Council approves Elmwood Park Zoo’s $150M transformation plan

Future enhancements to Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania, were given the green light after the region’s council members voted unanimously to authorize conditional use approval of the zoo’s master plan. The council members voted 6-0 with Councilwoman Jasmine Griffen recusing herself from the vote, citing her employment at the zoo. With the approval, the zoo will go ahead with its $150 million, multi-year plan to transform significant acreage of the zoo’s land. Elmwood Park Zoo was established in 1924 and is home to around 300 animals. It sees between 800,000 to 1 million annual visitors and is experiencing increasing interest and popularity. Zoo CEO and Executive Director Al Zone said the zoo sees about 40,000 fewer annual visitors than the Philadelphia Zoo, located in the city, about 18 miles from Elmwood. Norristown Councilman Dustin Queenan further commented on the growth calling it “incredible.” The $150 million master plan will allow the zoo to make several changes and additions to the property to enhance the visitor experience and fit the demand of this growth. The plan includes the construction of three new exhibits, new infrastructure and public amenities for the entire community to enjoy. The first steps of the plan were completed and unveiled last spring, consisting of a revamped welcome center and veterinary hospital. After numerous zoning, design and land development applications, the next phase in the zoo’s transformation includes expansion. The parcel of land includes 14 acres in its southeast corner that is bisected by Stony Creek and an additional 73-acre tract situated just beyond Stony Creek. Zone said he hopes touse that land for future growth. New Exhibits Each of the three future new zoo exhibits will showcase animals and environments from a different continent. The North America exhibit will feature the red wolf, a species classified as “extremely endangered,” according to Zone. The second exhibit will focus on Asia and bring tigers to the zoo. South America will be the third continent on display. This exhibit, to be constructed in the middle of the campus, will emphasize the rainforest and double as an event space. New Infrastructure As the zoo expands, new infrastructure will be built to accommodate this growth. In the plans, a new 260-foot internal vehicular bridge to cross Stony Creek will be added. This construction is expected to begin in about two months. Zone said 8-foot fencing, required for animal establishments across the globe and utilities will also be built. Public Amenities In addition to upgrades within the zoo’s property, the master plan also details changes outside the gates. A barn will be built on the exterior of the zoo, open to residents at no charge. It will feature a beehive exhibit, as well as information on Norristown’s history and act as a location for public education opportunities through partnerships with local groups. A new outdoor playground will also be built. A bike path connecting the zoo to Norristown Farm Park and Schuylkill River Trail is also planned. Walkers and those who access the zoo via the trail will receive half-price admission for leaving less of a carbon footprint. The bike path is one solution Zone hopes will help solve the zoo’s parking problems. Spaces in the existing lot fill up quickly and the zoo has turned to leasing spots from Logan Square. The zoo currently provides a shuttle for those in the Logan Square spots, but Zone says there is not a timeline on how long the shuttle will continue. He hopes to build a multi-level parking structure with 856 spaces to solve the parking issues. At the council meeting, Zone stressed the parking area would “not be seen by residents.” Once completed, officials are hopeful that renovations at the zoo will bring about a positive regional economic impact. Zone highlighted that the changes will also strengthen the zoo’s partnerships with The Centre Theater, the Norristown Area School District and the Philadelphia Eagles. He added that the improvements will help keep the zoo functioning as a vital community resource.

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