John Ball Zoo is focusing on making their parking lot green [Video]

A new parking lot on the site of the old John Ball Park has drawn controversy. But neighbors, and the zoo, said they’re moving forward.

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan —

With growing yearly visitor numbers and no parking lot additions in over six decades, John Ball Zoo needed to add more parking. Where? Just south of the zoo.

But for some community members, like Juan Garcia and his daughter Essy, the land that used to be John Ball Park held memories.

“It’s unfortunate. It’s, it is what it is,” Garcia said. “At this point, we as neighbors were putting up, you know, trying to speak up and to have our voices heard throughout the process.”

Garcia is part of the Save John Ball Park collective, a group of community members who wanted to see John Ball Park saved.

But John Ball Zoo CEO Peter D’Arienzo said the renovation, while disappointing to some, was necessary.

“It is different, though, meaning there’s a long …