Take a survey and help shape the future of the zoo
The Oregon Zoo wants to know what you think about its animal habitats, train ride, summer concerts, food and parking. Zoo managers invite residents of the Portland metropolitan area to take an online survey that will help shape new exhibits, public spaces and the services provided by the Oregon Zoo over the next 10 to 20 years.
Participants may complete the survey through June 4.
In 2008, voters in the region passed a $125 million bond to build a new veterinary medical center, new environmental educational center, new exhibits for polar bears, elephants, condors and primates and upgrade other exhibits to save water and energy. The new veterinary medical center is under construction and should be finished and ready to open by the end of the year. A new water filtration system will save millions of gallons of water in the penguin pools starting next month.
To make the most efficient use of bond funds, the zoo is completing a 20-year master plan that will identify the location and scale of future exhibits and provide a schedule for construction projects over several years in order to minimize disruption to visitors.
Answers to the zoo's survey questions, particularly regarding how visitors experience the zoo - arrival by car or public transit, dining options, concert seating, the zoo train ride and preferences on new exhibit features - will help the zoo make important decisions as it completes its master plan.
The zoo anticipates completing the 20-year master plan this fall. In early June, zoo staff and designers will meet for a final design workshop, where they will review all work to date, make a number of important design decisions and determine project phasing and budgeting. Over the summer, the consultant team will complete schematic designs of new facilities and put finishing touches on the master plan before it goes before the Metro Council for approval in September.
Opt In is a new online opinion panel created by Metro along with three prominent community partners: Northwest Health Foundation, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, and Portland State University’s College of Urban and Public Affairs. Opt In helps Metro broaden its outreach and create a panel that is representative of the region’s diverse communities and residents. Join Opt In to share your ideas about schools, housing, sustainability, parks, community centers, clean drinking water and more.