August 2, 2005
Contact: Brenda Stringer or Bert Vescolani
Phone: 616-336-4301
For Release: Immediately
Zoo Society Announces a Vision
For A New Zoo at John Ball Park
Today the John Ball Zoo Society presented a new vision for the future of John Ball Zoo to the Kent County Finance Committee. The new vision would keep the best of the current exhibits but build an exciting new zoo over the coming years. Utilizing a river theme, “Grand Rivers of the World,” the vision would unite and blend the zoo and park areas creating a celebration of nature throughout. During the planning process an emphasis was placed on building an animal collection that could best use the hilly topography and adapt to Michigan’s climate. The Zoo Society, Zoo Staff, and zoo designers from Jones and Jones also wanted to find ways differentiate John Ball Zoo from other zoos in Michigan by focusing on animals of the forests and more northern climates.
The plan is intended to be flexible as well as exciting. Private dollars will be used to fund the new exhibits and the new Zoo will be built in sections over time. The Society has also developed a business plan to help increase the operating revenue as the Zoo grows. The intention in the planning process was to develop a well thought out business plan that guaranteed that exhibits would not be built unless the operating expense could be supported. “As a business man I understand that you need to be fiscally responsible while trying to create the best for your audience. As a volunteer in the community and on the Zoo Society Board, I know that we all want the best for the animals and great recreational experiences for our families and visitors to our city. This vision for a new Zoo at John Ball Park is going to become a great adventure for all of us in West Michigan,” said Zoo Society President Mitch Watt.
First priorities in the vision include building the Great Grizzly Trail, a new grizzly bear exhibit at the front of the Zoo with additional animal areas for otters, waterfowl, and birds of prey. This phase would also include a new entrance and community plaza. “It’s really important to all of us at the Zoo to attack those exhibits that are the oldest first. We’d love to be able to take care of what we think are the areas in most need like the bear exhibit and the tiger area,” said Mr. Watt.
The entire plan would cost between $75-100 million, however, the intention is to build it in phases. The first phase will not be defined until the Society completes a fundraising feasibility study. However, Zoo leaders say that if the funding allows the Great Grizzly Trail and community plaza could open as early as 2007.
One of the goals of the plan was to create interaction between animals and visitors by introducing contact areas throughout the Zoo. Past surveys and workshops showed that visitors wanted more “experiences” while at the zoo. Feeding opportunities, contact, behind-the-scenes areas, recreational trails, animal demonstrations, staff interaction, and play areas are all being included. “We really wanted to create a sense of exploration and wonder,” said Brenda Stringer, Executive Director of the Society.
Unique ways for visitors to travel the hillside are being designed including a funicular, or incline, which would carry visitors to the very top of the Zoo to a tree house overlooking the city. This magnificent tree top facility would be an exceptional venue for visitor programs, educational classes, or even weddings.
Zoo Director Bert Vescolani said, “It’s a whole new Zoo, with amazing animals like polar bears, interactive exhibits, all in a fun, safe environment. The new Zoo will make both nature and wildlife accessible to our entire community.”
