HOLLAND, Mich. — The Holland City Council voted Nov. 19 to amend the city’s parks ordinance to allow alcohol in a prescribed portion of the "window on the waterfront," specifically the plaza area of the Holland Ice Park, and approved a companion map expanding the city's social district to include that shaded plaza area.

City staff said the proposal responds to a unanimous recommendation from the Downtown Development Authority and the Parking and Service District to extend the social district into the ice park plaza; staff emphasized the distinction that the change applies to the plaza only and does not permit alcohol on the ice surface itself.

"The ordinance...would amend section 22‑10 to allow alcohol in a very prescribed area," Assistant City Manager Keith Van Beek told council, explaining procedural options: ordinary adoption (effective 21 days after passage) or immediate-effect adoption under the charter (which would require six votes).

Council debated insurance, waivers and enforcement during questions from members. Members of the public urged caution: Jennifer Williams told council, "ice plus alcohol equals increased risk of injury and harm for our kids," and Lindell Herrick urged, "control, don't enable." Council voted to adopt the ordinance without emergency effect (21‑day effective date), a motion that carried on roll call. The separate resolution approving the social-district boundary amendment also passed; Councilman Corbin voted against the map change.

Staff said routine permitting and monitoring tools remain available — for instance, the city can still issue special-event liquor permits where the ordinance allows — and noted the council can rescind or modify the social district boundaries later if operational problems arise. The change will take effect after the 21‑day statutory posting period unless council revisits it.