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HOLLAND, Mich. -- Holland's newest winter attraction is proving to be a smash hit with residents and visitors alike. The Holland Ice Park has sold over 26,000 skating tickets since opening its doors in November 2025, generating between $275,000 and $300,000 in revenue for the city.
"The response of the public exceeded our expectations," said Holland Recreation Manager Kemri Hilton. The park is scheduled to remain open until approximately March 15th or 16th, completing its successful inaugural winter season.
The $11.2 million facility, located at Window on the Waterfront Park, features a spacious central pond, a 700-foot skating ribbon, and a dedicated curling sheet. The innovative design includes three large fireplaces and connects to Holland's renowned snowmelt system, allowing visitors to enjoy snow-free sidewalks as they explore downtown shops and restaurants after skating.
What makes this ice park particularly special is its origin story. The project was made possible in part by retired Holland school teacher Frank Kraai, who donated his life savings of $1.1 million to help turn a community dream into reality. The main skating pond is dedicated to his memory.
"Frank did not want this to be about him and he didn't want it to be named after him," City Manager Keith Van Beek said during the November opening. "We joke that we cheated a little bit, we named the circle, the pond of ice behind me, after Frank because he is at the center of this ice rink in so many different ways."
The park represents the culmination of nearly a century of community aspiration. Project managers traveled throughout the Midwest, studying similar facilities in Chicago, South Bend, and South Haven to create what many consider the best ice park in the region.
Holland Mayor Nathan Bocks expressed enthusiasm during the park's ribbon-cutting ceremony: "We are ready for the public to come out here and enjoy this beautiful ice park all winter long."
The facility employs advanced refrigeration technology—equivalent to the cooling power of three NHL ice rinks—allowing it to maintain skating conditions even when temperatures rise into the 50s. This engineering solution addressed the inconsistent ice conditions that had previously kept the project on hold for decades.
Each 90-minute skating session costs $10 and includes skate rental. To manage crowds and ensure a quality experience, capacity is limited to 150 skaters per session. Tickets must be purchased online in advance through Holland Recreation's website, with reservations released twice monthly on the second and fourth Tuesdays.
Beyond winter activities, the park is designed as a year-round community space for Holland Parks & Recreation programming, further enhancing its value to the community.