The City of Orange City officially dedicated and renamed Puddle Jumper Park as Woudstra Family Park yesterday (Wednesday) morning, recognizing generations of leadership and service from the Woudstra family.
Honoring Generations of Service
After the initial announcement last fall, community members gathered at the park for the dedication ceremony, where city leaders reflected on the family’s nearly five decades of involvement in local government and community service.
For 49 of the last 55 years, a member of the Woudstra family served on the Orange City City Council:
•James Woudstra (Earl’s grandfather) from 1964 to 1974
•Leroy Woudstra (Earl’s father) from 1976 to 1994
•Earl Woudstra from 1999 to 2019
In addition to serving on the council, Earl Woudstra also spent more than 10 years as Orange City’s first Parks and Recreation Director before later serving six years as city administrator.
Former Orange City Councilman Daryl Beltman says the city wanted to find a meaningful way to recognize the family’s impact on the community.
A Family Legacy in Orange City
Speaking after the ceremony, Earl Woudstra says the recognition is deeply meaningful for his family.
James (Jim) Woudstra immigrated to the United States in 1920 from the province of Friesland, located in the northern part of the Netherlands, and helped create Woudstra’s Meat Market in 1926.
Current Orange City City Administrator Matt Van Schouwen says the Woudstra family’s commitment to service continues to influence younger generations in the community.
Growth of the Park
The park, established in 2023, has continued to evolve since being established.
Originally envisioned as an inclusive community space south of the Puddle Jumper Trail, the park first opened with a fully accessible playground and splash pad designed for children of all abilities. Since then, additional amenities have been added, including pickleball courts and a shelter house.
Woudstra Family Park shelter house and splash pad / Photos: Sioux County Radio
The park also includes a 9-hole disc golf course with multiple tee pad layouts, allowing players to complete an 18-hole round.
Orange City Parks and Recreation Director Noah Minnick says city leaders intentionally designed the space to serve a wide variety of ages and interests while continuing to expand recreational opportunities in the community.
Minnick also says the dedication is especially fitting considering Earl Woudstra’s longtime involvement with parks and recreation in Orange City.
Built on the Work of Others
Woudstra says the park’s growth reflects the broader vision many community leaders have had for Orange City over the years.
In addition to his public service work, Woudstra spent 36 years at Northwestern College, where he served as women’s basketball coach, athletics administrator, and athletic director. He led the Raiders women’s basketball program to four NAIA national championships and was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2012.
More photos of Woudstra Family Park / Sioux County Radio
