Zeeland commission updates parks work: Hoogland Park closed for summer; tree removals and gazebo design planned

The Cemetery-Parks Commission heard updates on multiple park projects at its June 11 meeting, including major construction at Hoogland Park, ongoing pickleball programming at Huizenga Park, vegetation mitigation at Paw Paw Park and a tree health review at Vande Luyster Square.

Assistant City Manager and Finance Director Kevin Plockmeyer told the commission that construction at Hoogland Park has begun. "Play equipment, restroom building and the large tree at the park have all been removed," he said in the minutes. The park will be closed for the summer; staff estimate the project will be finished around September or October. Contractor CarbonSix has signaled it would like to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and staff expect to arrange an event when the project is complete.

Why it matters: Hoogland Park is undergoing site changes that will remove existing amenities and close the park for several months, affecting nearby residents and users who seek playground and restroom access.

Plockmeyer also reported that a comment at a Planning Commission site plan hearing suggested adding signage to alert motorists, especially those exiting onto Maple, that a park is nearby; staff said they will evaluate installing signage to improve safety.

The commission received an update on Huizenga Park, where Zeeland Recreation's pickleball season and programming are "going well," Plockmeyer said. There have been no new requests from Zeeland Recreation for softball tournaments or travel-team use of the ballfield. Regarding lighting for the pickleball courts, staff plan to consult contractor MC Smith because a prior engineering firm's recommended product was not ideal and was too costly.

At Paw Paw Park, contracted mitigation work with the Outdoor Discovery Center has begun; staff characterized the effort as a long-term, multi-year vegetation-management process.

A certified arborist evaluated trees at Vande Luyster Square and identified one tree near the parsonage that is dying and should be removed; the arborist also noted age-related decay in other trees. Commissioner Ashley Kiekintveld asked whether the problem was strictly sunlight or whether foot traffic from events such as the Peddlers' Market could be contributing; Plockmeyer said staff have tried reseeding the lawn but noted heavy traffic in that corner. Plockmeyer said gazebo design work is included in the upcoming budget and staff will bring recommendations and potential tree-management options to a future meeting.

What comes next: Staff will assess signage options near Hoogland Park, engage MC Smith on pickleball-court lighting alternatives, continue vegetation mitigation at Paw Paw Park and return to the commission with tree-recommendation options and gazebo design details for Vande Luyster Square.