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GHSP Adopts a Park

 GHSP IS THE FIRST COMPANY TO ADOPT A PARK IN OTTAWA COUNTY

Grand Haven, MI -   Look out, invasive species at Hemlock Crossing Park!  On June 17, you will meet your destiny.  And don’t try to come back, because GHSP will be after you two more times this year. 

GHSP is the first company to “Adopt a Park” in Ottawa County.  Ottawa County Parks has many programs to help maintain the area’s 22 parks, including park cleanup in the spring and special projects where volunteers build boardwalks and bridges.  With the newly-launched “Adopt a Park” program, companies are asked to engage in the battle against invasive species with a three-year commitment to the program.  Companies that “Adopt a Park” are responsible for bringing a group of volunteers to the park at least three times a year.  GHSP expects more than 20 volunteers to improve the character of Hemlock Crossing Park on Thursday, June 17 from 3:30-5:30, weather permitting.  GHSP will also be helping with other park improvement projects over the next three years as part of the program.    

“Because of the loss of tax base and reduced budgets, we are counting on the involvement of private sector assistance to help us be good stewards of the land we are so lucky to have here in Ottawa County,” stated John Scholtz, parks and recreation director for Ottawa County.  “Controlling invasive species is more than just pulling weeds – it is a necessary function for maintaining the natural beauty and character of our parks.  We are thankful to GHSP for adopting Hemlock Crossing Park, and we hope other companies will consider doing the same.”    

“One of GHSP’s objectives is to have a positive, not neutral, impact on the environment,” said Bob Mersereau, global marketing manager for GHSP and a member of the company’s community stakeholder team.  “We are responsible for helping manage the interdependence of our business and our community.  Improving the quality of life where we operate is integral to maintaining the balance of this relationship, and that means getting involved in something bigger than ourselves outside of the workplace."

GHSP initially contacted Shannon Morton, director of volunteerism with the Greater Ottawa Country United Way, to learn how GHSP could make a positive impact on the community.  Morton connected GHSP with the “Adopt a Park” program. 

“United Way is a well-rounded organization that helps the community give, advocate and volunteer.  We try to make the perfect match with volunteering and area needs, and the “Adopt a Park” program seemed to be a good fit for GHSP and the community, especially with the investment the JSJ Foundation has provided to the Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing Park,” said Morton.

GHSP is a JSJ company.  The JSJ Foundation made a three-year commitment to support the Nature Education Center which recently opened at Hemlock Crossing Park.  The Nature Education Center, along with being the gateway to seven miles of trails at the park, includes exhibits, wildlife feeding and viewing areas, a “critter den” and activities and special educational programs.

Companies interested in participating in the “Adopt a Park” program are asked to call the Greater Ottawa County United Way at (616) 396-7811.

GHSP is a leading global supplier of mechanical and mechatronic control systems to surface transportation industries, including automotive, heavy truck and others. The company serves its customers from concept to delivery with world class product design, development and program management, as well as excellence in manufacturing in locations around the world.  Visit www.ghsp.com to learn more about the company.