West Michigan’s first outdoor Pet Sanctuary prepares to open with ribbon-cutting ceremony
A new sanctuary dedicated to honoring lost pets will officially open this week along Lake Macatawa as the Holland Area Pet Memorial hosts a public ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new "Rainbow Bridge" installation.
HOLLAND — A new sanctuary dedicated to honoring lost pets will officially open this week along Lake Macatawa as the Holland Area Pet Memorial hosts a public ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new "Rainbow Bridge" installation.
The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at the intersection of Ottawa Beach Road and 168th Street.
Developed by the Holland Area Pet Memorial — a nonprofit organization founded in 2025 — in partnership with Park Township, the outdoor memorial was created to offer grieving pet owners across West Michigan a peaceful location to reflect and celebrate the lives of their animal companions.
Read More: From a spark to a sanctuary: Holland pet memorial breaks ground in Park Township
The site features a bridge painted in vibrant rainbow colors set against the backdrop of Lake Macatawa, surrounded by memorial benches and dedicated signage. Inspired by the popular prose poem "Rainbow Bridge," which depicts a serene meadow where pets wait to be reunited with their owners, the memorial invites visitors to attach their pets' collars or engraved identification tags directly to the bridge’s metal railings.
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"This has been a labor of love from the very beginning," said Roberta Mitchell, president and co-founder of the Holland Area Pet Memorial. "We wanted to create a place where people could find comfort, connection, and a lasting tribute to the pets who meant so much to them. That vision is now a reality, and we are so excited to share it with everyone."
The project was brought to fruition through donor contributions and local business sponsorships. Admission to Thursday’s grand opening event is free and open to all community members.
How to help
The Holland Area Pet Memorial is seeking donations and brick purchases through its website.
- To donate: Visit Pet123.org to make a donation and/or purchase an engraved brick.
- Sponsorships: Other businesses are invited to contact the organization at mike@Pet123.org or 616-834-0910.
— Submitted by Holland Area Pet Memorial. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
