Kalamazoo might be a large city, but it remains a close-knit community. The downtown area offers families, children, teens and adults a number of options for enjoyment, exploration and education. The driving force behind the revitalization initiative and the growing sense of community is the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. This organization is all about giving back to the community, as well as ensuring that diversity is respected.

The City’s Parks

Administered by the Parks and Recreation Department of Kalamazoo, the city’s parks offer an incredible range of options for both residents and visitors. You will find that many parks are located in downtown Kalamazoo, while others are spread out throughout the city. In fact, you will find 36 parks in all here. These range from small, local parks ideal for a play date with friends to dog parks and everything in between. In addition, the city is home to larger parks where biking, hiking and bird watching are the preferred activities.

Museums and Art

The city of Kalamazoo offers a wealth of culture and art for visitors and residents to enjoy. Several top-notch museums can be found here, as can a wide range of different theaters. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum and the Kalamazoo Air Zoo are two of the most interesting museum options here. The Air Zoo offers hands-on fun, as well as educational exhibits. For art lovers, the Kalamazoo Art Institute offers classes, exhibits, tutorials, lessons and lectures.

Sports Enjoyment

If you love sports, then the Kalamazoo community certainly has much to offer. From International League Hockey with the Kalamazoo Wings, baseball with the Kalamazoo Kings, and even football options, you can certainly find any sort of sport that might interest you or your family members here. Wings Stadium and several other notable sporting venues play a vital role in the life of the city.

A Bit of Theatre

If you love performing arts, then downtown Kalamazoo and the outlying areas have something you will love. You will find options here like the New Vic Theatre in town, while the Barn Theatre offers performing arts enjoyment just outside of town in a rural setting. Numerous other theaters can be found within the city, as well.

As you can see, the Kalamazoo community offers a wealth of options for your enjoyment, whether you are a resident or simply taking the time to stop in on a trip.