From mill to cultural gem: The history behind Park Theatre

HOLLAND — For a quarter of a century, downtown Holland’s Park Theatre at 248 S. River Ave. has operated under the stewardship of the Park Theatre Foundation, serving as a vital cultural engine and community gathering space.

Now, as the foundation marks its 25th anniversary, the historic venue is looking back on its storied past while preparing to celebrate with the community that keeps its doors open.

History

Built in 1886, the building originally served as a woodworking mill and a feed store before becoming Colonial Theatre in 1920. In 1935, the inside of the building burned, and one year later — after renovations — it opened as Park Theatre. 

After 64 years as a beloved venue, Park Theatre shut its doors in 1984 due to competition with multiple screen theaters. The building remained silent until 1998, when it was purchased by the Holland Wind Chorus. In December 2001, the Park Theatre Foundation took over the building, beginning a new chapter for the building. 

Park Fest

Park Fest, the annual fundraiser for Park Theatre (previously called Parktoberfest), is set for Sept. 25-26 and is advertised as a weekend to celebrate the theatre and all the people who have continued to support it. 

The two days of the event feature music, raffles, fundraising, and more as celebrations get underway for a quarter century of the Park Theatre Foundation. 

“It's 25 years, that's a long time, and we want to see 25 more and 25 after that. It's a celebration of what we've done, where we are and where we are going, and most of all the people that have helped sustain all of that,” said Driesenga while talking about this year's Park Fest. 

Today

Now, 25 years later, Park Theatre is celebrating 25 years of operations for the multi-use venue that serves as a community center of Holland.

The mission statement of Park Theatre is evident the minute you step into its historic doors, with the Park Theatre website declaring that “The Park Theatre Foundation provides West Michigan communities with entertainment and culture while empowering artists, championing self-expression, and preserving the historic Park Theatre.” 

The Park Theatre keeps its mission statement in mind as it hosts a variety of events, including comedy nights, concerts, nonprofit events, reunions, and more. Not only that, but they provide programs such as CPR training or suicide prevention training to help strengthen their community. 

Tuesday nights, however, at 7:30 p.m., are open mic nights. The cost to get in is $5, and Jair Driesenga, communications manager at Park Theatre, says that is one of the more popular nights for the theatre. 

“It's such a breeding ground for relationships and the support that we see with open mic night and karaoke night. They’re just very accessible programs that we do,” said Driesenga. “It’s just humans celebrating humans.” 

Driesenga has worked for the theatre for the past five years, and said the theatre has seen rapid growth and progress since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between volunteers getting involved in the board and committees, in addition to Park Theatre being intentional about spreading the knowledge about their mission, Driesenga argues that it's “the hype that brings people in and the wholesome that keeps them around.” 

Most shows tend to be for those 18 and older; however, minors may attend if accompanied by a legal guardian.   

For more information on any of Park Theatre’s upcoming events, visit parktheatreholland.org.

— Mallory Burt is a reporter for Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.