Zeeland commission prioritizes Lawrence Park playground, schedules gazebo repairs

Melinda Whitten of MCSA Group presented preliminary concept designs for a new Lawrence Park playground and said the estimated total cost is $1,080,892.30. Commissioners reviewed the design options and the relative priority of this project compared with repairs to the Vande Luyster Gazebo.

Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Kevin Plockmeyer told the commission that about $450,000 remains in the City Park Improvement Fund and recommended setting aside funding for a replacement playground at Lawrence Park, which receives heavier use and is showing age and safety concerns. The updated gazebo concept presented by Whitten carries an estimated grand total of $480,345.78; staff recommended making significant repairs to the gazebo from the operating budget while saving for playground construction.

Commissioners responded positively to both design concepts and agreed that staff should begin the budgeting and planning process. Plockmeyer said construction for the Lawrence Park playground could occur in fall 2027 or summer 2028 if funding is secured. He also noted that Hoogland Park construction is complete aside from punch-list items and that routine maintenance contracts—such as a three-year string-trimming bid for about $40,000—will continue.

The commission took no formal vote on project funding at this meeting; instead, commissioners expressed agreement with staff recommendations and directed staff to include the playground funding proposal in the FY2027 budget process and to proceed with planned gazebo repairs. The commission adjourned at 6:20 p.m.; the next regular meeting is set for April 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.