What:
Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Parks and Recreation will conduct an open house about the proposed Residential Parking Zone and the zoo’s Long-Range Physical Development Plan (LRPDP) in addition to the second public hearing, which is being held to solicit written and verbal comments on the use of the “design-build” alternative contracting procedure for the zoo parking garage. Construction for the garage will begin in 2007 and is projected to be completed in summer 2008.

The open house will provide public opportunities to speak with zoo staff on parking garage design, Residential Parking Zone (RPZ), Transportation Demand Management (TDM), or ways to promote non-SOV (single occupancy vehicle) and other alternative forms of transportation to the zoo. Staff will also offer information on elements of the LRPDP including a zoo events center, administrative office building, carousel, new animal exhibits and other facilities.

When:
The initial public hearing was held May 26. The second public hearing and open house will be held Wednesday, June 8, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Where:
Woodland Park Zoo’s Education Center at the zoo’s South Entrance, N. 50th St. & Fremont Ave. N.

Info:
The zoo parking garage was identified in the zoo’s Long-Range Physical Development Plan which was adopted by the Seattle City Council in fall 2004. The new garage will be located on the west side of Woodland Park Zoo and will be a multi-story facility, providing approximately 700 parking stalls for zoo visitors.

“ Design-build” is a project delivery method in which a facility is designed and constructed by a single integrated team of designers, engineers and constructors. This approach involves more collaboration of these disciplines throughout the design and construction phases, resulting in improved cost and schedule controls for certain projects. Design-build teams typically deliver all phases of design and construction for a fixed contract amount. This differs from a more traditional approach in which an architect is employed separately to design a facility, followed by bids by contractors to construct the facility.

Written comments may be mailed or e-mailed to:

For additional written information about the garage project, please contact Dan Phillips.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.