Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Western Michigan has recently launched a $22 million Japanese Garden. The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden made its debut for the public last Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Grand Rapids attraction. The 8-acre project is a very relaxing place as it gives serenity, calmness, and peace of mind. The highlights of this haven are the unique Japanese structures like gazebos and bridges, the tranquil waterfalls, attractive bonsai gardens, boulders and a functioning tea house. The garden is mixed with a touch of fashionable sculptures with trees and plants.
Japanese landscape architect Hoichi Kurisu worked and designed the garden over the past few years and convert a marsh and wooded valley into a stunning garden. Kurisu was aiming for the place's magnificence and stillness to touch the visitors very deeply for the next generations to come.
According to News observer, the Japanese garden provides modern-day sculptures that were finished by Anish Kapoor, Zhang Huan, David Nash, Masayuki Koorida, George Rickey, Jenny Holtzer and Giuseppe Penone, this scupltures also belongs to Meijer Gardens' everlasting collection.
The design attributes a contrast between the still and the hastening water and provides warm and open spaces and natural vicinity. It was a paid tribute to the Amway co-founder Richard DeVos Sr. and his other half, Helen who assisted in funding the said project.
The name Meijer Gardens was named after Fred Meijer as a fulfillment to Meijer's last major wish for the 158-acre attraction that bears his name and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Meijer was a billionaire retail pioneer and philanthropist. He also built the Midwest retail powerhouse Meijer Inc., and died in 2011 at the age of 91.
If you are planning to visit the amazing garden, here are the hourly rates and schedules based on the official site of the Meijer Gardens https://www.meijergardens.org/
Hours Rates
Sunday----------11 am - 5 pm Members -------------------------------FREE
Monday-----------9 am - 5pm Adults (14-64) -------------------------$12
Tuesday---------- 9am - 9pm seniors (65 and older) --------------$9
Wednesday------ 9am - 5pm Students (with student ID) ----------$9
Thursday----------9am - 5pm Children (5-13) -------------------------$4
Friday--------------9am - 5pm Children (3-4) --------------------------$4
Saturday-----------9am - 5pm Children (2 and younger) -----------FREE
