Holland Approves $11.3M Ice Rink Fees for Public Skates and School Trips

A New Ice Rink in Holland: A Dream Come True

Holland, Michigan, is preparing to unveil a new ice rink that promises to become a beloved community destination. Despite the upcoming warm weather, city leaders are already looking ahead to the winter season when the rink will open its doors. This project, which has been years in the making, is the result of collaboration, dedication, and the legacy of a local educator who dreamed of bringing an ice rink to the area.

The $11.3 million ice rink will be located at the iconic Window on the Waterfront Park, just a short walk from downtown. The facility includes a 14,000-square-foot ice path, pavilions, picnic areas, and restrooms. Construction has already begun, with concrete poured for the ice path and pond. The structures for concessions and refrigeration have also been built, and the next phase involves creating the actual ice sheet through curing and piping installation.

This dream became a reality thanks to the late Frank Kraai, a retired educator and longtime advocate for the project. For years, Kraai attended city council meetings, pushing for the development of an ice rink. When he learned he was a millionaire at age 86, he donated his life savings—over $1 million—to the cause. He even attended the groundbreaking ceremony in April 2024 before passing away before the project's completion. His vision and passion continue to inspire the community.

Pricing and Accessibility

The city council has approved a range of fees for the ice rink, ensuring affordability for residents. Skate rental and access to the pond or ice ribbon for 90 minutes will cost between $5 and $10 per participant. Most open skate sessions will be priced at $10, with discounted rates on weekday nights. This model, inspired by other Midwest ice rinks, aims to streamline the booking process and reduce wait times.

For curling, rentals will be offered in two tiers: “non-prime days” (most weekdays) and “prime days” (weekends and holidays). Non-prime day rentals will cost between $75 and $125, while prime day rentals will range from $125 to $150. These 90-minute sessions can accommodate up to eight curlers. The curling rink is about half the size of a regulation sheet, and the pricing is significantly lower than comparable facilities in other cities.

The ice rink will also offer Learn to Skate classes, likely held on Saturday mornings with groups of 15-25 participants. Each class will cost between $40 and $60, following the same structure as other sports education programs in the area.

Community Partnerships and Educational Programs

Holland is working closely with local schools and educational institutions to make the ice rink accessible to students. Hope College is offering free programs for certain age groups, depending on student involvement. Four school districts—Holland Public Schools, Holland Christian Schools, Black River Public School, and Vanderbilt Charter Academy—are eligible for “at cost” visits, where the district covers only the costs of staff and concessions like hot chocolate or cookies.

Other schools will pay $7 per skater for field trips. The city is also planning to hire around 30 staff members to manage operations, with approximately eight working at a time.

Private events, such as birthday parties or corporate functions, will be available at a rate of $500 per hour and $5 per skater. However, these will not be offered during open skate hours, and they are considered a lower priority during the first year of operation.

Daily Schedule and Maintenance

A preliminary schedule for Saturdays has been outlined. Maintenance and resurfacing will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by a Learn to Skate course from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Open skate sessions will run from noon to 8 p.m., with 30-minute resurfacing breaks in between each session.

City officials hope the final product will feel like an indoor rink that simply happens to be outdoors. The goal is to create a welcoming space that brings people together throughout the winter months.

Funding and Support

The project has received significant support from both private donors and public funding sources. Around 80% of the total cost came from private contributions, including a matched $1 million donation from the Jim Jurries family and a major gift from the Haworth Foundation. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) provided $800,000 as part of the state’s revitalization program, funded through pandemic relief funds.

Additionally, the city allocated a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funding to the project. City council also approved $2 million in capital improvement funding to ensure construction could proceed smoothly.

Residents interested in following the progress of the rink can watch live updates online. As the project nears completion, excitement continues to build in the community, with many eager to experience the new ice rink firsthand.