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Council approves replacement pedestrian bridge at Van Ralte Farm
Summary
The Holland City Council voted to purchase a pre-engineered, 40-foot clear-span pedestrian bridge to replace a crossing washed out at Van Ralte Farm; installation is planned for fall 2025 and staff said the design avoids in-river supports and raises the deck above recent flood levels.
The Holland City Council voted to approve the purchase and installation of a new pedestrian bridge at Van Ralte Farm, replacing a structure washed out by a heavy rain event.
City staff described the replacement during the April 2 regular meeting and said the pre-engineered, all-wood bridge will span about 40 feet and sit higher than previous structures to avoid in-river supports. "We do have 2 bridges out there and this one has been washed out for a while due to a large rain event," said Garrett, assistant director of Parks and Recreation. He said the new bridge will be a clear span with decking of southern yellow pine and two 20-foot boardwalk sections where required to meet permit conditions.
The bridge project team told council the City has secured review and permitting from multiple agencies, including Ottawa and Allegan County drain commissions and a permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Staff said Sinclair Recreation is the vendor holding pricing and that installation is expected in fall 2025 if council approved the purchase. Garrett said the design changes — a higher deck and no supports at the river's edge — were intended to reduce the chance the bridge would wash out again: "This one clear spans, so we don't have any support near the river's edge and this one will be quite a bit higher."
Resident Jeff Minkus, who identified himself as a frequent user of Van Ralte Farm trails, told council he and others are "excited" to see the bridge replaced so the loop trail can be completed.
Council Member Bird moved to approve the purchase; Council Member Soule supported the motion. The motion passed on a roll-call vote and council instructed staff to coordinate ordering, permitting and installation. The City manager and Parks and Recreation staff also noted the department recently submitted a $400,000 state trust grant application to fund additional Van Ralte Farm improvements, and that other site work (dog‑park lighting, drainage repairs, signage and interpretive material) is planned or already approved.
The council did not identify a construction contract award date during the meeting; staff said work would proceed after vendor ordering and receipt of permits.
