Helder Park and Dog Park

Helder Park was established in 1989 by a gift of 20 acres from Henry and Irene Helder.

Helder Park Dog Park is a 4-acre, off-leash dog park that includes many dog friendly amenities.

Helder Park Details

The northwest portion of the park contains a forest area at the juncture of two major streams that form the Noordeloos Creek. This area offers natural habitat including birds, deer, wildflowers, and tall prairie grass. Other portions of the park offer picnic shelters, playgrounds, softball fields, basketball courts, beach volleyball courts, two lighted tennis courts, six lighted pickleball courts, and soccer fields for recreational use.

All Holland Charter Township parks are open daily from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. This park is under 24-hour camera surveillance. The large pavilion at Helder Park located directly behind the restroom facility at Helder Park is available for reservations. For more information on renting this pavilion, please check out our downloadable PDF below.

All other picnic shelters and gazebos at Helder Park are available for public use on a first come, first served basis. They may not be held, reserved or rented unless it is a Holland Charter Township sponsored event (for example: Annual Holland Charter Township Easter Egg Hunt at Quincy Park).

Even though the parks are open to public use, Holland Charter Township does rent out various athletic fields (soccer, softball, etc.) as well as host Holland Charter Township sponsored events throughout the year that take precedence. If you would like to utilize a Holland Charter Township athletic field or park facility other than for general use, please contact us by using the link below.

Helder Dog Park Details

Helder Park Dog Park is la 4-acre, off-leash dog park that includes many dog friendly amenities. The park is completely fenced with double-gated entrances, separate areas for large dogs and small dogs (under 25 pounds), asphalt walking paths, tables and benches, plenty of security lighting, and drinking fountains with dog bowls. Dog drinking fountains function seasonally.

Please note that the posted dog park rules are only for inside the dog park fence. If outside of the dog park fence, the Holland Charter Township ordinance must be followed.

Holland Charter Township wants to help make your dog park a success. For emergencies, dial 911. For aggressive dog issues, call Ottawa County Dispatch at (800) 249-0911. For dog park maintenance, call the Parks Department at (616) 399-5496.

All Holland Charter Township parks are open daily from 6:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. This park is under 24-hour camera surveillance. The picnic shelters and gazebos that are located inside the dog park are available for public use on a first come, first served basis. They may not be held, reserved or rented unless it is a Holland Charter Township sponsored event (for example: Annual Holland Charter Township Easter Egg Hunt at Quincy Park).

Dog Park Rules

  • Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
  • Dogs must have current and up-to-date vaccinations.
  • Dogs must have a current dog license. Dogs should always wear an owner identification tag.
  • Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the Dog Park, and owners must always keep the leash in hand.
  • For the safety of your dog(s) and other park visitors, choke, prong (pinch), and spike collars are strictly prohibited. If you use these types of collars, remove them before entering the park. 
  • No children under the age of 16 are permitted unless accompanied by an adult. Children tend to scream and run when excited, which can trigger a dog’s prey drive or instinct to chase. For this reason and for the safety of your children, we do not recommend bringing small children and infants into the dog park.
  • Aggressive dogs are not permitted on the premises. Dogs must be removed at the first sign of aggression.
  • Dogs under 4 months of age and female dogs in heat are prohibited.
  • Dog owners must always be in the park and within view of their dogs.
  • All off-leash dogs must be under voice control of their owners. If you cannot control your dog off leash, always keep your pet leashed.
  • Please do not bring dog food into the park. Small treats are allowed only when training your dog.
  • Owners must clean up dog feces. Seal waste in the provided plastic bags before disposing in designated receptacles.
  • Fill any holes your dog digs.
  • Each owner is legally responsible for his or her dog, and Holland Charter Township will assume no responsibility for any injuries to humans or animals; therefore, each owner is responsible for supervision of his or her animal. All owners must always remain in the park with their dog. 
  • Holland Charter Township wants to help make the Helder Dog Park a success. If you have questions, suggestions, or problems; please contact the Parks Department at 616-399-5496.