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X-FROM-URL:http://events.grnow.com/events/index.php?com=details&eID=161970
X-WR-RELCALID:GRNow Event Calendar John Ball Zoo Expansion Opening 20120601
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URL;VALUE=URI:http://events.grnow.com/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=161970
DTSTART:20120601T000000-0400
DTEND:20120602T000000-0400
SUMMARY:John Ball Zoo Expansion Opening
DESCRIPTION:John Ball Zoo Society Announces Largest Contribution in Zoo's History   Today the John Ball Zoological Society\, the non-profit fundraising partner of the Zoo\, announced that Bea Idema and the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation are donating a $5\,000\,000 capital gift for the expansion of John Ball Zoo.  The Idema gift is the largest single donation in the Zoo's history.  Mrs. Idema's vision and generosity will make it possible for the Zoo to expand and develop the summit of the hill on which the Zoo is located.  The funding will provide for a funicular and all the required facilities and infrastructure needed for opening up the hill top area for visitors.  Construction is expected to start late summer 2011 with the funicular opening early summer 2012.   The Project-THE IDEMA FOREST REALM  The project begins to the right of the Zoo entrance with the FUNICULAR. What is a funicular?  A funicular is essentially a tram on a track designed to take steep inclines.  Traditionally funiculars or inclines have been driven by cables\; the Zoo's funicular will be powered with motors on the tram cars. This system is more environmentally friendly and requires a much narrower pathway. Visitors will gather at the funicular platform and enter the tram to begin their journey on a long curved railway that winds towards Fulton Street then curves up and behind the children's zoo area to one of the highest points in Grand Rapids. There are three cars planned for the funicular.  The 900' long ride up the hill is expected to take approximately 4 minutes.  The cars are designed with one bench seat at the rear. In order to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs the rest of the car will be open and passengers will stand during the ride.  The car's wrap around windows provide riders a stunning view of downtown as they make their way into the IDEMA FOREST REALM.  As the ride begins\, passengers are at ground level\; however\, as they curve up the hill the track will rise to 15' off the ground. What a delight for children and adults alike to experience this sure-to-be icon for our city. Only a handful of funicular systems exist in the United  States and the IDEMA FUNICULAR will be the first of its kind in Michigan.  Once at the top\, riders debark at a second platform station and proceed to the public scenic overlook. An expansive deck will be constructed to give visitors great views of the Grand Rapids skyline and the Zoo.  A "tree house" for special zoo events and rentals at the hilltop will also be constructed. BISSELL\, Inc. has pledged the lead gift to make the tree house possible.   Long time supporters of the Zoo\, BISSELL\, Inc. most recently contributed the lead gift for the Lions of Lake Manyara project which opened in 2008.   Inside the tree house\, zoo visitors might take part in a special event\, participate in an educational program\, or even rent the facility to celebrate a family or corporate event. This multi-use space will be unique in its hilltop location. The tree house and funicular stations are being designed by Progressive AE and Outdoor Inclined Elevators\, Inc. will provide design  of the funicular system. Leaving the public overlook\, visitors will walk through the forest along a natural trail.  In the future\, the entire hilltop will hold permanent animal exhibits. In the early stages of the expansion\, the trail will allow the visitor to explore a part of the Zoo never before opened to the public.  Not only do these projects assist the Zoo in growing as an education\, conservation\, and recreation facility  but they are important to the local economy. The projects will provide work for approximately 20 trade contractors and 30 material suppliers.  In addition\, multiple people at each of these organizations will provide labor throughout the duration of these projects. The Zoo currently provides approximately $28 million in economic impact to the community annually.  With the addition of new attractions\, that number will increase along with the onetime economic impact of the construction. The John Ball Zoo has enjoyed great attendance averaging 420\,000 visitors annually over the last few years. It was recently named the 4th most attended cultural facility in Michigan by Crain's Detroit Business. The County of Kent and their non-profit partner\, the John Ball Zoological Society\, are  working together to provide future funding and governance options to allow the Zoo to continue to grow and thrive.  The Zoological Society is currently raising funds for additional new exhibits and renovations. With Mrs. Idema and the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation leading the way\, the Zoo will be able to take one of the most significant steps forward in its history.  These projects will open up a whole new area for future development and nearly double the size of the current Zoo.  Mrs. Idema and the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation have long been generous donors to the community. Their quiet generosity has helped many organizations for many years.  The Zoo Society Board is thrilled to have received such a tremendous gift that creates such wonderful possibilities for the future. #  #  #(June 1\, 2012 is an estimated date) Funicular/tram station: Tree House: Map of Funicular: \n______________________________\nThis Event Downloaded From a Helios Calendar Powered Site
LOCATION:John Ball Park & Zoo - 1300 Fulton Street West \, Grand Rapids\, MI  49504
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