water-related emergencies. Located on Ottawa Beach Road, the site is poised to become a hub for the area's water rescue operations. The township has a purchase agreement for $1.4 million and seeks an additional $600,000 from state funding, a proposal backed by State Rep. Nancy DeBoer, R-Holland. "We have a duty to try and provide a higher level of safety, particularly because we have so much waterfront within Park Township," Township Manager Howard Fink stated, as per FOX 17.
With the intent to create a safety culture that's as inherent as the instinct to "Stop, drop and roll" in a fire, Park Township's initiative also includes providing free boater and water safety classes. Fink detailed a vision to "change the culture of this area" and make it safe for all, signaling that quick action in drowning situations is essential. According to a statement detailed by FOX 17, the purchase and planned renovations are expected to slash the department's response time by an estimated four to seven minutes, which are critical minutes that could save lives.
Aside from the benefit of proximity, Park Township is also considering partnerships with various government agencies at the site, including the Ottawa County Marine Division and the Michigan DNR’s Research Division. The township looks forward to operating from the building during the summer, with about $400,000 slated for improvements. "It also has an existing dock. Those docks are going to be quite accommodating to our needs and to the needs of other entities," Fink explained in a discussion highlighted by WOODTV, pointing out the site's existing infrastructure. Commitments to education are also evident, with plans to teach boater safety classes to 8th-grade students in the West Ottawa School District.
