GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Six volleyball courts or four full-sized basketball courts will replace the roller skating rink at the Woodland Skating Center, according to an announcement by CDV5 Properties LLC, a sports academy owned by Amway Corp. heir Cheri DeVos.
The 105,000-square-foot facility at 2100 28th St. SE, will offer indoor turf for lacrosse and soccer. The 10-acre site also will have an outdoor sand volleyball league and outdoor soccer fields.
“The new facility, MSA Woodland, will be upgraded with renovations and enhancements that will refresh the facility and update about 30 percent of the building from skating to sports programming,” according to Wednesday’s release.
CDV5 Properties LLC purchased the 47-year-old sports facility for $2.075 million in April, according to city property records. Renovations are expected to be completed by November.
Woodland Skating Center was originally built as West Michigan’s largest skating center in 1969 by Roger and Alyce Roodvoets. The family-owned business hosted its last weekend of skating in early April.
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The property will be managed by Michigan Sports Academies, parent company of the Michigan Volleyball Academy and the Michigan Basketball Academy. MSA will also operate the MSA Fieldhouse located at 5435 28th St. SE in Cascade Township.
The new facility will help meet a growing demand for MSA programs, said Gerrik Schepel, MSA executive director. MSA develops athletes and coaches by using a tier training program where collegiate level coaches write the practice plans for all teams, helping to improve the athletes’ skills.
“MSA Woodland allows us to strengthen our programming and provide our clients with more opportunities to develop their athletic skills,” Schepel said. “Adding this facility to our portfolio is not only a significant win for our programs, but for the community as well.
“MSA Woodland will have a significant positive impact on meeting the growing demand throughout West Michigan for quality sports facilities.”
The renovated MSA Woodland facility was designed by AMDG Architects. Rockford Construction will serve as the general contractor.
Jim Harger covers business for Mlive Media Group. Email him at jharger@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter or Facebook or Google+.
