John Ball Zoo Proposes New Aquarium Project for Kent County

News Summary

John Ball Zoo has unveiled an ambitious plan to build a large-scale aquarium on the former Fenske landfill in Kent County, with costs estimated between $370 million and $390 million. The project aims to attract around one million visitors annually, enhance wildlife conservation, and create approximately 2,500 jobs. Despite environmental assessments currently underway, leaders are optimistic about the aquarium’s potential economic impact of $2.9 billion over the first decade of operation.

Grand Rapids, MI – John Ball Zoo has proposed an ambitious plan to develop a large-scale aquarium on the former Fenske landfill site in Kent County, with an estimated cost between $370 million and $390 million. This project aims to enhance the zoo’s mission of wildlife conservation and education, promising to attract approximately one million visitors annually in its first year of operation.

The proposed aquarium will be situated on a 190-acre site along the Grand River in the Grand Rapids suburb of Walker, which previously served as a landfill from 1967 until its closure in the 1970s. The site received a “clean closure” designation in 2008, meaning it has been deemed environmentally safe for future development. However, Kent County leaders are currently assessing environmental liability concerns regarding the site before moving forward.

Zoo officials plan to launch a private fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $100 million to support the aquarium project. They estimate that it could generate approximately $2.9 billion in net economic impact over its first decade, potentially creating around 2,500 jobs for the local economy. The aquarium design is envisioned to feature distinct zones with immersive exhibits, diverging from traditional aquarium setups to include unique outdoor wildlife habitats.

Discussions between the zoo and Kent County are ongoing, with a focus on identifying public financing options. The county’s hotel tax revenue is currently directed towards repaying bonds for existing facilities like Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Stadium, which complicates potential funding access for the aquarium project. As a precaution, the zoo’s leadership emphasizes the importance of responsible funding to ensure that existing facilities are not neglected during this new development.

Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg has expressed enthusiasm about the aquarium project but noted that thorough due diligence is necessary before any commitments can be made. Environmental assessments are already underway to determine if there are any pollutants on the site that could impact potential development. The involvement of officials from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is crucial in evaluating the land’s current environmental conditions.

As of now, the aquarium project remains in the early planning stages, with ongoing site assessments and discussions regarding financing and public oversight. If the aquarium is to be located at the Fenske landfill site, public agencies may be required for oversight and management of funding due to the substantial costs involved.

This initiative aligns with the zoo’s enduring commitment to wildlife conservation and seeks to provide a valuable educational resource while boosting the local economy. The anticipated completion for the aquarium is set for 2031, as plans continue to develop and funding strategies are explored.

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Additional Resources

• MLive: Renderings of Michigan Waterfront Aquarium
• Wikipedia: Aquarium
• Crain’s Grand Rapids: Aquarium Planned
• Google Search: Michigan Aquarium
• WZZM13: John Ball Zoo Exploring New Aquarium Site
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Aquarium
• Grand Haven Tribune: Walker Site for New Aquarium
• Google News: Michigan Aquarium