Professional Documents
Culture Documents
John Ball Zoo Master Plan
John Ball Zoo Master Plan
ACTION REQUESTED:
Recommend to the Board of Commissioners to amend the 2015 John Ball Zoo Approved Master Plan to include a revised
parking design; and change the operating agreement specific to parking.
• The Zoo has experienced significant growth over the last 10 years moving from the bottom 25% of zoos in the United
States to the top 25% of zoos. It is the 5th fastest growing zoo in the United States, which has placed stress on the
park and the neighboring community with increased traffic and parking.
• The current John Ball Zoo Master Plan (2015) restricts parking to only pave prime park space closest to neighborhood
homes. After a process of several community sessions facilitated by a team of nationally renowned architects,
engineers, consultants, and park professionals, John Ball Zoo has completed the process of engaging with the
neighborhood to update the most pressing issue of parking.
• The planned parking changes were formally included in a report approved by the John Ball Zoo Facilities Board
Committee on August 23, 2022 and the John Ball Executive Board Committee on September 15, 2022. In 2023, three
additional meetings were held with neighbors to reaffirm the proposed changes and received majority support.
• To implement the proposed parking design, the Board of Commissioners must approve the changes per the operation
agreement. The proposed parking will allow for more green space in perpetuity and eliminate all the traffic exiting
the Zoo directly into the neighborhood by relocating the Park St. exit directly to Butterworth.
ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION:
RECOMMENDED NOT RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVES:
WHEREAS, John Ball Zoo (Zoo) is required to update its Master Plan every
10-years and submit it to the Board of Commissioners (BOC) for approval as part of the
operating agreement between the Zoo and Kent County. The most recent BOC approved
Master Plan is from 2015. The Zoo Board will update the Master Plan in 2025 or before;
and
WHEREAS, the Zoo has experienced significant growth over the last 10
years moving from the bottom 25% of zoos in the United States to the top 25% of zoos. It
is the 5th fastest growing zoo in the United States, which has placed stress on the park and
the neighboring community with increased traffic and parking; and
WHEREAS, the current John Ball Zoo Master Plan (2015) restricts parking to
only pave prime park space closest to neighborhood homes. After a process of several
community sessions facilitated by a team of nationally renowned architects, engineers,
consultants, and park professionals, John Ball Zoo has completed the process of engaging
with the neighborhood to update the most pressing issue of parking; and
WHEREAS, the planned parking changes were formally included in a
report approved by the John Ball Zoo Facilities Board Committee on August 23, 2022
and the John Ball Executive Board Committee on September 15, 2022. In 2023, three
additional meetings were held with neighbors to reaffirm the proposed changes and
received majority support; and
WHEREAS, to implement the proposed parking design, the Board of
Commissioners must approve the changes per the operation agreement. The proposed
parking will allow for more green space in perpetuity and eliminate all the traffic exiting
the Zoo directly into the neighborhood by relocating the Park St. exit directly to
Butterworth.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Commissioners
hereby amends the 2015 John Ball Zoo Approved Master Plan to include a revised parking
design; and changes the operating agreement specific to parking.
No changes
to master
planning
requisites
Park space
into
perpetuity
once
complete
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
(complete)
Summary of Neighborhood Meetings
Closing
• Construct current 2015 approved parking plan?
• Approve an amendment to the 2015 parking plan with
proposed plan?
• Approve change in operating agreement to provide clarity on
use of space for public space and a park into perpetuity?
Questions?
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
FINAL REPORT AND JANUARY 23, 2015
Planning Participants Table of Contents
JOHN BALL ZOO TASK FORCE – Allmon Forrester, Chair SCHULTZ & WILLIAMS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Joyce Bower Dan Malone Rick Biddle Introduction & Master Plan Drivers................................... 1
Susan Brasic Andy McIntyre Jill Macauley Analysis Summary & Planning Overview ........................ 2
Mimi Cummings Kevin O’Neill Illustrative Master Plan .......................................................... 3
Joe Engels Dean Pacific CLR DESIGN Enlarged Zoo Site Plan .......................................................... 4
Matt Heitmeier Sherri Rowland Greg Dykstra Enlarged Park Site Plan .......................................................... 5
Carol Hennessy Tim Schowalter Jón Stefánsson Implementation Schedule ................................................... 6
Amber Holst Brenda Stringer John Collins
Zac Caruolo
Kyle Irwin MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
Amanda Kircher
Kathy Kemp Project Zones Plan .................................................................. 7
Dan Gregory
Matt Kind Entry Valley Exhibits and North America ........................ 8
Primate Overlook Trail .........................................................10
Stingray Pool Expansion .....................................................12
Forest Realm Expansion ......................................................14
Tropics Building Renovation .............................................15
Western Valley ........................................................................16
Planning Process Kid’s Discover Zone ...............................................................17
South Expansion ....................................................................20
This final report for the John Ball Zoo Master Plan represents began with the Cook Mokomboso Valley Chimpanzee Africa Expansion ....................................................................21
the culmination of a 5-month collaborative planning process. habitat in 2001 and will culminate in the Spring of 2015 Conservation Education Center .......................................22
The comprehensive effort began in July 2014 with an with the unveiling of the new Crawford Tigers of the Realm Park Entry .................................................................................24
Visitor Parking Renovations ...............................................26
analysis of the existing Zoo campus with a special focus on Phase 2. Based on the priorities identified by the planning
New Staff & Winter Holding / Parking ............................29
identifying the critical programmatic and operational needs participants including exhibits and attractions, infrastructure
Administration Building......................................................30
as well as land available for development. The initial process systems, and operational facilities, several concepts were
Waterfall Trail ..........................................................................31
recognized a solid foundation of diverse animal exhibits tested for consideration within the physical plan. Integration
Central Cafe Renovations ...................................................32
and operational framework that exists today as a result of with strategic objectives then helped to shape the overall
the implementation of modest yet highly valuable campus direction of the plan.
wide projects over the last 15 years. This implementation APPENDIX
Overall Park: Inventory and Analysis ..............................35
STRATEGIC PLANNING & INTEGRATION Existing Zoo .............................................................................36
WITH PHYSICAL MASTER PLAN
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Existing Zoo: Land Use ........................................................37
BOARD Existing Zoo: Inventory and Analysis .............................38
WS1 WS2 WS3 WS4 WS5 PRESENTATION Existing Zoo: Zones...............................................................39
PROMOTIONAL
MATERIALS Existing Zoo: Circulation .....................................................40
Existing Zoo: Building Inventory......................................41
JULY 2014 AUGUST 2014 OCTOBER 2014 NOVEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 Proposed Zoo: Guest & Service Circulation .................42
INTRODUCTION
ANALYSIS PROJECT MASTER PLAN PRESENTATION
INITIAL MAPPING & CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT EARLY ACTION
BRAINSTORMING PROJECTS
Site LAND USE Site TESTING Programming & PROJECT Budget Analysis
FLEX ANALYSIS Synthesis TESTING Synthesis PRIORITIZATION & Project
TRENDS Phasing
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
DRIVE
LAKE 2012 | Gift Shop /
JOHN BALL PARK Entry Gate
PARK STREET SW
FULTON STREET
RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOOD
RESIDENTIAL
NEIGHBORHOOD
2007 | Picnic Area 2012 | Pond Pavilion
Restroom Restroom Renovation
VALLEY AVE SW
FINAL REPORT
2 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AFRICA EXPANSION
1 ACRE
ZOO FOREST REALM
SUPPORT EXPANSION
TROPICS
RENOVATION
*
BUTTERWORTH PROPOSED
SUPPORT AREA SERVICE ROAD
KENT TRAILS
CONNECTION SOUTH EXPANSION
ENTRY VALLEY &
NORTH AMERICA
CENTRAL BIKE AND WATERFALL TRAIL
PEDESTRIAN PATH ZOO SUPPORT/
SERVICES KID’S DISCOVERY ZONE
PAVILION ABOVE
PRIMATE OVERLOOK TRAIL
*
ADVENTURE
COURSE
ZOO
PICNIC ADMIN PLAZA
*
AMPHITHEATER
AREA
FUTURE ADDITIONAL
PARKING
ENTRY CONSERVATION
PLAZA EDUCATION PARKING
CENTER
PROPOSED
SERVICE ROAD
POND
RK DR.
JOHN BALL PA MODIFIED SECONDARY PLAY AREA
ENTRY / EXIT
*
EAST PARKING
LEGEND (308 STALLS)
*
Holding Building
Administration / Support Building
*
Animal Exhibit CAR
DROP OFF
Water
Visitor Path
OPEN
Service Path / Parking RECREATIONAL
*
AREA
Zoo Perimeter Road UPGRADED
PEDESTRIAN
Buffer Vegetation ENTRY GARDENS
*
ANGLED PARKING,
Picnic Area OPTIONAL
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
12
ZOO SUPPORT
12 AND STAFF
AFRICA
PARKING FLEX HABITAT
11 AFRICAN SMALL
10 PRIMATE
1 ACRE 7 HOOFSTOCK CAMEL
RR RIDE
LION
WARTHOG
FOREST
ANIMAL
SUPPORT/ REALM
BREEDING
AVIARY
STAFF RR
SUPPORT TIGER
EXHIBIT
CHIMP
HOSPITAL HABITAT
KOMODO
NORTH
AMERICA TREEHOUSE
PLAY
WALK
THRU TREEHOUSE
AVIARY GRIZZLY ACCESS ROAD
FINAL REPORT
4 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ADMIN
1 ACRE AMPHITHEATER
PROPOSED
SERVICE ROAD
RK DR.
JOHN BALL PA
MODIFIED SECONDARY POND
ENTRY / EXIT
PLAY AREA
EAST PARKING
*
(308 STALLS)
PICNIC
*
RESIDENTIAL AREA
PICNIC AREA
NEIGHBORHOOD
*
OVERFLOW CAR DROP OFF
PARKING PICNIC
AREA
LEGEND
Visitor Services Building
Exhibit Building
OPEN
Holding Building RECREATIONAL
*
AREA
Administration / Support Building UPGRADED
PICNIC PEDESTRIAN
Animal Exhibit AREA ENTRY GARDENS
Water
ANGLED PARKING,
Visitor Path OPTIONAL
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Implementation Schedule
STRATEGIC SERVICES
1 $ 14.5M
Conservation - 15.5MCenter
Education 15 18
Notes
$ 3.0M 2B Kid’s Discovery Zone & Carousel 9 12 « A
Entry Valley Exhibits assumed scope to include:
3 $ 2.0M
Whistle Stop Café 9 12
« • Two Bear habitats and animal crossing
• Bear Holding Building
4 $ 750K
Central Café - 1.0M
Renovations • New path from Gift to Central Concession Building
5 $ 250K
Adventure - 300K
Course • Upgrades to existing Eagle Exhibit
• Expanded Outdoor Dining Area
INFRASTRUCTURE B
Kid’s Discovery Zone & Carousel assumed scope to
$ 300K1- 350K
Staff Parking 3 3 include:
• Budgie Exhibit
$ 400K2 Visitor Parking / Vehicular Circulation 3 3
• Bug Building
$ 1.0M 3 General Maintenance • Waterplay area and Bog Exhibit
$ 750K4 Park Improvements / Playground & Picnic Area 6 3 • Carousel
FINAL REPORT
6 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
CENTRAL CAFE RENOVATIONS
PAGE 32
Project Zones Plan TROPICS BUILDING RENOVATIONS
PAGE 15
WESTERN VALLEY
N
0’ 140’ 280’ 560’ PAGE 16
AFRICA EXPANSION
PAGE 21
SOUTH EXPANSION
PAGE 20
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
PAGE 30
WATERFALL TRAIL
PAGE 31
VISITOR PARKING
RENOVATIONS
PAGE 26
PARK ENTRY
PAGE 24
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
7
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
EXISTING EAGLE
WITH RENOVATIONS
NORTH AMERICAN
HABITAT B
ENCOUNTER
BEAR CROSSING
BRIDGE
FINAL REPORT
8 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
9
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
BOARDWALK
AVIARY SMALL
HOLDING PRIMATE
BUILDING HOLDING PRIMATE
FLEX 1
PRIMATE
OVERLOOK
TRAIL
LEMUR PRIMATE
HABITAT FLEX 3
AVIARY
•
VIEW PRIMATE
SHELTER FLEX 2
EXISTING
FUNICULAR
STATION EXISTING ROPES
COURSE
PRIMATE
VIEWING/
HOLDING
Site Plan
N
0’ 20’ 40’ 80’
FINAL REPORT
10 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
Equipped with a controllable divide, the large stingray pool will straddle the building edge
with approximately 40% indoor and 60% outdoor water surface area. The outdoor portion
will be equipped with tensile fabric shade structures for comfort of both the animals and RELOCATED
VISITOR PATH
visitors. The meandering pool edge maximizes the amount of frontage and capacity for visitors VISITOR
PATH
interacting with the stingrays. A hand washing station will be located both inside and outside
of the exhibit building for visitor sanitation. OUTDOOR
POOL
STINGRAY
EXISTING INDOOR
AQUARIUM VIEWING ROOM
INDOOR
POOL
SERVICE ZONE
Site Plan
N
0’ 15’ 30’ 60’
FINAL REPORT
12 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
•
SHADE FABRIC BOULDER
RETAINING WALL
VISITOR
PATH
OUTDOOR
POOL BENCH
PLANTER
ENTRY /
EXIT
POOL
VIP
FEEDING
ZONE
GRAPHIC
WALL
INDOOR
POOL SUPPORT
EXISTING
AQUARIUM STINGRAY
INDOOR
VIEWING ROOM
LSS
STAFF KEEPER
OFFICE ACCESS
SERVICE ZONE
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
13
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
Numerous predator exhibits will be implemented along the main pathway utilizing the natural
qualities of the existing forest to create deeply immersive experiences for both the animals and
EXPANDED
visitors. Expanding the Zoo’s current species list and continuing to diversify, the concept tests FOOD
SERVICE
adding a canine species such as wolf to the forest realm.
HABITAT
The existing food service and restroom area will be expanded in order to accommodate the
Zoo’s growing attendance and establish a central hub of activity for the upper forest realm.
Adjacent to the treetop outpost, the expanded snack and restroom area will provide parents
with ample room to sit and enjoy the forest and exhibits as children play.
The forest realm expansion will work in tandem with the waterfall trail to complete a pedestrian
loop. Visitors will be able to follow the waterfall trail down to the kid’s discovery zone and
ultimately back to the central café.
WOLF HABITAT
OFF-EXHIBIT
YARD
FLEX WOLF
HABITAT HOLDING
BUILDING
AVIARY
PROGRAM
Habitat 3,200 SF
Holding Building 750 SF
Wolf Habitat 13,000 SF
Wolf Holding Building 400 SF
Wolf Off-Exhibit Yard 400 SF
Flex Habitat 5,500 SF
Aviary 1,100 SF
Support Addition 1,200 SF
Food Service 1,000 SF SUPPORT ADDITION
Site Plan N
The new concept explores a complete overhaul and renovation to the tropics building which
will address and repair numerous issues present within the building’s envelope and mechanical
systems. The renovation will increase the quality of the indoor environment for the animals
and visitors and upgrade the overall experience of the attraction. The renovation brings back
and expands the previous Komodo Dragon exhibit into an indoor / outdoor attraction that will
be restructured as the main draw within the building.
KOMODO
CONSERVATION
STATION
WALK
THRU
AVIARY
MONKEY
ISLAND
PROGRAM
• Building Renovated
• Two or More Outdoor Habitats
Site Plan
N
0’ 20’ 40’ 80’
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
15
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
Western Valley
Once a dead end, the western valley now acts as a prominent corridor of circulation for visitors
accessing the upper forest realm. The dense vegetation throughout the valley and along the
forested hillside provides a perfect opportunity for a series of immersive exhibits. A realignment
of the visitor pathways will create an accessible walking route through the new exhibits.
Opportunities for utilizing the existing hillside as a small primate exhibit have been explored
and are a viable option. Transfer chutes will send animals from the holding facilities up to
the forest hillside. The animals will be viewable from the lower pathway as well as from the
upper boardwalk pathway. Additional exhibit spaces can be established along the serpentine
pathway creating a dynamic and highly active exhibit zone.
CAMEL RIDE
PRIMATE
HABITAT 1
PRIMATE
HABITAT 2
PRIMATE PRIMATE
HOLDING HABITAT 3 PRIMATE
TRAIL
DAYROOM
VIEWING
PROGRAM
Holding Building 700 SF
Dayroom 320 SF
Primate Habitat #1 1,400 SF
Primate Habitat #2 950 SF
Primate Habitat #3 650 SF
Tree Trails 325 LF
Site Plan
N
0’ 25’ 50’ 100’
FINAL REPORT
16 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
To the east of the Discovery Zone, up close viewing into the primate holding building will
begin to create a synergy between the Primate Overlook Trail zone and the Kid’s Discovery
Zone. The Whistle Stop Café has been relocated in order to expand amenities and provide a
SERVICE
better connection to the Zoo’s service zone. In its place, a mid-sized carousel will serve as a
focal point attraction within this zone while providing a source of additional revenue for the
BIRD AND BUG
Zoo. STAFF BUILDING
SUPPORT
A walk through budgie aviary will be nestled into the hillside adjacent to the zip line. The
pathway link from the zip line back to the otter exhibit within the North American zone explores
opportunities for additional walk through aviaries as well as a new bird and bug building.
•
AQUATIC
EXHIBIT
NEW WHISTLE
STOP CAFE
28’ CAROUSEL
SERVICE
PROGRAM
Bird & Bug Building 1,300 SF PETTING
AREA
Walk Thru Budgie 500 SF
Vestibule 1 50 SF
Vestibule 2 50 SF EXISTING
RED BARN
Whistle Stop Cafe 2,000 SF
Food 1,120 SF
PRIMATE SERVICE
Men’s Restroom 168 SF VIEWING AND
Women’s Restroom 216 SF HOLDING
Site Plan
N
0’ 25’ 50’ 100’
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
17
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
EXISTING
STREAM POND
PEDESTRIAN
BRIDGE
OUTDOOR
SEATING
AQUATIC
EXHIBIT
WHISTLE STOP
CAFE
CAROUSEL
FINAL REPORT
18 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
19
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
South Expansion
Bordering the southern edge of the Zoo, this forested plateau is a prime location for a
significant expansion to the Zoo. Land use studies have proven ample room for a variety of
exhibits both small and large. Visitor connections to the south expansion can be made by way
of the existing African Exhibits, bringing people up the hill then offering a short path system
EXISTING
that brings visitors through a series of exhibits. HOSPITAL
SERVICE
HOLDING
BUILDING B
HOLDING
BUILDING A
HABITAT B
VIEW
SHELTER
HABITAT C
HABITAT A
CONCESSIONS
NEW SERVICE
ROAD HABITAT D
EXISTING
PROGRAM HILLSIDE
Habitat A 12,000 SF
Habitat B 4,500 SF
Habitat C 3,000 SF
Habitat D 1,500 SF
Holding Building A 1,800 SF
Holding Building B 1,000 SF
View Shelter 460 SF
Concessions 600 SF
Site Plan
N
0’ 25’ 50’ 100’
FINAL REPORT
20 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
Africa Expansion
Utilizing the same forested plateau as the South Expansion, the African Expansion will add a
new predator layer to the African experience at the Zoo. The western portion of the expansion
is suitable for a wild dog exhibit. By taking advantage of the existing elevation changes, highly
naturalistic rockwork barriers can be installed, creating a seamless backdrop between the
exhibit space and the forest beyond.
HABITAT B
HABITAT A
VIEW
SHELTER B
VIEW
SHELTER A
HABITAT A
HOLDING LION
BUILDING OVERLOOK
SERVICE HABITAT
EXISTING D
HILLSIDE
HABITAT
C EXHIBIT
TRAIL
HABITAT D
PROGRAM HOLDING
BUILDING
Habitat A 3,300 SF
Habitat B 2,900 SF
Habitat C 1,500 SF
Habitat D 650 SF EXISTING
CHIMPANZEE
Habitat A Holding Building 750 SF
Habitat D Holding Building 220 SF
View Shelter A 450 SF
View Shelter B 450 SF
Site Plan
N
0’ 25’ 50’ 100’
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
21
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
The positioning of the education building allows for convenient bus and parent drop off from
the south side as well as dedicated teacher / staff parking from the north side. Being in close ZOO
PLAZA OUTDOOR
proximity to the Zoo’s main entry, the education building works in conjunction with the entry CLASSROOM
10
plaza to create a welcoming Zoo entry and define circulation for a variety of visitors.
MAIN STAFF PARKING
The southwest quadrant of the building is programmed as an outdoor plaza space, taking full ENTRY CONSERVATION
10
EDUCATION (36 SPACES)
advantage of the cooling outdoor micro-climate created by the building itself. CENTER
8 SERVICE
ACCESS
OUTDOOR
OUTDOOR SEATING
CLASSROOM 8
BOARDWALK
RESTORED
WETLAND
EDGE
REMOTE CLASSROOM /
POND PAVILION
RESTORED
WETLAND
EDGE
RESTORED POND
WETLAND
EDGE
STAFF
ENTRANCE
Site Plan
N
0’ 40’ 80’ 160’
FINAL REPORT
22 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
SHARED FUNCTIONS
Restrooms – Staff, Guest and Student (net allowance) 2,750 SF
Kitchen (warming) 1 250 SF 250 SF
Kitchen (catering) 1 800 SF 800 SF
In-class Animal Space 1 400 SF 400 SF
Program Animal Housing 1 2,500 SF 2,500 SF
Elevator/Lobby 2 200 SF 400 SF
Stairwells (2 per floor) 4 200 SF 800 SF
Data Hub 1 200 SF 200 SF
Mechanical/Electrical (1 per level) 2 500 SF 1000 SF
TOTAL GROSS 31,050 SF
Gross Factor at 25% 25%
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
23
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
Park Entry
Visitors will be welcomed at the corner of Fulton and Valley with colorful botanical displays,
ZOO ENTRY
quiet seating areas, decorative fountain, bike trail and pedestrian paths. The dramatic PLAZA
landscaping will create a signature entry piece for both vehicular traffic and pedestrians. SCHOOL DROP
OFF ZONE
During the inventory and analysis phase of the master plan, it became apparent that the
park and entry to the zoo could be made a much safer area if the pedestrian circulation was
kept separate from the vehicular circulation. This corner entry garden begins to define that
separation by re-routing the vehicular road and promoting pedestrian circulation only from
the corner of Fulton and Valley up through the park to the main zoo entrance only crossing over
the main entry road once. The renovated park entry and garden not only betters the circulation
and safety for pedestrians and vehicles but also helps further the initiative to beautify the
POND
surrounding park space. PLAY AREA
*
PICNIC AREA
PARK
ENTR
Y RO
AD
PARK & ZOO
ENTRANCE
PEDESTRIAN AND
BIKE TRAIL
FOUNTAIN •
OPEN
RECREATIONAL
AREA
PICNIC AREA
* UPGRADED
FORMAL ENTRY
GARDENS
Site Plan N
FINAL REPORT
0’ 40’ 80’ 160’
Park Entry
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
25
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
high volume days. While the overflow lawn parking helps handle the added volume it could be
more efficient if properly planned. The proposed plan re-evaluates the park and Zoo’s parking
needs and provides a solution which aims to accompany the high volume of visitors efficiently,
reduce maintenance and safety concerns, and beautify the surrounding park.
The parking lot is widened towards Park Street and expanded slightly to the east to partially
WEST PARKING
occupy the zone that was once utilized for overflow parking. By eliminating lawn parking, (371 STALLS)
maintenance operations are minimized as well as the damaging impacts to the lawn within
the park. With the use of landforms and vegetation, the visual impact of the parking lot will be
softened and hidden from view from the adjacent neighborhood.
PARKING ASSESSMENT
1) Design day = 1% of annual attendance
2) Design day = 5,000 or more
3) Parking demand = design day x 80% / 3.5 Per car / 1.5 to 1.75 Turnover
PROS CONS
• Efficiently increases paved parking capacity by 91%. • Some mature trees will be lost based on final
• Existing parking lot upgraded. Will revise existing layout.
utilities and save trees. • Potential land for animal exhibits will now be used
• Recreational area is not impacted and overflow for guest parking.
parking can stay as is. • Views from the Administrative Building are less
• New parking area (West Lot) brings guests close to attractive looking to the south. OVERFLOW
the Zoo Entry Plaza. • Administrative Building requires costly repairs. PARKING
• Two good entry points from existing roads.
• Good location for guests using the picnic area and
attending a concert. OPEN
RECREATIONAL
• Historic Administrative Building can stay. AREA
• Mature trees protected at south side of pond.
• Guests will have direct access to walkways leading
to Zoo Plaza.
Site Plan N
FINAL REPORT
26
0’ 60’ 120’ 240’
EXISTING TREES
RELOCATED SIDEWALK
ANGLED PARKING
11’ 6’
63’-0”
30’
6’ 10’
PROS CONS
• Decreases the amount of parking • Will impact mature trees along Valley
space that needs to be added. Ave. and Park St.
• Pull forward back in method is safer for • Safety issue backing out of spaces into
unloading vehicles and pulling out. oncoming traffic.
• Safety issue unloading kids adjacent to
busy street.
• Pull forward back in method has issues
with flow of traffic.
• Guests have to walk further to get to
Entry Plaza and park amenities.
45º PARKING
18’ DEEP
Photo & Design by Meliora Design Photo & Design by Meliora Design
Bio-Swale Examples
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
27
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
WEST PARKING
(220 STALLS)
TOTAL PARKING
WEST PARKING
(506 STALLS) (280 STALLS)
EAST PARKING
(286 STALLS) TOTAL PARKING
(504 STALLS)
EAST PARKING
(224 STALLS)
FINAL REPORT
28 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
The current lack of staff parking creates inefficiencies throughout the campus. Parking lots
12 15
that would otherwise be solely dedicated to visitors are currently accommodating both visitors
and staff. With the addition of a new surface parking lot containing 94 dedicated staff parking
12
spaces, this back of house service area is now equipped to handle the parking needs for a ZOO SUPPORT
12 AND STAFF
majority of the Zoo staff in one consolidated location. PARKING EXISTING
HILLSIDE
11
10
AFRICA
EXPANSION
OFF
EXHIBIT
WINTER
HOLDING
ANIMAL SUPPORT/
BREEDING
STAFF SUPPORT
SERVICE
PROGRAM
Staff Support Building 2,400 SF
Animal Support and Breeding Building 2,400 SF
EXISTING Off Exhibit Holding 1,800 SF
HOSPITAL
Parking 94 Spaces
Site Plan
N
0’ 40’ 80’ 160’
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
29
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
Administration Building
The new administration building, nestled next to the existing gift shop, not only provides the
Zoo staff with an upgraded office facility but it also works in tandem with the new education
building to help redefine the entry plaza to the Zoo. The new administration building’s location ZOO
ENTRY
allows it to double as the main admissions office for visitors purchasing tickets. The simple BLACK BEAR GATE
circulation pattern around the building allows for direct one way flow from the ticketing HOLDING
BUILDING
window to the entry gate.
The service areas behind the administration, gift shop and black bear holding buildings can be EXISTING
RESTROOMS /
consolidated into one zone providing efficiencies for maintenance and management. Optional SERVICE STROLLER
RENTAL
connections may be made to the existing gift shop.
GIFT SHOP
ZOO PLAZA
ADMINISTRATION
BUILDING
Site Plan
N
0’ 25’ 50’ 100’
FINAL REPORT
30 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
Waterfall Trail
Visitors experiencing the upper forest plateau and the forest realm expansion will now have
an alternative route back to the heart of the zoo that doesn’t require the use of the funicular
or back tracking through the forest. This route will establish yet another continuous path of
travel to and from the Zoo’s central hub and café strengthening the overall circulation pattern HOLDING FOREST
BUILDING REALM
throughout the zoo. EXPANSION
FLEX HABITAT
HABITAT
A
HABITAT
B
AVIARY
WATERFALL
TRAIL
ZIP LINE
KID’S WATERFALL
DISCOVERY
ZONE
PROGRAM
Habitat A 850 SF
Habitat B 630 SF
Pathway 950 LF
Site Plan
N
0’ 20’ 40’ 80’
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
31
MASTER PLAN PROJECTS
CAFE
ADDITION
CAFE
PLAZA
ENTRY PLAZA
OVERLOOK
EXISTING
EAGLE WITH
RENOVATIONS
PROGRAM
Cafe Expansion 600 SF
Dining Deck 2,400 SF
Service Zone 650 SF
Site Plan
N
0’ 15’ 30’ 60’
FINAL REPORT
32 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
APPENDIX
APPENDIX
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
35
APPENDIX
Existing Zoo
N
0’ 75’ 150’ 300’ BROWN
BARN
HOOFSTOCK
1 ACRE
WARTHOG CAMEL
LION TIGER
HOOFSTOCK WARTHOG
LION GOAT
BABOON &
COLOBUS
CONCESSIONS TIGER
RR
TIGER
CHIMPANZEE SOUTH
AMERICAN DEN
HOSPITAL WOLF John Ball Zoo
FLAMINGO SNACK
Boundary
& RR
CHIMP TROPICS
EXHIBIT
BLDG SOUTH
AMERICA
CHILDREN’S CHILDREN’S
DISCOVERY PLAY AREA
BEAR BEAR DECK
MOUNTAIN
LION
MONKEY WINTER
LEOPARD HOLDING
OTTER
CONCESSIONS
BLDG #1
BOBCAT RESTROOMS &
SUPPORT BUILDING
TORTOISE
ANIMAL CARE
LEGEND DUCK
CENTER
FINAL REPORT
36 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
APPENDIX
1 ACRE
LEGEND
Animal Exhibit and Holding
Visitor Services
Administration & Operations Buildings
Paths, Roadways & Parking
Landscape Buffer
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
37
APPENDIX
JOHN BALL ZOO
NOTE:
BOUNDARY See existing building inventory sheet and URS facilities
Existing Zoo: Inventory & Analysis assessment report for building conditions.
N
0’ 75’ 150’ 300’
1 ACRE
LEGEND
Infrastructure
Guest Services
Attractions
Parking
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
39
APPENDIX
+
1 ACRE
+
+
LEGEND
Visitor Circulation
+
Service Circulation
Visitor Vehicular Circulation
+ Service Gate
FINAL REPORT
40 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
APPENDIX
V2 Restrooms I G 990
N
A1 V3 Snack and Restroom LT G 500
0’ 80’ 160’ 320’
V4 Concessions Building #1 I G 2,675
V5 Band Shell TP N/A 880
V6 Bobcat Restrooms and Support Building TP F 2,570
A2 V7 Playhouse LT G 175
V8 Concessions Building #2 TP P 1,180
V9 Gift Shop LT G 2,840
A3 V10 Membership Office / Learning Center I G 2,940
E10 V11 Stroller Rental LT G 380
A4 E12 V12 Funicular Station LT G 1,180
V13 Entry LT G 1,750
V16
V14 Funicular Station LT G 650
V15 Upper Park Stone Pavilion I G 1,650
V16 Upper Park Restrooms I G 1,040
V17 Tree Deck Overlook LT G 2,190
E3 V18 Lake Pavilion TP G 2,200
E2 A5 V19 Lower Park Restroom I G 1,040
V1 A6
E1 EXHIBIT BUILDING COND. SUIT. SF COMMENTS
V2 E1 Chimpanzee Viewing I G 560
A7 E2 Lion Viewing #1 LT G 460
Z1 E3 Lion Viewing #2 LT G 460
E4 Tropics Exhibit Building U F 7,360
E13
V3 E5 Otter Viewing U G 350
E6 Aquarium U F 12,875
A8
E7 Tree House LT G 4,780
E4
E8 Red Barn I G 2,050
E9 Ropes Course LT G 1,050
V17 E10 Camel U G 150
A10 E11 Budgie U F 400
E14
A9 E12 Tiger Flex Habitat Viewing LT G 580
A11 E13 Tiger Habitat Viewing LT G 150
A12 E14 Grizzly Bear Viewing LT G 745
V15 V4
E5 V6 ANIMAL HOLDING BUILDING COND. SUIT. SF COMMENTS
A1 Brown Barn U F 2,050
A2 Hoofstock Holding Building LT G 2,160
A3 Warthog Holding Building LT G 550
A4 Lion Holding Building LT G 2,700
E6 Z3
A5 Baboon & Colobus Holding Building TP P 3,570
A6 Tiger Holding Building LT G 2,280
V7 A7 South American Den I F 2,000
Z2 A8 Chimpanzee Holding Building I G 4,100
A9 Mountain Lion Holding TP P 1,500
V14 A10 Grizzly Bear Holding U F 1,300
E11 E7 A11 Winter Holding Building U F 930
A12 Otter Holding Building U F 340
A13 Birds of Prey Holding Building I F 670 Summer only
V8
V5 ZOO SUPPORT / ADMINISTRATION BUILDING COND. SUIT. SF COMMENTS
Z5 Z1 Hospital LT G 6,880
V10 V11
Z2 Animal Care Center U F 4,740
V9 E8 A13 Z3 Teen Volunteering Building TP F 400
Z4 Administration Building TP F 20,800
V12 E9 Z5 Yurt LT G 500
Z6 Central Services Building LT G 4,150
V13
KEY
COND. = CONDITION SUIT. = SUITABILITY
LT = Building will be useful for long term (20+ yrs) G = GOOD - building use meets or exceeds today’s standards
I = Building useful for immediate term (10-20 yrs) F = FAIR - building use could meet today’s standard with
Z4 U = With upgrade, building useful (10-20 yrs) reasonable improvements
TP = Top priority - replace or renovate now (<10 yrs) P = POOR - building use does not meet today’s standards
FINAL REPORT
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN JANUARY 23, 2015
41
APPENDIX
AFRICA EXPANSION
1 ACRE « ZOO
TIGER HUB
FOREST REALM
SUPPORT EXPANSION
«
BUTTERWORTH
HEART OF
THE ZOO HUB
« TROPICS
RENOVATION «
PROPOSED
SUPPORT AREA
«
SERVICE ROAD
KENT TRAILS
CONNECTION SOUTH EXPANSION
ENTRY VALLEY &
BIKE AND
NORTH AMERICA
WATERFALL TRAIL
«
«
CENTRAL
PEDESTRIAN PATH BUS ZOO SUPPORT /
SERVICES DROP OFF KID’S DISCOVERY ZONE
PAVILION
PRIMATE OVERLOOK TRAIL
PICNIC
AREA
AMPHITHEATER
«
ADMIN
ZOO
PLAZA
ADVENTURE
COURSE
WEST PARKING
(371 STALLS) ENTRY CONSERVATION
PLAZA EDUCATION PARKING WHISTLE STOP
CENTER
« «
PLAZA HUB
PROPOSED
SERVICE ROAD
POND
RK DR.
JOHN BALL PA MODIFIED SECONDARY PLAY AREA ARRIVAL HUB
ENTRY / EXIT
Legend EAST PARKING
(308 STALLS)
Primary and Secondary Guest Hubs PICNIC AREA
FINAL REPORT
42 JANUARY 23, 2015
JOHN BALL ZOO MASTER PLAN
October 12, 2023
Alan Vanderberg
County Administrator/Controller
Kent County Administration
Country Administration Building
300 Monroe Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Al,
As the current Chairman of John Ball Zoo’s Board of Directors, I am writing to you regarding the
proposed park amendment to the 2015 Master Plan. John Ball Zoo has fully reviewed the proposed
amendment and it has been approved by both our Facilities and Executive Committees.
In addition, John Ball Zoo has fully reviewed the proposed designated park space, which is to be free of
cars regardless of Zoo attendance, after the parking amendment plan is completed and all development
west of the park plan is designated for Zoo use.
This letter serves as notice, as Board Chair of the John Ball Zoo, that John Ball Zoo fully supports the
proposed park amendment to the 2015 Master Plan. Please let us know if you need anything further.
Thank you,
Matthew Becker
Chairman, John Ball Zoo
FISCAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO:
/
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE: 1
9 9
General Opera ng Fund
Notes to Financial Statement
1 1 1
1
1 1 9
1
1 1 1
9 1
91
9 9
9 9
1 1
1
1 9 9
19 1
/
1
General Fund
Cash Balances Compared to 12/31/2022 Fund Balance
June 30, 2023
Lodging Excise Tax Fund
Notes to Financial Statement
1 9 1 11
19
1