By Lillian Reiner
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org

After cutting the ribbon to signify the grand opening of the  Kentwood Community Center, Mayor Stephen Kepley said the building is magnificent and beautiful, but what’s most important is the lives that will be changed in this facility.

What began as a suggestion from a survey asking Kentwood residents what they would like Kentwood to look like in the next 50 years has been realized in a $30-million facility designed with the entire community in mind. 

“This space is a community resource, it’s for anyone and everyone,” said Spencer McKellar, Deputy Parks and Recreation Director, at the grand opening on Sept. 26 at the Kentwood Community Center, located at 4755 Walma Ave. SE, Kentwood. “We gave opportunities for sports, arts, social gatherings, grabbing a cup of coffee with a friend or neighbor, but really it’s meant for people to come and have an indoor space year-round to build community and build relationships.”

Check out this photo gallery of the Kentwood Community Center

Residents had the opportunity to hear from the contractors and city employees that poured years of their time and energy into bringing this facility to life. The Community Center officially opens on Oct. 5.
 

“There’s really not words to describe my feeling,” Kepley said. This project has been in the back of Kepley’s mind for more than 20 years, although the city lacked the funds to bring it to fruition until 2017. “That feeling is not words, but it’s the faces, especially the next generation, that’s going to use this facility — they’re going to develop skills, learn more about themselves, and they’re going to gain confidence.”

The Center features three full-size basketball courts, which can be used for volleyball and pickleball as well, a fitness center with accessible equipment for all ages and abilities, an indoor track, a multi-sport simulator, a daycare center, a dance studio, bistro, and a flexible event venue called The Grove that can hold up to 175 guests for weddings or special celebrations. (See Full Chart Below)

“I think it’s nice that the community finally has a place where everybody can get together and enjoy sports and working out and things that keep everybody together,” said Kentwood resident Samir Mehmedovic, who’s especially excited to utilize the basketball courts.

Heavy planning and consideration

The intentionality behind each design feature is evident. Kepley and his team visited about 20 facilities nationwide during the planning phase, gathering ideas for what they did and didn’t want their own facility to look like. In each gym, he asked himself, “Would I want to play basketball in this gym?” This resulted in a space with abundant natural light and the same hardwood floors that are used in the NCAA Final Four, which was sourced from the Upper Peninsula. 

Additionally, the building caters to the diversity and needs of the Kentwood community. All of the spaces, including the golf simulator, the fitness center, and The Grove are zero entry, and there is a free community pantry, stocked with food and toiletries for anyone to take, no questions asked. 

The Community Center opened just in time for residents to have a safe, warm place to gather this winter.

“When winter comes, it’ll be nice to do the walking track, to get some sunshine, and be able to walk and not worry about being out in the snow and slipping,” shared one Kentwood resident. “It’ll be better than just walking on my treadmill at home.” 

Kentwood Community Center Fact Sheet

*67,500 Square Feet
*$30 Million Price Tag
*Offers Everything From fitness and sports to dining, events, enrichment and everyday opportunities to connect
*3 Full Basketball Courts in the main gymnasium (20,828 square feet), 16 basketball hoops.
*Gym Options: Can be configured with three volleyball courts or nine pickleball courts.
*Maple Gym Floor: Uses the same flooring system used for the NCAA Final Four and was manufactured in the Upper Peninsula.
*Elevated Indoor Walking Track: 8 laps = 1 mile
*Fitness Center: (4,407 square feet) Features cardio, strength and conditioning, free weights and accessible equipment for a variety of ages, abilities and fitness levels.
*Multi-Sport and Golf Simulator: Play virtual golf courses and a variety of interactive sports and games year-round. Reserve for an hourly fee.
*The Bistro: Freshly prepared and grab-and-go food, smoothies, specialty coffee, snacks, beer, wine and more. Open to members and non-members.
*Child Watch: A safe, welcoming space for children ages 3-10 while parents and guardians enjoy the Community Center. Available to members and day pass holders. $4 an hour per child, 10 hours for $30
*The Grove: A flexible 55X75 foot event venue for up to 175 guests for weddings, corporate events, birthdays and other celebrations.

Memberships are available to Kentwood residents and non-residents starting at $30 per month, however, day passes also are available. The Center, which officially opens on Monday, October 5, will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, call 616-656-5279 or CLICK HERE

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