Park Theatre

Info Updates:

8/7/2006 - David Prins

This theatre closed sometime in the mid 80s. In the early 90s, it functioned as "The Park", a teenage night club. The theater then sat vacant for many years until purchased by the Barbershop Quartet Society. Unable to afford their dreams, ownership was turned over to the Park Theatre foundation. That group hopes to renovate the theather returning it to its former glory. www.parktheatre.org

1/15/2004 - Cinema Treasures

The Park Theatre may finally be restored after remaining dormant since 1984. A new group, The Preservation Through Performance Foundation, was recently formed to begin renovating and restoring the old 1920s movie house. The plans include renovating the auditorium to seat 240 on the main floor and another 70 in the balcony. The theater may also add a 100-seat meeting room upstairs and dressing rooms and storage areas in the basement. The theater will become a performing arts and community center.

11/30/2003 - Holland Sentinel

Park Theatre returns to prominence under boards direction By Alyson Campbell Special to The Sentinel What was once used as a wood mill, a movie theatre, a dance club and the home of the Holland Windmill Chorus is now being renovated to include even more of the arts and a chance for the community to enjoy a part of Hollands history. "We are returning it back to its former glory in order that future generations can look back on the history of their town," said Tim VanDenbeldt, a coordinator for the Park Theatre. "Our goal is that by leaving the doors open, everyone will have a chance to see the theatre and enjoy the arts." VanDenbeldt connected with Park Theatre after reading a news article and joined with the West Michigan Strategic Alliance where he was invited to help with fundraisers for the Park Theatre. "I love old buildings and period restoration, specifically," he said. "This project is important to me because you do not see too many old buildings survive. I want to make the theatre presentable; a place where every common person can come and enjoy an evening without a huge expense." With the help of donations, friends who are professional painters, connections with Hope College and businesses in the community, VanDenbeldt has been able to begin restoration on the Park Theatre and is excited about the changes that are being made in preserving the building. One recent use of the Park Theatre was the Hope Summer Repertory Theatres cabaret production of "The World Goes Round," and VanDenbeldt said he believes this will encourage use of the facility. "The cabaret will bring in a lot of people and these are the people who will be interested in helping us to preserve this building by being a future donor," VanDendbeldt said, "even if their active role is giving of their time, which is just as valuable. Those who remember the building want to keep it as a part of their future." Other acts are already booked at the theater. Debbie Brunstig, of Western Michigan Strategic Alliance for Development Strategies, was hired as the capital campaign manager and says that the board for the Park Theatre has changed its focus from fundraising to operations. She anticipates a full range of uses for the theatre. "Were now operations and we are wanting the theatre to be a place that can be used by all types of people." Park Theatre board member and president-elect Lynn Kotecki was hooked by the Park Theatre because she thought it might provide something new to the arts. Growing up with a musical family and being a performer herself, Kotecki has a love for the arts. "The Park Theatre is such an intimate setting that provides flexibility for the community with its function," Kotecki said. In the future, Kotecki hopes to partner with other non-profit organizations, making the Park an even stronger force for the community. "Its what this area needs to be involved with," Kotecki said. "We want to meet our vision by making it for the community."

HomeMovie TheatersPark Theatre