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Residents and faith groups press Holland City Council to change Collin Park band shell policy
Summary
Dozens of residents, pastors and community groups urged the Holland City Council to revise a longstanding parks policy that limits use of the Collin Park band shell to city-sponsored events, saying the restriction effectively blocks churches and religious groups from performing or worshiping on the stage.
Dozens of residents, pastors and leaders of faith-based groups urged the Holland City Council on Feb. 19 to change the city’s policy that restricts use of the Collin Park band shell to city-sponsored or co‑sponsored events.
Speakers from local churches and nonprofit faith groups said the band shell’s acoustics and stage protection are essential for musical worship and community events and that the current practice leaves them performing on the grass or being denied use entirely. "We are here to admonish you, counsel, to change the policy to align with your 2020 anti discrimination DEI ordinance law," said Anne Hendrickson, co‑chair of the National April Faith Month Action Organization.
Why it matters: Several speakers framed the issue as one of equal access and First Amendment concerns. Mark Jones, vice president of the Holland chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, told council that the city’s online policy (adopted 02/2004…
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