Wyoming Michigan

The City Of Wyoming, MI

Wyoming is a city of Kent County, Michigan, United States. The city has a total population of 75,667 people. It is the second-largest community or town in West Michigan, the 14th-largest city in Michigan, the 18th-largest community in the state, and is the largest suburb of Grand Rapids.

History Of Wyoming Michigan

The area that is now Wyoming City was one of the county’s first populated areas established in 1832. The land was incorporated into the Township of Byron over the next 16 years. During this time, mills that used the Buck Creek to power their mills populated the area that is now Grandville. The township of Byron was split in 1848, with the northern half given the name Wyoming. During the first 16 years, most residents came from a Pennsylvania county, hence the name. Because it was north of the Grand River and challenging to manage, the Township of Walker to the north took over a small area of the new township during this time.

Wyoming Township gradually grew up over the next 50 years. The Grandville settlement in the township’s northwest corner grew the fastest, becoming the Village of Grandville in 1884 and breaking away from the township in 1893. A year before the township was incorporated as a city, the city of Grandville was able to expand to its current size by acquiring land halfway between Byron Center and Ivanrest avenues. Only the panhandle section south of 50th Street was allowed to remain in the township, and a failed attempt to annex it to Grandville was made.

Arts & Entertainment In Wyoming

The city has 21 parks covering approximately 665 acres that offer a variety of activities. In the last decade, the parks department has been busy redeveloping the city’s parks. Many parks have been rebuilt, including new playground equipment, splash pads, and other amenities. They’ve also added a few new amenities, such as a small skateboard park near one of the city’s most densely populated areas.

The city also has a Senior Center, which provides activities for the city’s and region’s senior citizens. The Kent Trails system, which converted abandoned rail lines to bike paths, runs alongside the parks. It is the result of a cooperative effort between several local governments. The Dog Park, which is located next to Marquette Park on the city’s far northern outskirts, is the most recent addition to the Wyoming Park System. It’s a privately funded park with access controls that only allow registered members to use it.

The new Wyoming Public Library, owned by the city but operated by the Kent District Library System, was built in 2002. There are over 112,046 items in this 48,950-square-foot facility. With 670,842 items checked out and 439,599 visits in 2009, the library branch is also the busiest in the Kent District system. Around 76 percent of the population has a library card, allowing them to use the facility. The Wyoming Historical Commission, which provides city history, is housed in this building. It also houses a library for the blind and an art gallery, in addition to the Historical Commission room.

Wyoming, MI Demographics

• Population: 75,667
• Population Under  The Age Of 18: 25.5%
• Population Over The Age of 65%: 10.5%
• Persons Per Household: 2.71
• Median Home Value: $127,700
• Median Household Income: $54,328
• Average Work Commute: 20.6 min

Education In Wyoming

Teachers, administrators, secretaries, paraeducators, food service, maintenance, custodial staff, bus drivers, mechanics, and community education personnel make up the Wyoming Public School District workforce, which employs approximately 475 people. There are approximately 4,500 students enrolled. Education institutions in Wyoming, MI include:

• Wyoming Intermediate School
• Wyoming Junior High School
• Parkview Elementary School
• Wyoming High School
• Oriole Park Elementary School
• Gladiola Elementary School
• West Elementary School

Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University provide higher education opportunities to Wyoming residents. Hope College in Holland, Davenport University in Caledonia Township, Calvin College on the east side of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College on the east side of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, and Grace Bible College in Grand Rapids are all within driving distance.

Government Structure Of Wyoming, Michigan

A Council-Manager system governs the City of Wyoming through a Charter that the citizens of Wyoming adopted. The Mayor and City Council establish the broad framework for City operations and services by passing ordinances, policies, and an annual budget. They appoint a City Manager who selects department heads and staff, manages the City’s day-to-day operations, and makes recommendations to the Council.