08-24-92 Parks & Recreation - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commtttu Ztport PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE to the Common Council of tbt City of ioutb Istnb: The August 24, 1992 meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee was called to order by its Chairperson, Council Member Sean Coleman, at 4:20 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members: Luecke, Coleman, Puzzello, Washington, Kelly, Zakrzewski, Duda, Ladewski; Carolyn Kunz, Mrs. Emerick, Jenny Pitts Manier, Donna Harlan, John Martinez, Johnny Martinez, Jon Hunt, Don Porter, and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council Member Coleman noted that the purpose of the meeting was to review the master plan for Potawatomi Zoo. Mr. Martinez noted that the original master plan was completed in 1974. In 1991 the Zoological Society hired Jones and Jones from Wichita, Kansas for $25,000 for a new master plan. He indicated that a 1991 218,000 persons visited the zoo. Between May through June over 43,000 school children attended the zoo. The master plan recommends improvements in parking, restrooms, handicap improvements,improved educational outreach, an educational building, and several related improvements. Drawings of the proposed bear grotto renovation, the African Diana monkey exhibit and the proposed chimpanzee exhibit to be designed by Cole Associates Inc. was also shown to the Committee. The USDA will require an animal hospital on site. The master plan also calls for winter viewing, enhanced propagation of animals, and improved outback holding areas. Additionally renovation to food concession areas and a new signage system are recommended. The top priorities are the proposed bear grotto renovation, a giraffe facility, and continued renovation of existing facilities. It was alos noted that there have been 34 special events and becasue the zoo is accredited it is eligible to trade animals between other accredited zoos. It was also noted that a zebra exhibit is a high interest activity. In response to a question raised by Council Member Ladewski it was noted that the city paid a fine as a result of various improvements which were not made to the bear exhibit which have all been completed. It was also indicated that very little vandalism takes place at the zoo. Council Member Puzzello noted that each year she brings her first grade class to the zoo and recommended that admission fees for special groups continue to be discounted. Council Member Coleman suggested that a tour of the facility be taken by the Council in the near future.