What:
Woodland Park Zoo’s Zoomazium - an all-season nature play space for kids - is beginning to take shape next to the Rain Forest Food Pavilion near the zoo’s West Entrance. Media are invited to watch as a large crane lifts Zoomazium’s huge custom-made trusses onto this state-of-the-art nature-friendly building.

According to Brendan Connolly, LEED AP, of Mithun, “The primary structural element in the Zoomazium design is the trusses, which form the lines and shape of the building, and support the vegetated roof system above. The trusses make use of Forest Stewardship Council certified wood glu-laminated top chords and steel bottom chords and braces. The entire glu-laminated wood frame for this building is sustainably harvested, which is part of the environmental story this building is helping to tell. In many ways, this space was envisioned as a conceptual extension of the adjacent forest canopy, and it’s exciting to watch it take shape.”

When:
Thursday, August 11, 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Where:
Meet at the zoo’s ARC building near the West Entrance at N. 55th St. & Phinney Ave. N. Staff will escort you to the construction zone.

Other:
Zoomazium opens its doors in spring 2006. Children will enjoy a fun, playful space using whole bodied play that allows their imaginations to soar. The 8,500-square-foot interpretive center will focus on nature-based opportunities for families and children ages 8 and under and on the special connection that children share with nature.

Partners:
Zoomazium’s architect is Mithun (Seattle); general contractor is Kirtley-Cole Associates (Everett); structural engineer is Magnusson Klemencic Associates (Seattle).

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.