Vision for a community ice-skating park inspires second $1M donation
The Jim Jurries family is donating $1 million toward a planned ice-skating park in Holland, inspired by a $1.16 million gift and the vision of retired teacher Frank Kraai.
The Jim Jurries family is donating $1 million toward a planned ice-skating park in Holland.
This donation will build upon an initial $1.16 million gift from retired educator Frank Kraai, whose vision is to bring an ice-skating outdoor facility to his hometown for everyone to experience the joy of skating. The city of Holland has approved the project.
“I am motivated for this gift by my respect for Frank Kraai and his contributions
to this community,” Jurries says in a message to the community. “Holland has been very good to my family over our lives here, and I want to acknowledge that in this way.”
Jurries has fond memories of skating as a child at outdoor rinks in public parks in Grand Rapids, his hometown.
Will be at Window on the Waterfront Park
Since 1997 the City of Holland has explored potential locations and designs for an ice-skating park through early visioning efforts and within the 2019 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
The city has identified Window on the Waterfront Park as the ideal location for the skating facility. This park already has a breadth of amenities, including flower beds, athletic fields, a boardwalk, the Sally Smoly Nature Playscape, and more.
Kraai’s initial gift launched the implementation of the plan, and the city hosted several community listening sessions to ensure the space is inclusive for all. This gift from the Jurries family builds momentum as the City requests bids for construction and launches public fundraising in 2023.
The city has partnered with the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area to receive donations. The estimated cost for the ice skating park and overall campaign goal is $8 million.
The Jurries family has generously supported many initiatives and facilities in the Holland area.
“We are delighted that the Jurries family has embraced the vision for this new outdoor community space, and we are so grateful for this generous gift,” says Holland City Manager Keith Van Beek. “We look forward to this being an area of community joy and togetherness.”
More information about the project and previous community engagement sessions may be found at icerink.cityofholland.com.
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