• The Kent County Parks Foundation was established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer board that meets quarterly.
• The Foundation believes that access to beautiful public parks, lakes, streams, forests and outdoor recreational activities is a precious public asset that gives Kent County a superior quality of life.
• The Foundation supports the mission of the Parks Department, which is establishing, maintaining and expanding outstanding public parks and preserving open space.
• The Foundation seeks to preserve existing green spaces, protect the environment, maintain and expand our parks with new land acquisitions, using the Land Legacy Fund and other financial and property resources.
• The Foundation believes that retaining open space for public use enhances the quality of life in our community, and improves the natural environment for all to appreciate. Parks are for people, enriching our lives with natural beauty... and from a monetary perspective, parks enhance and maintain nearby property values.

• Purchased 200 acres that were added to the Kent County Parks System.
• Formed partnerships with various organizations that provide programs in the parks.
• Increased website updates, newsletters and direct contact with supporters to improve involvement, reporting, networking and participation.

• Build and maintain the “Land Legacy Fund” to $1 million or more to assist in land purchases – A pool of ready funds is essential. Open land that comes on the market is available for a very short time before it is lost forever, purchased for commercial development. Build partnerships with other organizations that can provide activities and /or funds for the Kent County Parks System.
• Enhance communication and responsiveness to our current and future supporters through newsletters, website, an annual report and other media.
• Offer educational programs within the parks and seek funding to support them.
• Be responsible stewards of all funds donated.

The Board of Directors of the Kent County Parks Foundation are true believers, highly respected community leaders who volunteer their professional expertise and time to oversee the Foundation’s many programs, funds and initiatives in support of the public parks that are so important to our community.

Barbara Hoag, President of Kent County Parks Foundation is a visionary with over thirty years of community leadership. She built the Foundation to its current level.

Roger Sabine, Director, Kent County Parks Department, leads one of the most effective departments of its kind in the nation.

Chris Machuta, Foundation Treasurer, is also the Director of Finance for the Van Andel Arena, the 75 million dollar venue that has brought so much excitement and attention to Grand Rapids.

Stephen Mulder, the Foundation Secretary, is an attorney with Mica, Meyers, Beckett and Jones, P.L.C. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

Susan Waddell, Administrative Manager, tireless organizer and nexus of Foundation information. She may be reached at the foundation office at (616) 742-6594. E-mail swaddel@smggr.com.Kent

Barbara J. Hoag, President
Robert C. Boylen, Vice President
Christopher Machuta, Treasurer
Stephen J. Mulder, Secretary

Board Members

Lori J. Baker Dan Calabrese Richard M. Gillett, Jr. David Morren Roger Sabine

Robert C. Boylen Peter Chan Timothy Hillegonds Wayne Norlin, AIA Dan Spaulding

“My interest in the outdoors comes from a strong need to balance the office and numbers environment that I work in as a CPA. When I was growing up, Palmer Park in Wyoming was a part of my outdoor playground. By coincidence, I ended up living next door to the park as my children were growing up. When I travel, I always include visits to any nearby nature preserves, parks or greenspaces that I can find.”