MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. - Staff at Michigan's Adventure just north of Muskegon have spent the last several weeks preparing the amassment park for opening day. And early Wednesday morning more than 2,000 middle school students arrived for fun and also to put their math skills to the test.
For the last 20-years Michigan's Adventure has opened the season with physics day.
"It definitely kicks it off for us," said Laure Bollenbach, Director of Marketing and Sales for Michigan's Adventure.
Students work to solve a number of problems, like determining the heights of the Ferris wheel, and how many trips around the wheel are needed to travel ten kilometers.
"It makes it a lot more fun," said Ora Fegel a student at Waukazoo Elementary in Holland.
"Preparing kids for the real world is about working in groups and teams and helping each other out," said Kristin Frang, Math Consultant Muskegon Area Intermediate School District.
Michigan's Adventure will be open more than 100 days during the summer season. The park employees around 1,300 workers.
"And we are still hiring now," said Bollenbach.
The park that opened in 1956 provides a big economic impact in Muskegon County. Visitors stop at local gas stations and stay in area hotels. And tourism promoters appreciate the big draw because park visitors often spend time at other Muskegon County attractions.
It should be a busy holiday weekend in Muskegon County.
"There are four Memorial Day parades, six Memorial Day events that you can go to and there are six historic memorial or military museums or sites that you can visit," said LaShelle Mikesell, Marketing Coordinator for Visit Muskegon.
Michigan's Adventure is holding its' 14th Tribute to the Armed Forces on May 27 & 28 with free admission to active and retired United States military personnel. A valid military ID must be presented.
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