The Newaygo County Parks and Recreation Commission and Mecosta County Park Commission are joining forces to provide a Regional Recreation Pass in 2023 to give Park Visitors a way to enjoy both Park systems while saving $10. Each organization offers a $35 annual vehicle pass that gets visitors into their respective parks, but in 2023 those who want access to both park systems will have the option to buy one pass for $60.

Newaygo and Mecosta County Park Commissions have worked closely for the past 5+ years
developing Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam, a 40+ mile natural-surface multi-use trail system
around Hardy Pond. This has increased demand by visitors who want to visit parks and
trailheads operated by both entities.

“Since starting the Dragon Project, there have been many requests for a joint pass allowing
access into multiple trailheads, working together we found it best to showcase both park
systems and create a pass that gets people into all of our parks, not just those around the
Dragon Trail and Hardy Pond,” said Newaygo County Parks Director Nick Smith.

The Regional Recreation Pass will provide visitors access to five Mecosta County Parks and
seven Newaygo County Parks, two of which in each county are official trailheads for the Dragon
Trail.

 

“Both of our park systems offer a wide variety of amenities such as boat launches,
beaches, trails, playgrounds, campgrounds, day-use areas, and additional opportunities. We
hope that visitors who have traditionally frequented just one park system will consider
progressing to a regional pass to evaluate what the neighboring park system can add to their
recreational experience.” Said Jeff Abel, Mecosta County Parks Superintendent.

Both Park Commissions offer various outdoor recreational opportunities, many of which are
along the Muskegon River, including Hardy Pond. Campers, boaters, trail users, and visitors
can still purchase a traditional annual vehicle permit from either county or invest in the new
regional recreation pass and expand their recreational options while saving money.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, both County Park systems have seen an influx of visitors to the
Parks, which has increased the use of their recreational facilities. Both agencies are self-funded, paying for park operations and improvement through the sale of vehicle permits and
campsites; they hope that teaming up will increase revenue.

 

“We are unique agencies since we are self-funded. Most Park and Rec agencies around the state rely on tax dollars to operate, whereas we rely on sales to operate and improve. We hope this will increase sales to continue improving our park facilities and offerings for our park customers and residents.” Said, Director Smith

Starting in late December 2022, the 2023 Regional Recreation Passes will go on sale. At that
time, park visitors can buy the pass over the phone or in person at each Park Administrative
Office or through one of the many self-registration stations throughout both park systems.

 

Please follow Mecosta County Parks and Newaygo County Parks on Facebook to learn when
Regional Recreation Pass sales start. When the campgrounds open for the season, Regional
Recreation Passes can also be purchased at campground offices.