HOLLAND — The City of Holland is moving forward with its $11.3 million ice park, expected to be open in August, just in time for summer activities and well ahead of the anticipated November ice skating season.

The new recreational addition, Holland Ice Park at Window on the Waterfront, is designed to be a year-round community hub, not simply an ice rink. The ice park will be located on Sixth Street, near the corner of College Avenue.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department has several ideas to keep the park a fun, usable destination even in the spring and summer months. The concrete-based skate pond, for example, can be used as a children’s bike path when not covered in ice.

The city of Holland signed an agreement with Velo Kids, a local nonprofit with a mission to get more kids on bikes, to run programs at the ice park.

Support Our Work

Ottawa News Network is a nonprofit news service dedicated to providing the residents of Ottawa County with trustworthy, community-driven news. ONN treats journalism as a public good — something that enriches lives and empowers Ottawa County’s 300,000-plus residents to stay engaged, make informed decisions, and strengthen local democracy. Please consider giving today.

Velo Kids, a nonprofit established in Holland in 2017, has expanded significantly since its founding. The organization now serves more than 3,000 young riders through free programs, competitive club teams and summer camps. The group's mission is to get all kids on bikes. 

Bikes will be provided at the park for children who don't have their own during these programs.

Holland Assistant City Manager Matt VanDyken said the community and those visiting the city are in for a treat. 

“It’s going to be very unique. There is nothing like this in Michigan,” VanDyken said about the new park. “It will have a positive impact not only on those who live here, but those who come to dine, shop and enjoy all we have to offer.”

VanDyken said it will be a great place to spend time during West Michigan’s “long winters.”

“It’s something that everyone can do outside. It will be a huge asset to the city,” he said. 

The park will also accommodate smaller community events like yoga classes or school plays.

Long-held vision comes to fruition 

Since early spring, crews have been installing the underground piping system that will freeze the 14,000-square-foot ice path and pond for optimal skating conditions.

The park will also have its own Zamboni, reducing its reliance on ambient air temperatures for ice maintenance.

The park is expected to be ready for ice skating in November.

The project had many financial sponsors, including a $1 million donation from former educator Frank Kraai and another $1 million donation from the Jim Jurries Family — helping cover the total cost of $11,364,953.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provided an $800,000 grant through the state’s revitalization and placemaking program, funded by COVID-19 pandemic relief. The city also allocated a quarter of its American Rescue Plan Act funding and $2 million in capital improvement funding to kickstart construction.

— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.