With the area’s largest enclosed mall and an extensive commercial strip Portage draws those born to shop. It also draws those born to bike. More than 60 linear trail miles for bikes, 800 acres of protected land open to the public and seven lakes offering water sports and fishing make Portage someplace people want to live. The network of parks and trails, used for walking, cycling and canoeing, demonstrate the priority the city places on balancing green spaces and work places. The city is home to the manufacturing headquarters of Pfizer, a world leader in biopharmaceuticals; Stryker, a medical technology leaders; and the U.S. Headquarters of Mann-Hummel, a major corporation in automotive components. Portage benefits from being close to Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Community College — all of which contribute to the city’s highly educated workforce. Restaurants and bars include the nationally recognized and local favorites. During the summer months cultural events are offered in venues in each of the city’s parks.
We're taking a closer look at people and organizations in cities across the country that are transforming neighborhoods and driving change in urban areas. The second in our series about good urban ideas focuses on how the best city spaces are built from the ground up rather than planned from the top down.
The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has 12 properties entrusted to its care. Of those, the Chipman Preserve in Comstock Township draws the most visitors and volunteers. Second Wave's Kathy Jennings reports on what makes this property a place people come back to over and over.
What's Working in Cities is a monthly series in which we take a closer look at people and organizations transforming neighborhoods and driving change in urban areas across the country. What works in Portland, Austin, or Chattanooga will probably work here, too, in some form or another. Let us know what you think.
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