We love attractions, right? Having things to do during the colder winter months or the hot summertime bring allure to venture beyond the comfort of our own homes. Many people will converse with friends, families, colleagues, and others about the following question: “If you could add any attraction to the area, what would you pick?”

After proposing this question over our social media platforms, here are five of the top responses from our followers within the community:

 

Movie Theater

This was no doubt the most popular response from our prompt. After losing the AMC theater downtown and the Bulldog Cinema during the pandemic, Big Rapids residents have to travel over 40 miles to watch a new film. There are lots of reasons that going to the movie theater can be beneficial. Social interaction in the theater can be a great boost to one’s mental health. It also allows people to look forward to something during their weekly routine, including meeting with others in the community that share the same interest in movies.

 

Indoor Activity Center

Like the concept of a YMCA, a public activity center can allow versatility in event gatherings for recreational activities. While the University Recreation Center at Ferris State University has some of the offerings that would be available at a YMCA, it doesn’t have as many weekly classes and sports that are available to the public other than students. Adding a facility like this would take an investment in property and employees, but the possibilities for community gatherings are unlimited with the space and variety. 

 

Arcade

Who doesn’t love games? The people of Big Rapids seem to like the idea of an arcade to go in. At the former location of what was known as The Gate bowling alley, (now the site of Dunham’s Sports), an entire section of the facility was devoted to a full-fledge arcade. When the bowling alley moved to 3^rd Avenue under the name Big Rapids Bowling Center, the arcade portion was left behind. Whether it’s adding a small pop-up gaming center like The Fairway in Reed City or a large, well-known franchise like Dave and Busters, an arcade in Big Rapids would be a great addition for all sorts of family fun. 

 

Mini Golf

Also known as “putt-putt,” mini-golf is a great family activity for all ages. The game can be played in a larger indoor facility or outside under ideal summer weather conditions. Closest public courses can be found in larger cities like Cadillac or Grand Rapids with a few other small courses near private lake locations. Big Rapids use to host a course near the current site of the Big Rapids Bowling Center, but that part of the property was abandoned for a good portion of time. Seeing a new course come back to the city would bring a great amount of joy and add to the list of summer attractions.

 

Trampoline Park

As the most unique attraction on this list, a trampoline park brings the exercise half of a YMCA and the fun-oriented environment of an arcade. Grand Rapids has added six different franchises with trampoline fun since the first in 2016. While it is arguably the most expensive options on the list, it does have most customizable experience since it allows participants to jump for 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minute increments as well as exclusive group packages. Adding a trampoline park, like Sky Zone or Altitude to name a few, would take a large initial investment but would be top on the list for initial excitement around the area.

 

All in all, any of these options would be very beneficial in the community. Establishing a footprint in attractions for the area can allow more intrigue to visitors and therefore help businesses in the city. Surely, things like morale, community involvement, and economic increase would have a great opportunity to increase here in Big Rapids.