The membership has spoken, and I have listened.
I promised to be a voice for every single dues-paying member of Sandy Pines—and that remains my only intention. Since announcing my candidacy, these are the recurring items that have been brought forward to me by you, the members.
I will do my best to be an advocate for the people and stand for what YOU want. I will not promise you hot tubs or guarantee that the day after the election you can bring your solid-colored YETI back to the water park. What I can promise is that I’m listening—and will continue to listen—and I will advocate on YOUR behalf.
Hi! I'm Kolyn Giebel — husband to Shawna, father to three spirited daughters and one adventurous son, a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and an electrician at Pfizer. Originally from Kalamazoo, we recently settled in Byron Center and found our second home at Sandy Pines in 2022.
From transforming our campsite into a magical Whoville every summer to sharing late‑night campfires with neighbors, our family believes in building community traditions that make memories — the kind of memories that turn into family traditions and stories we pass down.
I'm running for the Board of Directors because I want to ensure Sandy Pines remains a wholesome, transparent, and family‑first haven for generations to come.
I have no agenda of my own. My purpose is to be a steward for the membership. I will listen to the membership and make decisions based on what the membership wants as a whole. It is not just about what the Board of Directors wants, but rather what every single paying member of Sandy Pines deserves — a voice.
As a husband and a father of four, I understand firsthand the importance of safe, fun, and enriching environments where families can thrive. Sandy Pines is more than a resort — it’s where our kids learn to ride bikes, make lifelong friends, and discover independence. I want to preserve that magic for every family.
Our members deserve to know what decisions are being made and why. I believe in clear communication, open access to information, and fostering trust through honesty. I’ll always keep the lines of communication open and share updates in real time so you’re never left in the dark.
From lending tools to hosting neighborhood cookouts, our community shines brightest when we come together. Whether you're new to Sandy Pines or have been here for generations, your voice matters. Let’s continue building a place where everyone feels included, heard, and supported.
Sandy Pines’ greatest resource is our strength in numbers. Together, we have the insight, experience, and passion to move our park forward. By utilizing committees effectively, we can ensure decisions are informed, inclusive, and wise — avoiding mistakes of the past. We also need to actively engage the voices of our younger generation. From toddlers to teens, their future is shaped by what we create today. Let’s listen, poll, and plan for what they want in Sandy Pines, ensuring this community continues to grow with every age and stage of life.