Cedar Springs is a city located in Kent County, Michigan, United States, 20 minutes north of Michigan's second largest city, Grand Rapids. Known as "Red Flannel Town," this city is the home of the famed red flannel used by hunters and Santa Claus alike. The Red Flannel Festival is held each year from the last weekend in September through the first weekend in October - an ideal time to start thinking about keeping warm! The community was named for the fine springs bordered by a cedar grove. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 3,112. Located about one mile from US 131 it provides easy access to the cultural aspects offered by the Greater Grand Rapids Area.
Mission statement
The City of Cedar Springs strives to be a great place to live, work and play.
General information
Cedar Springs is an attractive community with tree lined streets and well-maintained homes. The Cedar Springs Area Parks and Recreation Board is actively exploring new means to provide programs for youths and adults. Annual events such as the Red Flannel Festival was first celebrated in 1939, making it one the oldest festivals in Michigan. Red Flannel Day takes place on the first Saturday in October to celebrate the world famous "drop seat" red long johns and red flannel nightwear.
Cedar Springs is also a friendly crossroads town, situated at the junction of M-46 and US-131, and only a few minutes from Grand Rapids. As such, it has a diverse business base, and is a convenient ___location for shopping. It is also centrally located near numerous recreation areas, lakes and parks.
Overall, Cedar Springs is a high quality residential community with is own identity and charm. The community has all the benefits of a small community but is expanding rapidly, while at the same time keeping its own identity.
History
Established as a lumber town in 1856, Cedar Springs boasted numerous lumber and shingle mills. For a number of years, it was the northern terminus of the Grand Rapids and Indiana (Pennsylvania) Railroad and also was the crossing point for east-west Toledo, Saginaw, and Muskegon (Grand Trunk) Railroad.
POPULATION Census Year Community County 1960 1,768 363,197 1970 1,807 411,044 1980 2,615 444,506 1990 2,600 500,631
Red Flannel Festival
Cedar Springs is the Red Flannel Capital of the world.
In 1936, in the midst of "the worst winter in years", the country suffered in the grip of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. A New York feature writer bemoaned the fact that, "Here we are in the midst of an old-fashioned winter and there are no red flannels in the USA to go with it."
The local newspaper, The Cedar Springs Clipper, owned and edited by "The Clipper Gals", Nina Babcock and Grace Hamilton, answered the writer with an editorial stating: "Just because Saks Fifth Avenue does not carry red flannels it doesn't follow that no one in the country does. Cedar Springs' merchants have red flannels!"
The story was picked up by The Associated Press and orders began pouring in from all over the USA. Seeing the possibility of at least a few years of publicity because of its famous "drop seaters" and lumbering history, a "Red Flannel Day" was planned for the fall of 1939. It has since become an annual event, held the last weekend in September and ending with Red Flannel Day the first Saturday in October.
The Red Flannel Festival is typically jam-packed with lots of fun things to do and see. A Red Flannel Queen is selected, along with a Prince and Princess; there's a Grand Parade, Arts and Crafts Fair, and an Entertainment tent. Food is always in plentiful supply - from the delicious Rotary barbecued chicken to the Lions Club Lumberjack Supper to dozens of concession stands. The Lumberjack Supper features menus of the old lumbering camps: salt pork, boiled potatoes, cornbread, baked beans, homemade pies as well as Old tyme entertainment, artists and craftsmen. Another popular attraction is the presence of the Keystone Cops, who patrol the city on Red Flannel Day and arrest anyone they see who is not wearing red.
Other events include:
- Flea Market
- Carnival Bingo
- Children's Old Fashioned Games
- Marching Band
- Competition
- Antique Tractor Pull
- Bed Race
- Street Rod Car Show
Economy
Taxes in Cedar Springs have remained steady with a City mileage rate of $15 per $1,000. Cedar Springs has a small retail business district and a burgeoning industrial base. The community has vast possibilities for future growth. Significant industry and business have been attracted to the Cedar Springs area, including Wolverine World Wide and various precision tool and die companies.
The median income for a household in the city is $39,542, and the median income for a family is $42,250. Males have a median income of $37,708 versus $23,056 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,040. 13.8% of the population and 12.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.4% of those under the age of 18 and 7.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Industries providing employment: Manufacturing (24.7%), Educational, health and social services (19.0%), Retail trade (12.2%).
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
Firm Product/Service Employees
C S Public Schools Education 350
Wolverine World Wide Distribution Center 120
Cedar Care Center Nursing Home 105
CS Tool Engineering Precision Tool and Die 75
Truss Technologies Wooden Trusses 60
CS Manufacturing Plastics Extrusion 56
Festida Foods Tortilla Chips 50
Hydro-Aluminum/Cedar Tools Precision Tool and Die 31
Cedar CNC Machining Precision Tool Making 14
LABOR MARKET ANALYSIS FOR CEDAR SPRINGS RESIDENTS
(1990 Census)
Labor force status (People 16 years and over): 1,745
Civilian labor force: 1,086
Civilian labor employed: 1,000
Civilian labor unemployed: 86 (7.9%)
TAX STRUCTURE Year City County School KISD State Ed. GRCC Total 1999+ 15.0000 5.3664 7.00 3.8625 6.00 1.8201 39.0490 1999* 15.0000 5.3664 25.00 3.8625 6.00 1.8201 57.0490 1998+ 14.961 5.3664 7.00 3.8784 6.00 1.8276 39.0334 1998* 14.961 5.3664 25.00 3.8784 6.00 1.8276 57.0334 1997+ 15.0000 5.1166 7.00 3.8803 6.00 1.8285 38.8254 1997* 15.0000 5.1166 25.00 3.8803 6.00 1.8285 56.6706 1996+ 15.0000 5.109 7.00 3.8803 6.00 1.8285 38.8178 1996* 15.0000 5.109 25.00 3.8803 6.00 1.8285 56.8178 1995+ 15.0000 5.1014 7.00 3.8803 6.00 1.8285 38.8102 1995* 15.0000 5.1014 25.00 3.8803 6.00 1.8285 56.8102 * Non-homestead properties; • + Homestead properties
School district
Cedar Springs is part of the Cedar Springs Public School District which encompasses 110 square miles (285 km²) and is comprised of the City of Cedar Springs and portions of seven surrounding townships. Cedar Springs Public Schools is a Class B school system with a current enrollment of 2,768 students located on a single 100 acre (400,000 m²) campus near downtown Cedar Springs. The School system is currently completing a $27 million building and renovation project. Cedar Springs High School has North Central Accreditation.
EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES SCHOOL NUMBER ENROLLMENT TEACHERS T/P RATIO Elementary 2 1,364 68 20.1 Middle school 1 684 35 18.5 High school 1 720 36 20.0 Parochial 1 65 8 8.1
Class B School System with a 27 Million Dollar New Building and Renovation Project.
Total General Fund Expenditure Per Pupil (RPS): $ 5,089.03
City government
Position Name
Mayor Jim Charon
City Manager Jerry Homminga
City Clerk Linda Branyan
Assessor Shila Klander
Utility Billing Clerk Deborah Frederick
Police Chief Roger Gren
Financial Director, Treasurer Linda Lehman
Fire Chief Jerry Gross Sr.
City Attorney Scott Smith
DPW Superintendent Gerald Hall
Building & Electrical Inspections Professional Code Inspections
Plumbing Inspections State of Michigan
Council members Name Position Term Ph Number Jim Charon Mayor 2001-05 696-9791 Ronny Merlington Mayor Pro Tem 2000-06 696-9875 Deb Olson Councilmember 2001-05 696-9870 John Teusink Councilmember 2004-08 696-9222 Marv Weinrich Councilmember 2002-06 696-2563 Patricia Capek Councilmember 2004-08 696-2623 Kathryn Bremmer Councilmember 2003-07 696-0591 4 Year Terms City Council meetings are held at City Hall, 66 South Main St. Council meetings begin at 7:00pm Workshops are held at 6:30pm before each council meeting The Public is welcome to attend (Meeting dates are subject to change).
Community
Zip code: 49319 Area code: 616
Cedar Springs features a number of fun things to do and places to stay. Activities include:
- Bowling
- Cabin Rentals
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Charter Boats
- Golf
- Hiking Trails
- Horseback Riding
- Resorts
COMMUNITY LIVING Number of dwellings: 842 Owner occupied: 73% Rental housing available: Yes Rental apartments: 273 Units Retail establishments: 45
MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Form Of local government: Council Manager
Year of incorporation: December 14, 1959
Fire insurance classification: 6 (Designated in 1992)
Comprehensive development plan: Completed in 1990
Downtown development authority: Established in 1989
Economic development corporation: Established in 1981
Public library: 2,000 square feet (190 m²)
20,000 volumes
Fire Department Personnel: Volunteer (20), EMT
7 Full-Time Officers
Police Department: 7 Part-Time Officers
4 Reserve Officers
Ambulance Service: Rockford Ambulance, Inc.
UTILITIES
Electric Consumers Energy
Natural Gas Michigan Consolidated Gas
Telephone Ameritech
Cable Television Charter Communications
Water City of Cedar Springs
Source: ground water, wells
Capacity: 4.2 million US gallons/day (184 L/s)
Consumption:
Minimum: 320,000 US gallons/day (14 L/s)
Maximum: 515,000 US gallons/day (23 L/s)
Storage capacity:
Elevated: 300,000 US gallons (1,100 L)
Pressure in Mains:
Minimum: 55 lbf/in² (380 kPa) static
Maximum: 85 lbf/in² (590 kPa) static
Sewer City of Cedar Springs
Capacity: 1.2 million US gallons/day (53 L/s) SBR Plant
Present load: 600,000 US gallons/day (26 L/s)
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS • Independent Bank West Michigan • Bank One
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
Name Location Distance from CS
Aquinas College Grand Rapids 20 miles (30 km)
Calvin College Grand Rapids 20 miles (30 km)
Cornerstone University Grand Rapids 20 miles (30 km)
Davenport College Grand Rapids 20 miles (30 km)
Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids 20 miles (30 km)
Grand Valley State University Allendale 35 miles (55 km)
Kendall College of Art & Design Grand Rapids 20 miles (30 km)
Michigan State University Lansing 90 miles (145 km)
Western Michigan University Kalamazoo 75 miles (120 km)
Ferris State University Big Rapids 35 miles (55 km)
TRANSPORTATION located 30 miles (50 km) from Cedar Springs Major Highway: US 131 Bus Service: Indian Trails Airport: Kent County International Airport
MEDICAL FACILITIES Hospitals (within 30 minutes): • Kent Community • Spectrum Health Downtown Campus (about 20 miles) • Mary Free Bed (about 20 miles) • Ferguson • Metropolitan • Greenville United Memorial • St. Mary's Mercy Medical Center (about 20 miles)
Local Health Care: • Dentists: 4 • Physicians, M.D.: 1 • Chiropractors: 2 • Physicians, D.O.: 3 • Pharmacies: 2 • Physicians, P.A.: 2 • Optometrists: 1
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Cedar Springs: • Gerald R. Ford International (about 25 miles, Grand Rapids, MI) • Muskegon County (about 48 miles; Muskegon, MI) • W K Kellogg (about 67 miles; Battle, Creek MI)
Other public-use airports nearest to Cedar Springs: •Wells (about 9 miles; Rockford, MI) •Wilderness Airpark (about 11 miles; Kent City, MI) •Paul C. Miller-Sparta (about 11 miles; Sparta, MI)
CHURCHES Denominations represented: • Catholic Lutheran • Christian Reformed Church • Methodist • Baptist • Wesleyan
ORGANIZATIONS American Legion Boy Scouts Brownies Chamber of Commerce CS Community Action Network Cubs Girl Scouts Lions Club Little League Red Flannel Rod & Gun Club Rotary Women's Club
RECREATION Facilities Available: • Basketball Courts • Baseball Diamonds • Campgrounds • Horseshoe.Pits • Public Access Lakes • Shuffleboards • 3 City Parks • Tennis Courts • Golf Course • Track (Rubber Based) • Hiking Trail • Trout Streams The Cedar Springs Area Parks and Recreation directs a recreational program for youths and adults.
Crime in Cedar Springs (2002):
- 0 murders (0.0 per 100,000)
- 9 rapes (286.0 per 100,000)
- 0 robberies (0.0 per 100,000)
- 22 assaults (699.1 per 100,000)
- 23 burglaries (730.9 per 100,000)
- 114 larceny counts (3622.5 per 100,000)
- 9 auto thefts (286.0 per 100,000)
City-data.com crime index = 478.5 (higher means more crime, US average = 330.6)
Crime in Cedar Springs (2001):
- 0 murders (0.0 per 100,000)
- 3 rapes (95.9 per 100,000)
- 1 robbery (32.0 per 100,000)
- 10 assaults (319.7 per 100,000)
- 34 burglaries (1087.0 per 100,000)
- 160 larceny counts (5115.1 per 100,000)
- 5 auto thefts (159.8 per 100,000)
City-data.com crime index = 407.5 (higher means more crime)
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.8 km² (1.9 mi²). 4.7 km² (1.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.08% water.
CLIMATE
Warmest month: July
Avg. high:84 Avg. Low:60
Coldest month: January
Avg. high:29 Avg. Low:14
Average annual precipitation: 35 inches (890 mm)
Average annual snow fall: 72 inches (1.8 m)
Growing season: 154 days
Average weather in Cedar Springs, Michigan
Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Average temp. (°F) 21.3 24.1 33.5 45.5 57.3 66.2 70.4 68.5 60.4 49.2 37.4 26.5 High temperature (°F) 29.1 32.7 43.3 56.9 69.8 78.4 82.5 79.9 72.0 59.9 45.4 33.6 Low temperature (°F) 13.6 15.3 23.7 34.1 44.9 53.9 58.4 56.9 48.9 38.4 29.4 19.4 Precipitation (in) 2.3 1.5 2.5 3.2 3.4 3.3 3.0 4.2 3.8 2.9 3.4 2.6
Normal climate around Cedar Springs, Michigan
Based on data reported by main weather stations.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Days with precip. 16 12 12 13 11 10 9 9 11 11 13 16 Wind speed (mph) 11.7 11.0 11.3 11.2 9.8 9.0 8.5 8.1 8.6 9.8 11.0 11.1 Morning humidity (%) 82 81 81 78 78 82 84 89 89 85 82 82 Afternoon humidity (%) 74 69 63 57 54 57 57 60 61 63 70 75 Sunshine (%) 29 39 46 51 56 62 64 61 54 44 27 24 Days clear of clouds 3 3 5 6 7 8 9 9 8 6 3 2 Partly cloudy days 4 6 7 7 9 11 12 11 9 8 5 4 Cloudy days 24 20 19 17 15 12 10 11 13 16 22 25 Snowfall (in) 23.8 13.6 10.3 2.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 8.0 20.7
Distances
- Chicago 200 miles (300 km)
- Cleveland 316 miles
- Detroit 170 miles
- Lansing 85 miles
- Toronto 415 miles
- Indianapolis 268 miles
Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Grand Rapids, MI (19.5 miles, pop. 197,800).
Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Fort Wayne, IN (151.1 miles, pop. 205,727).
Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Chicago, IL (174.6 miles, pop. 2,896,016).
Nearest cities: Sand Lake, MI (5.3 miles), Rockford, MI (6.9 miles), Sparta, MI (11.6 miles), Howard City, MI (13.4 miles), Northview, MI (13.4 miles), Kent City, MI (13.9 miles), Comstock Park, MI (15.1 miles), Casnovia, MI (16.3 miles).
Demographics
Kent County is the fastest growing county in the State of Michigan according to a recent survey, its current population being over 500,000. A slight drop in population occurred in the 1980's but since then the population has seen a strong encouraging growth.
Gender Breakdown:
- Males - 1,467 (47.1%)
- Females - 1,645 (52.9%)
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 3,112 people, 1,115 households, and 774 families residing in the city. The population density is 656.6/km² (1,701.9/mi²). There are 1,175 housing units at an average density of 247.9/km² (642.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 95.85% White, 0.29% African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.19% from other races, and 1.48% from two or more races. 3.82% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. The Ancestries of the city are 24% German, 14.2% United States, 13.7% Dutch, 9.8% Irish, 9.5% English, and 7.4% Polish.
There are 1,115 households out of which 40.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% are married couples living together, 17.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% are non-families. 24.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 7.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.71 and the average family size is 3.17.
In the city the population is spread out with 31.3% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 29.6 years. For every 100 females there are 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 87.5 males.
For population 25 years and over in Cedar Springs:
- High school or higher: 79.4%
- Bachelor's degree or higher: 11.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.6%
- Unemployed: 8.3%
- Mean travel time to work: 25.0 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Cedar Springs city:
- Never married: 29.8%
- Now married: 47.2%
- Separated: 2.0%
- Widowed: 6.1%
- Divorced: 14.9%
2.4% Foreign born (2.0% Latin America, 0.4% Europe).
External links
Contacts
Chamber of Commerce Linda Booth Executive Director
PO Box 415 66 1/2 South Main Street Cedar Springs, MI 49319
(616) 696-3260
City of Cedar Springs Gerald Homminga City Manager
PO Box 310 66 South Main Street Cedar Springs, MI 49319
(616) 696-1330
[Cedar Springs Public School] Andy Booth Superintendent
204 East Muskegon Street Cedar Springs, MI 49319
(616) 696-1204