In July of 2005, the Park Theatre Foundation was awarded a Cool Cities grant by the State of Michigan. The visibility and attention that accompanied the award has been a tremendous boost to the project and our fundraising efforts. A requirement of the Cool Cities grant was a local $100,000 match. This requirement was fulfilled with the first phase of the Park's fundraising campaign.

In partnership with the City, a widened snow melted sidewalk was developed in front of the theatre to create a more functional and aesthetically pleasing entrance to the theatre.

We are now in Phase II of the capital campaign and renovations. In this phase we seek to raise $500,000 to pay off the mortgage, provide new handicapped accessible restrooms, restore the twin staircases, create a larger, more inviting lobby to enhance catering opportunities for pre-function gatherings, and upgrade the theatre's lighting and sound capabilities. Elements included in Phase II have been prioritized by a constant evaluation of how the facility is used and what structural improvements would enhance the experience and provide greater programming opportunities.

The final phase of the theatre's fundraising and renovation efforts, Phase III, will provide an additional $400,000 to the project and provide the necessary funds to create stage and in-house improvements. These identified project elements are not as critical as Phase II elements and can be incorporated into the restoration when funds are available.

In just 3 short years, the theatre has been transformed from a useless facility in need of significant repair to a revitalized arts and entertainment venue in a historic and important location in Holland's downtown. However, our work is not done and we remain committed to seeing the Park Theatre become a truly unique and vital resource to our downtown and community.

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