Several years ago, a small group of dedicated people in Albion saw a need.  There was a public park in Albion that had less than ideal equipment for the children’s playground, and it seemed to have been forgotten. This park was named Holland Park in 1974, after Robert Holland, a community activist who had helped to end Albion’s segregated school system in the 1950’s.

Council member Lenn Reid and Leslie Dick viewing the previous equipment at Holland Park

There were planning sessions with community leaders, and grants were written to generate funding so that upgrades to Holland Park would not be a burdensome expense to the City of Albion.

While the momentum was building, there were more events taking place at Holland Park. Yet something was missing…a bigger place for people to gather.

Finally, everything was ready, but the planned event at the new pavilion for Juneteenth 2021 did not happen due to the storm on that day.  Three months later, the new pavilion has now been properly dedicated and named.  

The Dr. Harry J. Bonner Sr. Pavilion
Holland Park, Albion, Michigan

See the video below of the dedication ceremony. 

You can also jump to parts of the video to hear your favorite speaker or the special musical selection from Marquetta Frost – just use the index links below the video.

Jumps to individual speakers

Holland Park Transformation

See additional posts on this website about the Holland Park Transformation process, and its namesake Robert Holland.

A favorite Bible verse from Ms. Lenn Reid is Jeremiah 29:11. She believes this and its relation to the City of Albion. Perhaps this was what led her tireless efforts to transform Holland Park during her several terms on the City Council, representing Precinct 2. 

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Dr. Wes Dick gave a talk at the Dr. Bonner Pavilion for the 2021 Labor Day Albion – Walk the Trail event.