Former church in Kent City torn down to make way for park

KENT CITY, Mich. (WOOD) — A former church building in Kent City has been demolished to make way for a public park and playground, leaders say.

The building at 106 N. Main St. near College Street, which was built in 1955, has sat vacant for over eight years but previously housed Kent City Baptist Church, county leaders say. The church is now located at 400 W. Muskegon St.

On Tuesday, the abandoned building was knocked down to “clear the way for the future development of a public park, green space, and the proposed new Kent City Library,” according to a release from Kent County. The county’s Community Action division is working with Tyrone Township on the project.

“Tyrone Township is committed to creating vibrant public spaces that enhance community life,” said Township Supervisor Dave Ignasiak in a statement . “This demolition marks a crucial step toward transforming the area that will serve the needs and aspirations of future generations.”

According to the release, the project is supported by $300,000 each from Tyrone Township and Kent County’s Community Development Block Grant Program, which receives funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for projects that directly benefit low-to-moderate-income households.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.