'If you build it, they will come': James F. Holland Memorial Park reopens to the community's delight

Rain didn't put a damper on the reopening ceremony on June 16.

  • By Paige Wilson
  • | 7:00 p.m. June 16, 2017
  • Palm Coast Observer
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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."

 

 

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