Kent County, MI

11/15/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/15/2024 10:16

You are Invited to Preview John Ball Zoo's Updated Master Plan

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Dear Valued Community Member,

As a stakeholder in John Ball Zoo, we invite you to preview the Zoo's updated Master Plan at one of our upcoming community meetings.

The Master Plan is a guiding document outlining the Zoo's vision for the next 10 years, with transformative projects designed to enhance offerings and meet the needs of our thriving community. It serves as a roadmap to keep John Ball Zoo as a treasured resource for West Michigan well into the future.

Guided by the Zoo's mission - to inspire our community to actively engage in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment- this plan will help the Zoo:

  • Provide exceptional guest experiences
  • Deliver excellent animal care
  • Expand educational opportunities
  • Strengthen John Ball Zoo as a community asset

Some of the exciting project highlights include:

Expanding the African area, featuring giraffes.

This habitat will include feeding opportunities, educational areas, and guest amenities like restrooms and a nursing room.

Creating one of North America's largest indoor habitats - the South American Forest.

This multi-level habitat will showcase the rich biodiversity of South America, highlighting birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and water features. Guests can also enjoy a full-service restaurant and immersive adventure experiences.

Developing a new central plaza with the return of sea lions to John Ball Zoo.

This habitat will include underwater viewing, a rooftop café, and behind-the-scenes tours within our world-class animal care facility.

You're invited to join us at one of the following community meetings, where we will present the Master Plan, host a Q&A session, and showcase visual boards for a closer look at specific projects:

Tuesday, November 19

  • 12:00-2:00 pm
  • Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation, Madison Ballroom, 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Wednesday, November 20

  • 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  • North Kent County Campus, 4191 17 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319

Wednesday, November 20

  • 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
  • John Ball Zoo, Savannah Ballroom, Administration Building, 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Thursday, November 21

  • 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Gaines Township Office, 8555 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316

If you have any questions about these forums, please contact us at 616-336-4300 or [email protected].