The city of Holland has been awarded a grant of $800,000 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund to help fund the construction of a community ice rink at the Civic Center.
Ice rink to enhance winter recreation and events
The proposed ice rink will be located on the east side of the Civic Center, adjacent to the farmers market pavilion. It will be open from November to March, offering public skating, ice hockey, curling, and other winter activities. The ice rink will also host special events such as ice carving competitions, winter festivals, and holiday celebrations.
The ice rink project is part of the Civic Center Place Master Plan, which aims to revitalize the downtown area and create a year-round destination for residents and visitors. The master plan was developed through a collaborative process involving the city, the Holland Civic Center Place Board, the Holland Farmers Market, and the community.
Grant to cover half of the project cost
The total cost of the ice rink project is estimated at $1.6 million, which includes site preparation, infrastructure, refrigeration system, dasher boards, lighting, landscaping, and amenities. The grant from the DNR Trust Fund will cover half of the cost, while the remaining funds will come from the city’s capital improvement budget and private donations.
The DNR Trust Fund is a state program that provides financial assistance for land acquisition and development of public recreation facilities. The fund is supported by revenues from the sale and lease of state-owned mineral rights. The grant awards are determined by the DNR Trust Fund Board and approved by the state legislature and governor.
Construction to begin in spring 2024
The city plans to begin construction of the ice rink in spring 2024, after completing the design and engineering phases. The goal is to have the ice rink operational by winter 2024-25. The city will also hire a manager and staff to operate and maintain the ice rink.
The city hopes that the ice rink will attract more people to the Civic Center and downtown Holland, especially during the winter months when activity tends to slow down. The city also expects that the ice rink will generate revenue from user fees, rentals, sponsorships, and concessions.