Darrin Duistermars (Directory of Recreation) and Ben Bekius (Community Center Director) presented on Holland Charter Township recreation. Darrin presented the broad goals of Holland Township, which are
- Parks and Recreation are viewed as a quality of life issue.
- Civic partners are essential to the programs. Particularly Park Township and West Ottawa Public Schools have been long-term partners.
- Emphasis is on a broad vision that looks to community input.
Parks in the township are well utilized. Dunton park received 100,000 visitors, Quincy 243,000 visitors, and Helder 343,000 visitors.
Ben is the newly hired director of the center, which will be completed in May and hopefully open for use in June. He previously worked for Dick's Sporting Goods in multiple positions. The emphasis of the center is on recreation for all ages. It will be the first membership facility in Holland Township. There is a full-sized basketball court, 6 pickleball courts with a dedicated pickleball surface, multi-purpose rooms, a walking track, and a fitness room with both cardio and strength training.
The pickleball courts will have open play, can be rented for private use, be used for leagues, will have instructional times, and may host tournaments.
There is also a large meeting room with a separate outside access.
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