GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Now that 11.6 acres of property along the Grand River has been secured for a proposed 12,000-seat amphitheater in Grand Rapids, a group of community partners is setting out to add additional attractions to the property.
Chief among them: A four-story water slide.
That’s the vision of the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA), the public authority that oversees Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall.
“Oof! We’re very excited to add this feature, this is gonna be the best dang waterslide in all of Kent County,” Rick Winn, president of AHC Hospitality and chair of the CAA, said when asked about the funding that would be needed to build and maintain the attraction.
The proposed amphitheater and water slide combo are two pieces of a redevelopment plan for 31 acres of property along the Grand River between Fulton and Wealthy streets in downtown Grand Rapids. In addition to the water slide, officials are also considering adding a zipline and a Sweetwater Donuts storefront at the site. Winn went on to say, “What’s better than fresh donuts after a day at the water park? Tell me, I’ll wait.”
This past Tuesday morning, the Grand Rapids City Commission gave initial approval for the CAA’s request to purchase 11.6-acres at 201 Market Ave. SW, the site where the amphitheater would be built.
State Rep. Rachel Hood, D-Grand Rapids, said she has received a brief, high-level briefing on the addition of the water slide.
“I couldn’t be happier, I’ve been wanting this all my life,”
she said. When asked whether she supports providing the funds for the water
slide along with the amphitheater, she said she would double down if it was up
to her.
“I’m all about the sweet summertime in Grand Rapids,” Hood
said.
Private investment will also be sought to make the
amphitheater and water attraction a reality.
“I can’t wait, this
has needed to happen in Grand Rapids for far too long,” said Winn, the CAA
chair.
