- April 20, 2024
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With the cut of the ribbon, Holland Park officially opens. Photo by Paige Wilson
Lola Jones, 3, plays on top of the new playground. Photo by Paige Wilson
Dominic, 6, and Layla, 8, play on the swings. Photo by Paige Wilson
Murphy frolics through the new dog park. Photo by Paige Wilson
Conner Davenport, 6, runs across the bridge. Photo by Paige Wilson
Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland speaks at the James F. Holland Memorial Park reopening. Photo by Paige Wilson
Amelia O'Brien, 2, climbs on a feature in Holland Park. Photo by Paige Wilson
Amelia Villarino, 5, enjoys the zip line. Photo by Paige Wilson
A large crowd gathers at the reopening of James F. Holland Memorial Park. Photo by Paige Wilson
Abby Villarino, 5, tries out the new twisty slide.
Lilly Libby, 1, plays in the grass. Photo by Paige Wilson
Amarius Anderson, Xymeir Lawrence and Anjale-Hill sit on the rocks. Photo by Paige Wilson
City officials perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Photo by Paige Wilson
Isabella Draisey, 3, slides down the new park feature. Photo by Paige Wilson
City officials smile at the end of the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photo by Paige Wilson
Penny prances through the new dog park. Photo by Paige Wilson
Murphy plays in the new dog park. Photo by Paige Wilson
After much anticipation, James F. Holland Memorial Park officially reopened with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, family-fun activities and a speech from Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland on Friday, June 16.
Mayor Holland told a story about her late father, after whom the park is named. She said he had received a basketball for Christmas one year growing up and played with it at a community park every day after school. She attributed his love for parks and recreational areas to this childhood experience.
During her speech, Mayor Holland quoted Audrey Hepburn, "to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow."
Holland said she believes in Palm Coast's tomorrow and this park's role in it.
"Park systems can inspire all ages and all aptitudes," Mayor Holland said. "When you invest in parks, you're investing in the future of the community."
Claudette O'Dowd used to take her dogs to Holland Park years ago, before her children could even walk. Now, she came to the reopening with her children, Avery, 5, and Devin, 4, as they ran around the new equipment and features.
"We've been waiting for a long time," O'Dowd said. "It's gorgeous. I've never seen anything like it."
