GRAND HAVEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — There’s a growing effort to save a Grand Haven-area landmark.
The area’s only outdoor roller hockey rink at Mercury Park is slated for demolition. The plan is to replace it with pickleball courts.
Grand Haven Township Board Superintendent Bill Cargo says the township made the decision on April 27 because not enough people were using the roller rink.
But players and parents who have watched their kids grow up playing at Mercury Park feel the change would eliminate a haven for kids in the community.
“Just pure happiness. It’s where I’m in my element,” Grand Haven resident Zak Wiersma described playing roller hockey.
“Pickleball target is 60 and up for the most part and it’s just taking one thing away from kids,” he continued.
After learning the township had decided to turn the rink into pickleball courts, hockey players took a stand. They protested outside the park on Sunday, holding signs that read, “I learned to skate here” and “Save our rink.”
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