The John Ball Zoo master plan aims to create a better visitor experience while staying true to its conservation and sustainability efforts.
KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The John Ball Zoo is going to see some big changes over the next decade after the Kent County Board of Commissioners approved its 10-year master plan Thursday morning.
The plan includes some major upgrades and an expanded parking lot, but before it was approved, some concessions were made.
Leading up to the board’s approval, the zoo held community feedback events about the master plan. One of the major concerns from residents was the new parking lot under construction and the protected greenspace surrounding the zoo.
The board voted 16-3 in favor of the plan, which includes the following changes:
- The master plan now includes language that the zoo needs to save as many trees as possible in an area at the south of the pond.
- A protected …