News Summary
The John Ball Zoo in Kent County is planning to construct a large-scale aquarium estimated to cost between $370 million and $390 million. The project aims for completion by 2031 and will include educational spaces and a significant economic impact, generating around 2,500 jobs and $2.9 billion over a decade. The zoo is addressing environmental concerns due to the site’s history as a landfill while planning to attract tourists and provide educational opportunities for local students.
Kent County, Michigan – John Ball Zoo has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a large-scale aquarium estimated to cost between $370 million and $390 million. The project’s CEO, Peter D’Arienzo, is aiming for completion by 2031, positioning it as a significant attraction in the region.
The proposed aquarium will be situated on a site at the former Fenske landfill along the Grand River, with plans currently being developed in the planning and design phase. The aqua haven is anticipated to encompass at least 15 acres of land, ideally expanding to 30 acres to accommodate essential infrastructure, including pump rooms, warehouses, and filtration systems. The design would allow for parking facilities for approximately 2,000 vehicles, enhancing visitor accessibility.
With a capacity to hold between 2-3 million gallons of water, this aquarium aims to rival some of the most esteemed aquariums in the United States. The project is forecasted to generate a significant economic benefit, with an estimated impact of $2.9 billion over the next decade. As the aquarium nears completion, it is expected to create around 2,500 jobs locally and provide over $268 million in state and local tax revenue.
The aquarium’s design focuses on education and community engagement, featuring classrooms for school field trips and establishing partnerships with local colleges for research initiatives. To attract visitors, D’Arienzo and the project team anticipate that approximately 65% of visitors will come from out of state, highlighting its potential as a key tourism driver.
In light of its historical location, plans for the aquarium have had to consider environmental impacts, particularly related to potential contamination from its landfill past. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is currently involved in assessing environmental conditions and liabilities associated with the site. As groundwork progresses, the zoo is actively addressing concerns regarding contamination cleanup and wastewater management.
Earlier discussions regarding locations for the aquarium ruled out Muskegon County, firmly establishing Kent County as the target site. To bolster funding efforts for tourism-oriented projects, considerations have been made for increasing the county’s hotel tax from 5% to 8%, although no formal requests have been submitted as of yet.
Local officials and stakeholders view the aquarium project as a vital economic development priority, with hopes that it will enhance tourism in the area, invigorate the local economy, and nurture educational opportunities for young visitors. The design will incorporate five distinct zones, with a specific emphasis on showcasing Michigan’s natural wonders, further enriching the community’s cultural and educational landscape.
As the John Ball Zoo embarks on this ambitious project, it remains committed to ensuring the aquarium will not only serve as a source of entertainment but also as a center for learning and conservation in Kent County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- MSN News
- Wikipedia: Aquarium
- Crain’s Grand Rapids
- Google Search: John Ball Zoo aquarium
- WOOD TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aquatic Ecosystem
- Grand Haven Tribune
- Google News: John Ball Zoo aquarium
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
