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With a population of over 50,000 residents, Kentwood is the fifth largest city in Michigan. This thriving city is located just outside of Grand Rapids in Kent County in West Michigan. Kentwood has experienced rapid growth in recent decades and has become a hub for business, retail, and residential development.

History of Kentwood

The area that is now Kentwood was first settled in the 1830s. It was originally divided between four separate townships: Tyrone, Paris, Walker, and Wyoming Townships. In the 1950s, the population began to grow quickly as suburban development spread outward from Grand Rapids. The City of Kentwood was finally incorporated in 1967 through the merging of these four townships. It was named after Kent County, which was named after jurist James Kent.

For more on the history of Kentwood, visit the Kentwood Wikipedia page.

Kentwood's Economy and Major Employers

Kentwood has a diverse economy with major industries including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, education, and technology. Some of the largest employers in Kentwood include:

• Magna Mirrors of America - 4955 28th St SE, Kentwood, MI 49512, (616) 956-2331 (Automotive mirrors manufacturing)
• Amway - 7575 East Fulton St, Ada, MI 49301, (616) 787-6000 (Health, beauty, and home care products)
• Kentwood Public Schools - 5820 Eastern Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508, (616) 455-4400 (Public school system)
• Metron Integrated Health Systems - 2685 Rooksby St SW, Wyoming, MI 49519, (616) 455-5000 (Healthcare services)
• Gordon Food Service - 1300 Gezon Pkwy SW, Wyoming, MI 49509, (616) 530-4147 (Foodservice distribution)
• Kentwood Office Furniture - 495 88th St SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, (800) 531-3647 (Office furniture)

Major business and industrial parks in Kentwood include Kentwood Industrial Park, Woodland Park, and Metro Health Village. The city's economy continues to thrive thanks to its prime location and business-friendly environment.

To learn more about economic development in Kentwood, visit the Kentwood Economic Development website.

Attractions and Landmarks

While Kentwood is primarily known as a residential and commercial city, it does have some popular attractions and landmarks including:

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, (888) 957-1580

This 158-acre botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park features indoor/outdoor gardens, nature trails, revolving art exhibits, and educational programs. Some landmarks here include:

• The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden - Features streams, ponds, bonsai trees, and a rustic tea house.
• The Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse - Showcases tropical plants.
• Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory - Includes a tropical rainforest section.

Millennium Park

1467 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

This 150-acre park along the Grand River features walking trails, gardens, public art, and recreation facilities. Some highlights include:

• Veterans Memorial Garden
• Richard M. DeVos Japanese Garden
• Wege Nature Trail
• Butterworth Contemplation Gardens

GPS Coordinates: 42.958539, -85.674829

Kentwood Ice Arena

6210 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508

This ice arena is home to youth and adult hockey leagues along with public skating times and skating lessons.

GPS Coordinates: 42.863413, -85.563613

Education in Kentwood

Kentwood Public Schools serves most of the city, operating 11 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 2 high schools. Some other districts serving portions of Kentwood include:

• Grand Rapids Public Schools - 1331 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, (616) 819-2000
• East Grand Rapids Public Schools - 2915 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, (616) 235-3535
• Byron Center Public Schools - 8500 Burlingame Ave SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, (616) 878-6100

For higher education, Kentwood is close to several colleges and universities in the Grand Rapids area including Grand Valley State University, Calvin University, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids Community College, and more.

Public Transportation

The Interurban Transit Partnership, better known as The Rapid, provides public bus service throughout Kentwood and the surrounding metro area. Routes connect to destinations in Grand Rapids as well as major shopping centers, hospitals, and colleges in Kentwood.

For routes, schedules, and fares visit TheRapid.org or call (616) 776-1100.

City Government

Kentwood operates under a council-manager form of government. The city council consists of the mayor and six council members who appoint a city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. Some key contacts include:

• Kentwood City Hall - 4900 Breton Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508, (616) 554-0730
• Mayor - Stephen Kepley, (616) 554-0730, email: skepley@kentwood.us
• City Manager - Mark Kammeraad, (616) 554-0730, email: mkammeraad@kentwood.us

Residents can learn about city services, pay bills/fines, and more at the City of Kentwood website.

Visiting and Local Resources

For those looking to visit or move to Kentwood, useful resources include:

• Experience Grand Rapids - Visitor and convention bureau for Kent County.
• City of Kentwood Government Facebook - Get news and event updates.
• Grand Rapids Griffins - Local AHL hockey team.
• Kentwood Branch Library - Public library at 4950 Breton SE.
• Community Organizations - Service groups and nonprofits.

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