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 FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
