GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Frederick Meijer Gardens celebrated a monumental milestone on Tuesday. The park had its 15-millionth visitor.
"It was another day of magic here in Meijer Gardens," said the parks president and CEO, Charles Burke.
The gardens and sculpture park at Frederick Meijer Gardens have been open to the public since 1995. Visitors have been enjoying the botanical gardens, sculpture collection and various exhibitions for 29 years.
"I think the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is just a wonderful place of joy," said Burke. "I can't think of a better way of celebrating a living legacy of Fred and Lena Meijer than welcoming the 15 millionth visitor to Grand Rapids and to the gardens."
To welcome that visitor, Burke presented them with a gift basket, a $150 gift card, concert tickets, admission passes, tram passes, lunch in the park's café and a flower arrangement.
The visitors were Wayne Yearnk, Michael Azis and Saralinna Wilson. The park said they represent "the wide variety of guests who have visited throughout the years."
Wayne is a Michigan resident but had not visited the park in over a decade. He brought along Michael and Saralinna, who were visiting from out of state.
Burke said the next goal is to welcome their billionth guest.
"Let's just be big, hairy, audacious goals here," Burke joked. "No, what's next for us is to really execute on unbelievably unparalleled programming here from our Fifth Third summer concert series to our University of Michigan Health West Christmas and holiday traditions, or we just finished our Fred and Dorothy fixture, 'Butterflies are Blooming.'"
Tuesday was the last day to see the butterflies, but Burke said they are looking forward to another great season of butterflies next year.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.