City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County
Community: Santa Ana Zoo Walkway Replacement Project Brings Partial Zoo Closure
SANTA ANA, CA (March 21, 2012) – The Santa Ana Zoo is getting new walkways as part of a construction project in late April to replace all of the zoo’s old asphalt paths. As a result, a major portion of the zoo where most of the exotic animals and monkeys are exhibited will be closed from Monday, April 16, through Sunday, April 29. The front areas of the zoo not affected by the construction (the Crean Family Farm, the Exploration Outpost activity center, playground, gift shop, Knowlwood Café, maze, Zoofari Express train ride and the Conservation Carrousel) will remain open to the public during the construction project.
The existing asphalt walkways in the zoo are in poor condition. There are large cracks from tree roots and uneven surfaces throughout the walkways. The uneven walkway conditions have been noted in the last two Association of Zoos & Aquariums accreditation inspection reports as being inadequate.
This project is managed by Public Works and the funding for the project comes from a $75,000 grant that covers all of the costs of the project. The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo applied for, received the grant, and has transferred those funds to the City.
During the two weeks of construction, the existing walkways will be pulverized to provide a base for the new layer. Reusing the old asphalt significantly reduces the amount of material that would normally go to a landfill. Because all of the exhibits in the main zoo will have new walkways, the entire area will be closed for public safety
During the closure of the main zoo exhibits, the front of the zoo will remain open so visitors that do come can see the Family Farm animals, ride the carrousel and train, and visit the gift shop and Knowlwood Café. During the construction process, the zoo will charge $1 admission for everyone 3 years and older.
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Sent by City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza, 8th Floor/ P.O. Box 1988, Santa Ana, CA 92702
