If you seek a pleasant park, look about you.

That could be the motto in Muskegon County, where local and state parks offer a stunning variety of natural features, from towering sand dunes and scenic beaches to lush forests and interesting natural areas.

You can find beach volleyball and sugar sand at Pere Marquette Park and a boardwalk and barrier-free access at Kruse Park, both in Muskegon. There's a nature preserve at Clear Springs in Montague and three state parks with camping, hiking and beach facilities spread throughout the county. A newly renovated county park, Pioneer, also offers camping facilities.

The area has become a haven for swimmers, hikers, campers and nature lovers. And the area has developed a network of state, county, township and city parks to take advantage of the natural surroundings.

Lake Michigan coastline stretches 26 miles, from the northern portion of White River Township to the southern end of Norton Shores. Of that, more than eight miles of coastline is dedicated public access through state, county and municipal parks.

Here are some of the more popular parks:

MUSKEGON COUNTY

· P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, Norton Shores.

This park at Lake Harbor and Pontaluna roads is known for the Gillette Nature Center. Hoffmaster also has campgrounds nestled in the woods, a day-use beach, a dune-climb stairway, scenic hiking trails and an extensive barrier-free trail to the beach. Vehicle daily or annual entrance fee is required.

· Muskegon State Park, Laketon Township.

Located at Memorial and Scenic drives, the park features a bathhouse, day-use parking, a large campground in the dunes, a historic blockhouse, boat launches and access to Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. The park also has a Winter Sports Complex complete with lighted cross-country ski trails and a luge run. Vehicle annual or daily entrance fee is required.

· Duck Lake State Park, Fruitland Township.

The park, near Michillinda and Nestrom roads, has a shallow channel off Scenic Drive that leads from Duck Lake to Lake Michigan. It is often a popular swimming spot for families with young children. The park also offers hiking and skiing trails and a picnic area. Vehicle daily or annual entrance fee is required.

· Pere Marquette Park, Muskegon.

This city park offers a wide expanse of beach, playground, volleyball courts, a restaurant and access to the Muskegon Channel and lighthouse. Take Lakeshore Drive west to The Ovals. There is no entrance fee.

· Norman F. Kruse Park, Muskegon.

This city-owned park is at the west end of Sherman Boulevard. The park offers picnic shelters, dune overlooks, barrier-free access to the beach and a play- ground. There is no fee.

· Lake Harbor Park, Norton Shores.

This day-use park is on Lake Harbor Road along the Mona Lake Channel. A walk along a forest path leads to a wide expanse of Lake Michigan beach. Additional shoreline property was recently added. There is no fee.