The Future of the Tri-Cities

Yes, I just moved over to Carrollton from the Cass City area in February, but I absolutely love this area and want to see it healthy and vibrant. During our Tuesday June 2 class, both Beth and Erin did articles on this area's struggles. I'd like to make a couple of suggestions to improve the area.

The Tri-Cities needs to do things to promote tourism. We are one of the main routes to Up North and we need to start capitilizing on this fact. We need more reasons for people to stop than just gas or food. With a well thought out plan, and outside investment, we could make this area a destination to come to. People already go out of their way to visit Frankenmuth, so it's time to make them want to come further north to the Tri-Cities.

How you ask?

You ever been to Santa Cruz, California? I have, and they have the coolest boardwalk. It's not a ton of stuff, just a arcade, some stores, and a couple of rides including a Ferris Wheel located right on the beach. It is awesome! You might have seen it if you have ever seen the movie "The Lost Boys". That was the Santa Cruz Boardwalk featured in it. This is something we could use in Bay City or just to the north, like Kawkawlin. Yes, here it would be seasonal, but by also adding a hotel complex with indoor waterpark for the winter season it could be a year round business. Think of it this way; for the summer you would have both the indoor and outdoor facilities to use, then for the winter, indoor only. Sort of like a Great Wolf Lodge merged with the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. I think that could be a big hit for the area.

There is this effort being talked about to rebuild Saginaw. This is a great idea. What Saginaw should consider though, is going with a specialized motif for the city. Just as Frankenmuth is Bavarian, and Gaylord is Swiss Alps, Saginaw should find an idea and transform the city with it. I don't know what exactly they could come up with, but with some thought, it could be a tourist attraction to see the buildings and the enviroment just as Frankenmuth and Gaylord are.

Bay City could do something like this too based off of Center Ave.

These are just a couple of ideas that I have had to help this area out. It needs city, state, and federal backing to make it work. It would also need the support of the residents. Hopefully, for the future of this area, something will be done.