Welcome to West Michigan, a beautiful region that offers the best of all worlds. As you will discover, West Michigan is an ideal place in which to live and do business. The region combines the sophisticated convenience of a large metropolis with the warmth and charm of a small town. West Michigan's close proximity to Lake Michigan enhances its quality of living, promotes recreation and provides idyllic settings for beautiful homes. A temperate climate offers milder winters and cooler summers. Each season is unique and breathtaking.
For hundreds of years people have flocked to this region for its beauty and natural resources. The Dutch came to Holland and Zeeland in the mid 1800s seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity. Over 100 years later, West Michigan is still a region of opportunity, offering scenic grandeur that first beckoned settlers of all backgrounds.
While many residents make their homes in the suburban communities and townships surrounding Grand Rapids, the city itself is a wonderful place to live. In recent years, people have begun to rediscover the excitement of downtown living. Luxury condominiums offer the pleasure of a high-rise view, some of the Grand River. Heritage Hill is downtown's closest neighborhood and provides a variety of housing options, not to mention the fascinating architecture of its many historic homes. A new city park of 1500 acres is under construction. It will provide water and other sports activities and is scheduled to be completed by 2010, at a cost of $20,000,000.
Grand Rapids' Central Park
Grand Rapids' Downtown has its Plaza, and soon it will have its own Central Park. Maya Lin, whose creations include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Civil Rights Memorial, has designed a retreat and entertainment area at the end of Monroe Center.
The theme of the park and amphitheater is "water." Located near the Grand River, which flows through downtown, the amphitheater will be used for big shows. One of the biggest shows will take place at the park's ice rink, which will feature fiber-optic lights imbedded in the rink's surface. Having its own refrigerant, the rink will offer skating for an extended season.
Following the dedication at the end of 2000, Grand Rapidians will be able to enjoy this work of art in the heart of downtown. Although the park and amphitheater has an $8 million price tag, it will add a long-awaited dimension to the city's renaissance -- a beautiful place to think, relax, and enjoy water sculptures.
1500-Acre Millennium Park
A giant park is planned for the Greater Grand Rapids Area. Development of the Millennium Park project could begin as early as 2001 if Kent County wins a $500,000 state grant. The grant would allow construction of the park area on a peninsula surrounded by man-made lakes north of Veteran's Memorial Drive. It would stretch from John Ball Park on Grand Rapids' West Side to Johnson Park in Walker. The park would also extend into Wyoming and Grandville.
The projected cost is $20 million, and would take an estimated 10 years to complete. Plans include a parking area for 500 cars, a play area, picnic facilities with restrooms and open shelter, trails, docks, bathhouse and beach, and boat launches for canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats.
Request my Free Grand Rapids, Forest Hills and Ada Relocation Package. It's packed full of useful and important information about the Grand Rapids, Forest Hills and Ada, Michigan area. Don't move here without it! Remember: I'll send it to you for free and without obligation. Just fill out the form and I will send it right out...
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
