By Greg Chandler
Zeeland Record
The city of Zeeland will honor former Mayor Les Hoogland next Tuesday with a ceremony renaming Heritage Square, at the corner of Main Avenue and Elm Street, in Hoogland’s honor.
The ceremony dedicating the newly-named Hoogland Plaza will take place at 5:45 p.m. in front of the splash pad. Mayor Kevin Klynstra and Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen are expected to speak prior to the unveiling of plaques honoring Hoogland.
Hoogland served for 30 years in elected office for the city, starting as a councilman in 1982 and serving eight years on council before he was elected mayor in 1990. Hoogland then served 22 years in the mayor’s office, the longest such tenure in the city’s history.
“Renaming this vibrant corner of downtown Zeeland is a fitting tribute to one of the city's most devoted public servants,” city Marketing Director Abby deRoo said. “Mayor Hoogland believed deeply in the power of a thriving downtown to strengthen all parts of the community - its industry, schools, and neighborhoods. He took great joy in seeing downtown Zeeland alive with people and activity.”
The dedication of Hoogland Plaza comes almost a year to the day after Hoogland’s death on Aug. 8, 2024 at the age of 94.
DeRoo said that designating the gathering space in Hoogland’s name will ensure that the mayor’s “legacy of civic pride, vision and leadership will endure for generations to come.”
After the Hoogland Plaza dedication, the city’s Police Department will hold its National Night Out celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. on Elm Street by the splash pad, featuring police cars, fire trucks, a dunk tank and root beer floats.
Zeeland Record
The city of Zeeland will honor former Mayor Les Hoogland next Tuesday with a ceremony renaming Heritage Square, at the corner of Main Avenue and Elm Street, in Hoogland’s honor.
The ceremony dedicating the newly-named Hoogland Plaza will take place at 5:45 p.m. in front of the splash pad. Mayor Kevin Klynstra and Mayor Pro Tem Sally Gruppen are expected to speak prior to the unveiling of plaques honoring Hoogland.
Hoogland served for 30 years in elected office for the city, starting as a councilman in 1982 and serving eight years on council before he was elected mayor in 1990. Hoogland then served 22 years in the mayor’s office, the longest such tenure in the city’s history.
“Renaming this vibrant corner of downtown Zeeland is a fitting tribute to one of the city's most devoted public servants,” city Marketing Director Abby deRoo said. “Mayor Hoogland believed deeply in the power of a thriving downtown to strengthen all parts of the community - its industry, schools, and neighborhoods. He took great joy in seeing downtown Zeeland alive with people and activity.”
The dedication of Hoogland Plaza comes almost a year to the day after Hoogland’s death on Aug. 8, 2024 at the age of 94.
DeRoo said that designating the gathering space in Hoogland’s name will ensure that the mayor’s “legacy of civic pride, vision and leadership will endure for generations to come.”
After the Hoogland Plaza dedication, the city’s Police Department will hold its National Night Out celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. on Elm Street by the splash pad, featuring police cars, fire trucks, a dunk tank and root beer floats.
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