Our History
Holland Charter Township, in September 1970, decided to appoint a committee to review the possibility of offering Recreation programs and working with local entities for facility use for any programs.
By January 1971, a Citizens Advisory Board was established with Dick Cartier and Preston Kolean leading the board. In March 1971, West Ottawa Public Schools endorsed the concept of a Recreation program and pledged support through facilities and cooperative arrangements.
This relationship is still in place today and is the foundation for the successful programs that have been collectively offered for over 54 years.
Wally Hasty was selected as the first Recreation Director for Holland Charter Township in January 1972 and remained in that position for twenty years
The first year of programming included Open Gyms at various West Ottawa Elementary Schools, Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Golf Lessons, Square Dancing, Men’s & Women’s Volleyball, Cards, Slow Pitch Softball and more.
In August of 1973, Nick Weeber was named the Recreation Director for Park Township and for many years, Mr. Weeber and Mr. Hasty worked together with West Ottawa Public Schools to provide comprehensive, affordable, and enjoyable programs to Holland’s Northside.
Darrin Duistermars was hired to succeed Wally Hasty as Holland Township’s Recreation Director in June 1991 and has remained in that position for almost 34 years. With additional staffing that included Amber Sabala, John Kievit, and Amanda Bailey, the Holland Charter Township Recreation program has grown immensely.
Popular youth programs including Baseball, Softball, Basketball, and Football have remained at the forefront, but additional programs including Daddy/Daughter Events, Cheer, Dance, USA Softball tournaments, Ultimate Frisbee events, and Lego events are just a few examples of the multiple offerings our department has brought to the community.
With the addition of the upcoming Community Center, we will be offering many more options including Fitness, Social events, Pickleball, and more.
Still, at the heart of what we do is the relationship and partnership that we have with West Ottawa Public Schools and Park Township to help provide quality programming for Holland’s Northside.
