By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
As Kevin Klynstra winds down his tenure as mayor of Zeeland, a gathering honoring his service to the city is being planned for this year’s Pumpkinfest.
A Happy Hour Retirement Party to honor Klynstra will take place Friday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Pumpkinfest Entertainment Tent behind the Howard Miller Library and will feature complimentary root beer floats and popcorn. A special tribute to the mayor will take place at 3 p.m. Social District beverages will also be available for purchase at participating downtown restaurants.
Klynstra will leave the mayor’s office Dec. 1 after 14 years as the city’s top elected official, the second-longest mayoral tenure in the city’s history. Only his predecessor, the late Les Hoogland, served longer as mayor of Zeeland. Klynstra was a city councilman for 16 years before being elected mayor in November 2011.
“Serving the people of Zeeland has been the honor of a lifetime,” Klynstra said. “Together, we have strengthened our community, celebrated our traditions, and built for the future. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of this wonderful city.”
Throughout his years of service, Klynstra played a pivotal role in advancing Zeeland’s growth and enhancing its community spirit. His leadership has touched nearly every facet of city life — from downtown revitalization and industrial growth to parks, public safety, and community engagement.
Examples of Klynstra’s contributions include:
• Downtown Revitalization: Guided projects such as the Woonerf on Elm Street, the Downtown Zeeland splash pad, introduction of the snowmelt system, Sligh Building redevelopment, and the addition of the social district. The mayor also oversaw significant infill developments along Main Avenue, including new buildings at 135 and 137 E. Main — with a public passageway – as well as the 17 East Main mixed-use development. Klynstra’s support of the city’s alcohol ordinance amendments helped attract new restaurants while retaining longtime favorites.
• Parks and Recreation: Implemented the parks master plan, with major updates to Huizenga Park (Timber Town rebuild, pickleball courts, new restrooms) and the Hoogland Park reconstruction that took place this summer.
• Public Safety: Oversaw the implementation of police body cameras — the first in Ottawa County — and oversaw the addition of full-time firefighters and a new fire truck.
• Industrial and Economic Development: Instrumental in securing the recent opportunity for JR Automation’s $85 million investment in Zeeland and the zoning for Mead Johnson’s $835 million industrial project.
• Infrastructure and City Services: Supported the Clean Water Plant expansion, Howard Miller Library and Community Center growth, Felch Street cemetery improvements, roundabout construction, and the development of a citywide multi-use path system. He also helped maintain the city’s historically low millage rate.
“Mayor Klynstra’s leadership has transformed Zeeland in countless ways. His vision and commitment to community will be felt for generations,” City Manager Tim Klunder said.
Beyond infrastructure, Mayor Klynstra championed community spirit. He chaired the Labor Day Truck Parade Committee, played Santa Claus at city events, and starred in numerous “Feel the Zeel” marketing videos.
Klynstra also served as president of the Michigan Mayors Association, on the Michigan Municipal League Board of Directors, and in numerous regional leadership roles, including the West Michigan Airport Authority and Macatawa Area Coordinating Council Executive Committee.
Zeeland Record
As Kevin Klynstra winds down his tenure as mayor of Zeeland, a gathering honoring his service to the city is being planned for this year’s Pumpkinfest.
A Happy Hour Retirement Party to honor Klynstra will take place Friday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Pumpkinfest Entertainment Tent behind the Howard Miller Library and will feature complimentary root beer floats and popcorn. A special tribute to the mayor will take place at 3 p.m. Social District beverages will also be available for purchase at participating downtown restaurants.
Klynstra will leave the mayor’s office Dec. 1 after 14 years as the city’s top elected official, the second-longest mayoral tenure in the city’s history. Only his predecessor, the late Les Hoogland, served longer as mayor of Zeeland. Klynstra was a city councilman for 16 years before being elected mayor in November 2011.
“Serving the people of Zeeland has been the honor of a lifetime,” Klynstra said. “Together, we have strengthened our community, celebrated our traditions, and built for the future. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of this wonderful city.”
Throughout his years of service, Klynstra played a pivotal role in advancing Zeeland’s growth and enhancing its community spirit. His leadership has touched nearly every facet of city life — from downtown revitalization and industrial growth to parks, public safety, and community engagement.
Examples of Klynstra’s contributions include:
• Downtown Revitalization: Guided projects such as the Woonerf on Elm Street, the Downtown Zeeland splash pad, introduction of the snowmelt system, Sligh Building redevelopment, and the addition of the social district. The mayor also oversaw significant infill developments along Main Avenue, including new buildings at 135 and 137 E. Main — with a public passageway – as well as the 17 East Main mixed-use development. Klynstra’s support of the city’s alcohol ordinance amendments helped attract new restaurants while retaining longtime favorites.
• Parks and Recreation: Implemented the parks master plan, with major updates to Huizenga Park (Timber Town rebuild, pickleball courts, new restrooms) and the Hoogland Park reconstruction that took place this summer.
• Public Safety: Oversaw the implementation of police body cameras — the first in Ottawa County — and oversaw the addition of full-time firefighters and a new fire truck.
• Industrial and Economic Development: Instrumental in securing the recent opportunity for JR Automation’s $85 million investment in Zeeland and the zoning for Mead Johnson’s $835 million industrial project.
• Infrastructure and City Services: Supported the Clean Water Plant expansion, Howard Miller Library and Community Center growth, Felch Street cemetery improvements, roundabout construction, and the development of a citywide multi-use path system. He also helped maintain the city’s historically low millage rate.
“Mayor Klynstra’s leadership has transformed Zeeland in countless ways. His vision and commitment to community will be felt for generations,” City Manager Tim Klunder said.
Beyond infrastructure, Mayor Klynstra championed community spirit. He chaired the Labor Day Truck Parade Committee, played Santa Claus at city events, and starred in numerous “Feel the Zeel” marketing videos.
Klynstra also served as president of the Michigan Mayors Association, on the Michigan Municipal League Board of Directors, and in numerous regional leadership roles, including the West Michigan Airport Authority and Macatawa Area Coordinating Council Executive Committee.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
