ZEELAND, Mich. (WOOD) — The longtime mayor of Zeeland is retiring and the city is hosting a party to send him off.

Mayor Kevin Klynstra first announced he would not be seeking re-election back in February. His term ends Dec. 1 of this year. He was elected mayor in 2011 but before that served as a city council member for 16 years. He was also a postal worker in Zeeland for decades, according to a biography from the Michigan Association of Mayors.

During his years of service to Zeeland, he helped guide revitalization projects like the “woonerf” on Elm Street, the downtown splash pad park and updates to Huizenga Park. He also played Santa at city events and starred in “Feel the Zeel” marketing videos, the city says.

Klynstra also served as president of the Michigan Mayors Association and w

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