Cemetery-Parks Commission approves June minutes; hears park project, cemetery repair and Church Street reconstruction updates

The Zeeland Cemetery-Parks Commission approved its June 11, 2025 meeting minutes and received updates on several park and cemetery projects at its Sept. 10, 2025 meeting at City Hall.

Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Kevin Plockmeyer told commissioners that the Hoogland Park reconstruction is progressing and should wrap up by the end of October, with a ribbon-cutting scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 10:30 a.m. Plockmeyer said about $50,000 of the project contingency has been spent addressing unstable soil linked to an old dump beneath the park.

Plockmeyer said staff plan to resume work on lighting for the Huizenga Park pickleball courts, starting with design work this fall; installation would follow only if funds are included in a future budget. Commissioner Amy Langeland asked whether evergreen screening such as arborvitae could be added as a sound barrier; Plockmeyer said landscaping could be considered this fall.

On natural resource management, Plockmeyer described a phased vegetation management plan for Paw Paw Park led by the Outdoor Discovery Center to address sumac, vines and overgrowth rather than immediate wholesale clearing.

At Vande Luyster Square, a tree evaluation by consultant Save a Tree recommended dead-wooding, raising canopies and the removal of three trees to reduce the risk of limb drop and to improve under-canopy vegetation. Commissioners signaled no objection to staff moving forward with the consultant’s recommendations.

Plockmeyer also presented a proposal from vendor MC Smith to design a replacement gazebo at Vande Luyster Square. The plan favors a metal structure that preserves the ornate look of the current wooden gazebo and may include a slightly raised platform used for events; staff estimated the project at roughly $150,000–$200,000 and said they will consult Zeeland Festivals/Marketing and library staff about preferences.

At Lincoln Cemetery, staff replaced two irrigation pumps after lightning damaged the units just before Labor Day. Commissioner John Query asked whether the pumps can be better protected; Plockmeyer said staff will check with the contractor Shoreline about possible protections.

Plockmeyer described the planned 2026 Church Street reconstruction as a major trunkline replacement to be bid in two phases. He said the Michigan Department of Transportation's environmental review identified a cemetery dating to the 1850s in the work area; as a condition of MDOT funding, the project will require a certified archaeologist on site for excavation in the vicinity of that historic cemetery.

Other operational items included staff noting that Cemetery Supervisor Mike Bronkorst would be notified about two dead trees at Felch Street Cemetery, and that Susan Moore, administrative assistant, is now handling cemetery recordkeeping such as plot sales and burial records. Commissioners asked whether the Wreaths of Honor ceremony would be scheduled again; staff said they would follow up.

Staff provided burial and sales counts since June 2025: Lincoln burials — residents 4, non-residents 9; Felch burials — residents 1, non-residents 2; Columbarium burials — resident 1. Sales: Lincoln — residents 0, non-residents 0; Felch — residents 9, non-residents 4; Columbarium — residents 4.

The commission adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Its next regularly scheduled meeting is Oct. 8, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., though staff said they do not expect to meet again before December unless substantial agenda items arise.