The American Dream on Wheels and Water:

How the Vandenberg Family Built Lynden Sports | June 15th, 2026 Coopersville Observer

For the Vandenberg family, the road to building a local powerhouse business was paved with winter storms, economic recessions, and an unwavering commitment to the community. Above all, the family gives God the glory for the success and providential guidance that has sustained them through every season. Twenty years after arriving in the United States from Canada in search of opportunity, patriarch Doug Vandenberg and his sons, Luke and Charles, are celebrating their biggest milestone yet: the grand opening of their third major division, a brand-new RV facility right here in Coopersville.
    What is today a sprawling 16-acre, three-building operation totaling 74,000 square feet began with much humbler roots.
    Weathering the Storm – The family’s American journey started in 2006 with a single car wash on 28th Street, which Doug operated while simultaneously managing a dealership back in Canada. When the 2008 economic recession hit, the RV and Marine business plummeted. Tough decisions had to be made. Ultimately, both the car wash and the Canadian dealership were sold, leaving the family looking for a fresh start.
    That restart came in 2011. Refusing to give up, Doug and his sons rented a modest space from Fun N Sun RV near 68th Avenue and Randall Street. In those early days, survival meant pure grit and faith. Luke and Charles—who have spent their entire working lives alongside their father—recall a defining moment during their first winter. Armed with only two trucks and not a single trailer to their name, the brothers braved a blinding Indiana winter storm to attend regional boat shows, driving forward on a belief that their hard work would pay off.
    Built on Word-of-Mouth – It did pay off. The Vandenbergs operated on a simple, non-negotiable rule: always, always, always prioritize customer care. Without a massive advertising budget, the business grew rapidly through the most powerful marketing tool available: word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied neighbors. In just a year and a half, the family outgrew their rental space. In 2013, they purchased their first permanent building—the former Skipper Bud’s location on O’Malley Street.
    A Generational Legacy – Instead of pocketing their success, Doug and Irene Vandenberg focus on generational thinking and stewardship. Year after year, they reinvested their profits directly back into the Coopersville community. They gradually acquired an additional ten acres of land, later selling one acre to Ace Hardware to help bring more commerce to the immediate area.
    Today, Lynden Sports operates as a fully integrated, locally owned enterprise. Under one single umbrella, the business now offers three distinct divisions specializing in boats, tractors, and RVs, alongside three fully certified, top-tier service shops.
    As the ribbon is cut on the new RV division set for July 29, 2026, you can still find Doug Vandenberg exactly where he belongs: on the showroom floor, overseeing the expansion, and greeting the community that helped build his family’s dream. Reflecting on the journey from 2006 to today, the family remains humbled by the growth they have experienced and continues to give God the glory for every open door.

TIRE + WHEEL PROTECTION

RV’S & TRAVEL TRAILERS | Brought to you by Safe-Guard

When planing to travel and hit the open road, there’s no real way to prepare ourselves for the unexpected hazards that can often fill the open road.

Did you know that Safe-Guard offers coverage for up to 7 years in the event that your tires or wheels are damaged due to covered road hazards?

Benefits of Tire & Wheel Protection with Safe-Guard:

• Repair or replacement of a flat tire if structurally damaged due to a covered road hazard, up to $350 per tire replacement.
• Repair or replacement of a wheel if road hazard damage prevents the wheel from sealing to the tire or maintaining the tire manufacturer’s air pressure specifications, up to $600 per wheel replacement.
• Coverage of approved costs associated with the repair or replacement of tires and/or wheels, including labor charges, mounting, balancing, valve stems and taxes, up to $20 per occurrence.
• Covers replacement of aftermarket tires and wheels during the Agreement term if they meet the manufacturer’s size specifications.
• Towing expenses reimbursed up to $100 per occurrence in the event of covered road hazard damage.
• No maximum number of occurrences.
• Tire & Wheel Protection coverage is also extended to the vehicle towing the covered RV/Trailer or to the vehicle being towed by the covered RV/Trailer at the time that the tire/wheel damage occurs.
• Your tires and wheels are the only parts of your vehicle that come in contact with the road.  Be prepared for road hazard damage with Tire & Wheel Protection.

Certain exclusions may apply.  For full coverage details about Safe-Guard Protection contact our dealership today: 1-616-997-8888

MEMORIAL DAY + MICHIGAN

Another month has come and gone, we are now looking forward to days of sunshine, warm boating weather, traveling with families and celebrating Memorial day.

Did you know according to Extension/MSU: Memorial Day was first celebrated as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, and had grown out of a custom of an annual spring or summer “decoration day” for particular cemeteries, primarily in the rural American south. Michigan was the first state to make Decoration Day a holiday in 1871, and by 1890, every northern state had followed suit.
The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day after World War II and was not officially declared the name under federal law until 1967. Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30 until 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day, to Mondays in order to provide for three-day weekends for federal employees.

To a lot of Michiganders, Memorial Day is the unofficial quick-off to summer.
Did you know that in the great state of Michigan there are over 1000 campgrounds?  Talk about adventure, with a wide range of beautiful picturesque scenery from Northern Michigan to Southbend.  Most campgrounds are accommodating for pets and full RV hookup services.  (Pure Michigan)
Starting just this year Lynden Sports Center has introduced its newest division of RV sales.  Offering family owned and operated brands you can count on like Gulf Stream and Nexus RV.  Not only do we offer a boat for every passion, now we offer RVs, travel trailers and motorhomes!

The top Memorial Day getaway,  Mackinac Island. This tiny island comes to life at the end of May as the summer season gets into full swing, so it’s a good idea to book your vacation rentals well in advance. Spend your weekend making the most of the car-free island: take a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown, explore Fort Mackinac, and hike the trail system to Arch Rock. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the brightly colored American flags that flutter from every historic home. (Tripping)

Looking for a getaway with a bit more beach, try out Grand Haven.  Welcome summer with a Memorial Day escape to beautiful Grand Haven. Head straight for Grand Haven State Park, where a pristine white-sand beach provides plenty of space for volleyball, relaxing, and swimming; by the end of May, temperatures are usually warm enough to spend a comfortable day by the water. If the winds are high, head to the Grand Haven south pier to try surfing. On Monday, the whole town turns out to watch the city’s traditional Memorial Day parade, featuring local high school bands and color guards. (Tripping)

Did you know After World War I Poppies became a symbol to memorialize the fallen?  The tradition was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Lt. Col. John McCrae, who was moved by the sight of wild poppies growing on soldiers’ graves in Europe. Today, the tradition continues through the sale of poppies to benefit military members, veterans and their families. (Michigan.gov)

Have you heard of Blessing of the Boats?  This is taking place in the Muskegon Channel, put on by Aquastar Cruises .  Join them as they marshal boats up the Muskegon Channel towards Lake Michigan to the South Breakwater Cove. They will enjoy the ceremonial Lighthouse washing representing the start of the boating season. Boaters will then cruise by the Aquastar for the official blessing. What better way to start off the summer, May 30th, 2021 at 12:30pm.

Lynden Sports Center has the largest boat show room in the state of Michigan. We strive to carry brands that have been tested on the market for at least 50 years and have been proven successful. We carry a boat for every passion!

How well do you think you know Michigan?  Michigan Fun Fact Quiz II. Click Here!  If you would like to check out Our Inventory and learn for yourself why we love boats so much, Click Here!

BY LAND AND BY WATER | FULL SPRING AHEAD

The new year has brought new opportunities and new adventures to Lynden Sports Center!  With the day-to-day changes we are dealing with through the pandemic we have made some huge strides towards our success and it would not be possible without the continued support and business from our customers!  You are each a blessing to us.

In light of a successful year, Lynden Sports Center is proud to announce the newest division to our line-up.  We are now offering top-of-the-line RVs, travel trailers, and motorhomes.

We are beyond excited to give you a sneak peek into our RV division, introduce you to our newest team members, and provide a few tidbits to prepare yourself for a fun-filled spring and summer!

Our Knowledgable RV Team

DEREK SLY – SALES

NOEL KOEWERS – SERVICE

GRAHM ALLISON – SERVICE

Derek Sly, Brings 24 years of experience in sales to our team.  Derek is an avid outdoorsman here in the great state of Michigan. Derek’s dedication and expertise will provide you with peace of mind buying experience on your next RV.

Service Team – Noel & Grahm, Together have over 20+ years experience.  We guarantee that their knowledge and expertise will provide the reliable service your are looking for when it comes to your RV, travel trailer or motorhome.

Our New RV Division Brands

Nexus Motorhomes

Gulf Stream
Amerilite
Vista Cruiser
Envision
Conquest

NEXUS MOTORHOMES

We Take Trades

Own a boat and looking for an RV?

Stop in and ask for more details!
We now offer trades:
Boats to a new RV
-or-
RVs to a new boat!

GULF STREAM RVS

Start Your Next Adventure With Us!

Whether your next adventure is planned in the water or on the road, count on Lynden Sports Center as your first stop of an incredible selection of reliable and top-of-the-line boats and RVs.

Our Storage Season Is Drawing To A Close

We’re absolutely not kicking your boat out. We just assume you’ll want it this summer for swimming, skiing, and fishing on the water with your friends and family!

We’re eager to help you accomplish that goal….. but we’re also limited by 24-hour days, the same as you are. (Imagine that.)

So to avoid a traffic jam of monstrous proportions, please let us know at least 2 weeks before you want your boat from storage.

To schedule a pickup or delivery time, email Brenda in our Parts Department: brenda@lyndensportscenter.com.