HOLLAND — The Holland Planning Commission reviewed new renderings for recreation center planned at Fairbanks Avenue, near Hope College’s Ray and Sue Smith Stadium, on April 14.
During a study session, officials looked over plans for the roughly 83,000-square-foot center, which would include four full basketball courts that convert into eight volleyball courts.
The plan also calls for 231 on-site parking spots, plus 20 existing spaces off 16th Street.
Officials have discussed the center since 2017. Holland City Council approved roughly $1.2 million in contracts with Lakewood Construction and Integrated Architecture in November 2024 for pre-construction, construction management, and architectural and engineering services.
In December 2025, City Manager Keith Van Beek confirmed the project remained on schedule, with an anticipated construction start date following the beginning of the new fiscal year July 1.
Assistant City Manager Matt Van Dyken said April 14 staffers hope to break ground on the project this fall. The estimated cost is $26 million, with significant support from a $5 million donation through the Heeringa Estate.
Van Dyken noted developers will salvage what they can from the nearby Smallenburg Park, located immediately south of where the recreation center will sit. The majority of large trees located on the property will remain.
Commissioners spoke positively about the plans, but emphasized the importance of considering the flow of traffic in the area when the project is complete.
The center will provide dedicated space for athletic and youth programming, among other offerings like self-defense classes, dance, educational and artistic lessons, and more.
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Renderings show potential of new recreation center in Holland
Reporting by Austin Metz, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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