By James Windell
On February 18, 2025, Scott Reinert, South Haven Area Recreation Authority (SHARA) Recreation Administrator, updated the SHARA Board on the Riverwoods site purchase.
Riverwoods is a site owned by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Located adjacent to the Kal-Haven Trail and Black River in South Haven Township, the DNR has owned the 49-acre site for more than 10 years and while the DNR had plans to develop the property for lodging and camping, that has never worked out.
In 2023, SHARA approached the DNR about allowing SHARA to purchase and develop the site as a community recreational park. After discussion with the DNR, it was agreed that SHARA would purchase the property. The initial step in the process was when SHARA submitted a Land Transfer Application to the DNR. All necessary application documents were completed in 2024 to comply with the DNR Land Exchange and Sale program.
Last year, Ross Stein, SHARA Board Chair, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled that the DNR is working with SHARA on the sale of the Riverwoods property. The addition of this conveniently located 49-acre site to SHARA’s growing recreational assets will provide a great location for recreational features clearly desired by the community.”
Jennifer Sistrunk, Executive Director at the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), added, “The Riverwoods property holds immense potential for enhancing our community’s recreational offerings. We are proud to have been part of the initial discussions and look forward to supporting SHARA in making this vision a reality for both locals and visitors.”
During his progress report on February 18, 2025, Reinert said that the DNR has issued final approval for the sale, however, an appraisal still must be conducted and received by the DNR by March 12, 2025.
Reinert added that it is expected that when SHARA gets final approval to buy the property from the Director of the DNR, it is hoped that the purchase can be completed this spring.
Once SHARA receives the purchase price, Reinert said, it will be determined if they can purchase the land outright or do a lease purchase arrangement. The price SHARA pays will be 25% of the fair market value given the deed restrictions in perpetuity. SHARA has funds in their 2025 budget from the City of South Haven recreational millage and donations that it is hoped will cover the purchase price, although that depends on the final amount.
Reinert says that a community fundraising effort is being planned to enable the development of the park in 2026.
Among the development plans for Riverwoods are boardwalk renovations, pavilion upgrade and added amenities for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. The South Haven Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has provided funding for the Nichols Bridge installation and the DNR has been approached about funding a pavilion overlooking the river.
“This is an amazing recreational opportunity for our community,” Reinert says.
