MUSKEGON, Mich. — "It was our pleasure to be a part of this process," said Jonathan Seyferth, City Manager for the City of Muskegon after the results of a study suggested that Kent County was the best location for the potential John Ball Zoo Aquarium.
John Ball Zoo said a study done by Canopy Strategic Partners showed that the aquarium in Kent County would build a strong model for the long-term life of the aquarium.
“Both Kent and Muskegon counties would be amazing partners on this exciting project, and it’s been a pleasure partnering with forward-thinking local officials as we continue to plan for an aquarium that will bring huge economic benefits to West Michigan,” said Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo in a press release. “The research showed both communities offer unique destination traits of lakeshore recreation versus urban core entertainment. At this time, Kent County reflects greater financial and operational capacity to move this project forward.”
The aquarium is expected to generate $2.9 billion for the county in its first 10 years.
Sites in Muskegon County were also looked at in the study, and while none of them were chosen as the suggested location, Seyferth said the experience of being involved in the study is still a win for the county.
"We see this as a successful engagement, about helping folks learn about our community," said Seyferth. "That would have been a really great thing to continue through something like an aquarium here on the Lakeshore, but, you know, we understand how these decisions are made, and just excited that, that we were part of the process."
Seyferth also said that the zoo was able to work with analysts who could identify what draws people to West Michigan and Muskegon. He said that the city and county can utilize the data for future projects once the full report is released by the zoo.
"I'm just really proud of the team that we have here at the city, building that relationship with John Ball Zoo and our partners in Kent County to be part of this conversation," said Seyferth.
Seyferth said that while there is obviously some disappointment in not being the chosen location, he is excited for Kent County.
"There's always going to be other opportunities down the road, and I'm confident that when there's a successful project down the road, we will see spin off opportunities here along the lakeshore," he said.
John Ball Zoo said the project is still in its early planning stages, and that it would be the first new aquarium of its scale to be built in the U.S. in 20 years.
The zoo also said the aquarium will create 2,427 jobs and generate more than $231 million in state and local tax revenue in its first 10 years.
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