STRATEGIC CASE FOR SUPPORT

Transcription

1 STRATEGIC CASE FOR SUPPORT

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Track Record of Success and Community Support Economic Impact on Community Solid Stewardship Affordable Family Fun Education at the Zoo Education in the Community A Leader in Animal Welfare and Conservation Increase in Attendance National Stage Past Capital Improvement Projects ( ) Our Mission & Goals Mission Goals Looking Forward to the Future Protecting the Future Achieving Our Mission Long Range Physical Plan Introduction Conservation Cove & Jack s Story Wild World Congo Expedition (relocated) Americas Shores & Water s Edge Southeast Asia Future Expansion of Heart of Africa Existing Region Redevelopment Animal Care Enhancements Visitor Services, Education, Infrastructure Enhancements Revenue Generation and Sustainability projects Satellite Zoo Adventure (Downtown) Financing the Future Allocation of New Levy Capital Funding Projection Potential Listing of Capital Projects

3 TRACK RECORD OF COMMUNITY SUCCESS AND SUPPORT Measurable Franklin County Economic Impact Center of Community Pride: Family Recreation Educational Resource Voice of Local and Global Wildlife Conservation Consistent Physical Expansion and Improvements

4 ECONOMIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY $238 million in economic impact each year 2 million visitors 275 year-round and 2,000 seasonal employees New attractions = more jobs through construction, staff growth and visitation

5 SOLID STEWARDSHIP Supported by Franklin County tax levies continuously since 1985 Tax dollars are 15% of the operating budget; one of the county s most successful public-private partnerships

6 AFFORDABLE FAMILY FUN Low daily admission prices ½ price for Franklin County residents every Wednesday - to expand to Mondays and Tuesday ½ price for senior citizens every Tuesday

7 EDUCATION AT THE ZOO 150,000+ students on school field trips in 2013 Zoo provides numerous groups with scholarships to fund field trips Zoo gives away Summer Camp and ZooKids scholarships Zoo Days held for Head Start centers, Columbus City Schools and Dowd Center in 2013 School groups visit for just $2/person

8 EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY Free education classes to support underserved populations in Columbus City Schools, charter schools, the Dowd Center and other locations Free assemblies at Franklin County schools

9 A LEADER IN ANIMAL WELFARE AND CONSERVATION More than 10,000 animals representing 575 species from around the world 123 species are involved in critical Species Survival Plan programs 70 conservation projects in 30 countries made possible through private donations

10 INCREASE IN ATTENDANCE

11 NATIONAL STAGE Through TV series, media appearances and speaking engagements in 2012, Jack Hanna and the Columbus Zoo reached over: two hundred thirty four million people (numbers only available for half of Jack s TV appearances)

12 PAST CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Major Development 2003 Voyage to Australia & The Islands: Roadhouse Aviary The Islands 2004 Voyage to Australia: Outdoor Habitats 2005 Water s Edge Event Area North America Hill 2006 Asia Quest 2007 Parking Lot Safari Golf Course Renovations 2008 Entry Village, Jungle Jack s Landing & Colo s Cove Picnic Grove **Zoombezi Bay Water Park 2009 Water Treatment Facility Animal Encounters Village 2010 Polar Frontier Region Celebration of Giving Donor Plaza 2011 **Zoombezi Bay Waterslides Stingray Bay 2013 Africa (construction) 2014 Africa **Baboon Lagoon Parking Lot *Zoo Enhancements & Asset Protection Johnson Aquatic Center Renovations Bonobo Caging Promotions Building Holding Expansion Streetscape Lighting Pony Ride Pachyderm Yard Renovation Parking Lot Renovation Bonobo Upgrades to Network Infrastructure Prairie Dog Habitat Renovation Building Renovation Picnic Cove Renovation Roof Replacements Asia Café Improvements Pachyderm Improvements Delco Waterline Sound System Ride Enhancements at North America and The Islands Habitat Upgrades at Otter Yard, Kiwi Habitat, Laura Perrott Congo River Base Camp Demolition of Johnson Aquatic Center Dr. C. Joseph Cross Animal Health Center Renovation Change to 100% LED Lights for Wildlights Bonobo Indoor Play Room Renovation 1 Replaced Manatee Coast Ozone System Discovery Reef Sound System Upgrade Animals on Safari Show/ Stage Tunnel Improvements Jack Hanna Base Camp Construction Warehouse Lighting Upgrade OSU Solar Decathlon House Animals on Safari New Show/Stage Network Server Data Room Perimeter Fence Work and ODOT R.O.W Tiger Pass: Gateway to Asia Renovations Mermaid s Purse Gift Shop Expansion & Remodel Penguin Pool in Animal Encounters Village Wayfinding Street Sign Development T-8 Lighting Replacement Water s Edge Pavilion Enclosure Call Center Renovation Orangutan Habitat Renovations Education Building Renovations Discovery Reef Life Support System Phase I Bonobo Renovations Polar Bear Renovations Education Building Renovations Reindeer Barn Dinosaur Island I Dinosaur Island II Animal Encounters Village Greenhouse Old Lion Renovation * List not all-inclusive ** Zoombezi Bay LLC funds Gorilla Habitat Renovation Bonobo Indoor Play Room Renovation II Jungle Jack s Landing Ride Renovations Facilities Emergency Generators

13 PROJECTS 2003/2004 Major Development Voyage to Australia & The Islands of Southeast Asia: The Islands Roadhouse/Aviary Voyage to Australia: Outdoor Habitats

14 Major Development Asia Quest PROJECTS 2005/2006 Water s Edge Event Area

15 PROJECTS 2007/2008 Major Development Parking Lot Safari Golf Course Renovations Entry Village Colo s Cove Picnic Grove Jungle Jack s Landing *Zoombezi Bay Water Park *Zoombezi Bay LLC funds

16 PROJECTS 2009/2010 Major Development Polar Frontier Region Water Treatment Plant, Facility Offices, Geothermal Animals Encounter Village Celebration of Giving Donor Plaza Animals on Safari Show/Stage

17 PROJECTS 2011/2012 Major Development Stingray Bay *Zoombezi Bay Waterslides *Zoombezi Bay LLC funds

18 HEART OF AFRICA! 2013/2014 Distant savanna views of mixed species on expansive acreage as well as up-close animal experiences and activities themed dining and special events venues stories about Zoo s direct impact on wildlife conservation in Africa and at home.

19 OUR MISSION AND GOALS

20 OUR MISSION Lead and Inspire by Connecting People and Wildlife

21 OUR GOALS Goal 1 Be valued as a community asset Goal 2 Be recognized as a destination for unique, safe, fun experiences Goal 3 Lead on conservation, science and education Goal 4 Be a global leader in wildlife care, welfare and population sustainability Goal 5 Create a culture of excellence Goal 6 Innovate and implement sustainability practices Goal 7 Grow and diversify financial resources

22 LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

23 PROTECTING THE FUTURE ACHIEVING OUR MISSION New Attractions and Guest Experiences Educational Programs and Initiatives Safety and Security Animal Welfare and Enrichment Local and Global Conservation Environmental and Fiscal Sustainability Technology and Accessibility

24 LONG RANGE PHYSICAL PLAN

25 INTRODUCTION The current physical plan for the Columbus Zoo aligns with our updated mission, vision, values and goals. It builds upon current zoo-geographic regions, wildlife species plans and existing site circulation and acreage. Exciting new animal exhibits, revenue generators, visitor amenities and attractions, educational initiatives and sustainability improvements are planned throughout the zoo areas. Numerous other buildings, exhibits, infrastructure and site features have been identified for renovation and improvements based upon age, condition, relevance and current strategic planning considerations. Planned improvements include many new zoo-geographic adventures and animal experiences. Conservation Cove will feature sea lions and harbor seals, an amphitheater, a restaurant and the essence of a rocky Pacific coastline near the zoo s front door. Up-close and personal experiences with a variety of other animals - Jack Hanna style! - will complement the sea lion adventure. Wild World will include high energy activities for visitors that parallel common actions of the animal species exhibited nearby. The existing North America region will be rebranded into the Americas in order to highlight some of the incredible species from South and Central America as well as those from our own backyard. The current Congo Expedition area, with some of the zoo s most aging structures, will be re-imagined, rebuilt and relocated near the Zoo entry so that our gorillas and bonobos will be easily accessible year-round in enriched new habitats. Australia and the Islands will expand into the old Congo area and new Southeast Asian animal experiences, including indoor viewing for orangutans, will be created. Plans for the Shores area include an atrium enhancement that will feature dramatic new aquatic species and exhibits and provide expansive additional indoor visitor spaces for year-round animal adventures. Other enhancements include improved vehicular and visitor circulation with the possibility of an additional tunnel beneath Riverside Drive, improvements and expansion of the veterinary animal care facilities, relocation of the Education building, an overnight tented camp adjacent to the new Heart of Africa exhibits, future expansion of Heart of Africa, redevelopment and upgrades to older regions and attractions and more. All these improvements will be phased in over time, depending upon community desires, available funding, physical adjacencies and financial impact.

26 JACK S STORY AND SEA LION MAP

27 CONSERVATION (SEA LION) COVE JACK S STORY Conservation Cove The new signature exhibit featuring sea lion and harbor seals will be located at the approximate location of the old entry gate (utilized before Zoombezi Bay was incorporated into the property in 2008) and partially encompasses the existing events building and the existing gift shop. The exhibit includes large water bodies with a deep rocky pool and a more beach-like wave pool. The deep pool section includes a show space with amphitheater seating for 300 people and an underwater viewing window. Visitors will view the animals in water and basking on rocky outcrops in the pool. The beach zone will feature a shallower pool with sandy beaches for basking, deep water channels for swimming, and up close and personal viewing through glass railings and viewing windows. The two pools are connected by below grade channels that visitors can walk across and view the sea lions swimming below their feet. A new restaurant, with vistas of the sea lion pools merging into the existing lake, will welcome visitors with a rustic seaside atmosphere. Lushly planted bird aviaries with shore and sea species will be adjacent to the sea lion pools. Jack s Story As a fitting legacy to Jack Hanna s continuing promotion and support of the Columbus Zoo, this multi-sensory experience will celebrate his life-long commitment to connecting people with animals in fun, and entertaining ways. The venue, which will be located in and adjacent to the existing Activity Pavilion, is conceived in part as an indoor ride experience that takes visitors on a journey across the globe to continents or regions of the world visited by Jack in his long career. It will also allow visitors to get up close and personal with the many wild animals that are part of Jack s television persona and will present the history of the Zoo and of Jack s legacy here in an engaging, interactive exhibit. Animal holding, training facilities and Behind-the-Scenes tour opportunities will be located in this area as well. Location overview map

28 WILD WORLD MAP

29 WILD WORLD Wild World This zone renovates the existing space between the Entry Village and Zoombezi Bay. The new exhibits will combine high-energy attractions for visitors with equally high-energy animal habitats. A variety of interactive activities for zoo visitors such as rope courses and swinging bridges will be adjacent to and simulate the enriched animal environments, offering play opportunities that replicate the normal behaviors of the nearby wild animals. Tropical Encounter & Events Center This venue will provide both exterior and interior animal habitats and flexible group rental space that shares views of the wildlife with the daily zoo visitor. The location is located adjacent to the parking lot for convenient events entry and exit. During the warmer months, animals housed in this indoor tropical building will have outdoor habitat space and in the evenings, group events will have access to the indoor exhibit areas. Location overview map

30 CONGO EXPEDITION (relocated) MAP

31 CONGO EXPEDITION (relocated) The gorillas, bonobos and other species will be moved from their current outdated facilities into a new African forest zone closer to the front entrance of the Zoo. Encompassing about half the land area of the existing North America exhibits, this zone will physically and functionally merge with the Heart of Africa region and will exhibit many of the animals currently housed in the Congo Expedition region of the zoo. The great apes will be moved to state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor habitats that immerse visitors in animal habitats and provide enrichment and stimulation for the animals. Other animals in the area will include hoofed mammals, birds and carnivores found in the African Congo region. Unlike Heart of Africa, this new zone will be open year round with the indoor apes building as the major attraction. Location overview map

32 AMERICAS MAP

33 AMERICAS North America, now the oldest region of the zoo, will be transformed. Improvements will include new animal habitats and indoor guest experiences, a more compact and cohesive physical footprint and a re-branding as The Americas in order to include animals from Central and South in addition to North America. The new entry to The Americas will be located adjacent to the Conservation Cove region and will introduce visitors to this zone through a series of indoor exhibits of active small mammals and semi-aquatic species. All existing North America exhibits will be renovated or replaced and species representative of the broader geographical reach of this zone will be added based upon animal species plan objectives. The main pathway for the new exhibits will lead directly to the Polar Frontier exhibit and new visitor services may include a small café and interpretive center. Location overview map

34 SHORES/WATER S EDGE MAP

35 SHORES/WATER S EDGE Shores and Aquarium The existing Discovery Reef and Manatee Coast aquarium buildings will be renovated and a major new indoor aquatic exhibit feature will be added as a bridge between the two buildings and as an interior destination for winter visits. Envisioned as a light-filled, open, airy space, this new building and entry/exit lobby will become a gathering space and new icon for the aquarium zone and will house interactive and aquatic touch experiences. Smaller new aquatic exhibits, coastal birds habitats and a shores-themed play space will be included in the renovation of the aquariums, the existing Reptile building and adjacent exterior exhibits and lawns. Water s Edge This functional events venue will be enhanced by the addition of small animal habitats housing species compatible with the high activity level of this area. Location overview map

36

37 SOUTHEAST ASIA This new zone will expand upon the Asian theme established in the Islands exhibits and will greatly improve viewing, habitat and year-round access to the orangutans. The existing Congo Expedition zone will be redesigned to support an expansion of the Asian Islands area by incorporating other Southeast Asian species in a heavily themed environment. Highlights of this new area will be improved facilities for orangutans, including indoor and outdoor habitats with extended viewing areas and enriched opportunities for these great apes to explore and interact with their environment. Other species will include birds, small primates, hoofed mammals and carnivores in indoor and outdoor habitat exhibits. Ultimately, a new restaurant centrally located on the west side of the Zoo will be added to support the continually increasing attendance. This region plan also illustrates the proposed tram route under Riverside Drive that will provide both vehicular and pedestrian access to the zone and a tram-station will be located proximate to the restaurant and the entrances to Australia & the Islands and the Water s Edge venue. Location overview map

38 FUTURE EXPANSION OF HEART OF AFRICA An overnight tented camp, a meerkat exhibit and other animal and visitor amenities and attractions will be incorporated into future expansion of the new Heart of Africa region of the Zoo.

39 EXISTING REGION REDEVELOPMENT Asia Quest Featured improvements to Asia Quest include cold-weather primates, enhancements and new species for the former lion yard and future additional star mammal and bird species. Australia and the Islands Improvements to Australia and the Island will include upgrades to the boat ride, the existing animal exhibits and a new feature habitat and animal in the current location of the outdoor orangutan yard.

40 ANIMAL CARE ENHANCEMENTS Animal Health Center and Quarantine Facility A new and enlarged veterinary facility will replace the current outdated and under-sized building to meet new best practices standards for quality animal care. The existing Animal Hospital will be remodeled and expanded to provide additional quarantine space as well as research functionality. Animal Care Facilities Improvements to older animal holding and habitats throughout zoo grounds have been identified and prioritized in keeping with the Zoo s continual diligence in regards to the quality of life for the animals in its care.

41 VISITOR SERVICES * EDUCATION * INFRASTRUCTURE * ENHANCEMENTS Visitor Services Transportation System A proposed new tram system and loop alignment will provide transportation to broader areas of the renovated zoo and will potentially include a second tunnel beneath Riverside Drive (Rt 257). This system is being designed to expand our visitor demographic to include audiences of all ages and physical abilities. Safety/Security The safety and security of visitors, staff and animals is a critical value to the institution. New technologies to support ever-changing security needs will be developed. Education Support New Education Center A new education center will be constructed adjacent to the parking lot in order to afford more efficient access via buses and groups. The new facility will combine modern classroom electronics and technologies with traditional nature study artifacts and program elements. The new location is also proximate to Habitat Hollow and the Americas, since educational programs rely heavily on these animal species for content and interpretation. Additional Physical Development Additional spaces will be developed in order to showcase new interpretative initiatives including tours, enhanced presentations and shows, new interactive technologies and expanded educational programming opportunities. Annual Capital Asset Protection Annual Operational Zoo Enhancements

42 REVENUE GENERATION Long-term fiscal and environmental sustainability was an integral consideration of the physical planning process as well. Business strategies that will ensure continued stability and allow the Zoo to continue utilizing Franklin County tax revenue in a responsible manner and to thus remain fiscally viable and relevant into the future include: Consideration of Best Practices: Business Intelligence Partnerships Environmental best practices Membership and Franklin County Enhancements Strengthen Earned Revenues Food / Retail Group Events Sites Rides / Attractions *See Revenue Generation Location Plan above Sustainability Projects and Programs The Zoo will continue its ongoing projects to reduce operating costs for energy and water consumption, reduce waste, build green as appropriate and equally important educate its visitors about the benefits and process of becoming more sustainable as part of its conservation education and outreach efforts.

43 SATELLITE ZOO ADVENTURE Connecting our community with wildlife and the natural world around them by providing a wildly fun, nature-based educational experience in the heart of Columbus. Franklin County residents will receive special admission pricing on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, discounts for school children and education programs and free programs for underserved schools, as well as have priority or early entry opportunities

44 FINANCING THE FUTURE

45 ALLOCATION OF NEW LEVY

46 See following page for Potential listing of Capital Projects CAPITAL FUNDING PROJECTION

47 POTENTIAL LISTING OF CAPITAL PROJECTS Project Conservation Cove Wild World Tropical Encounter and Events Center The Americas Congo Expedition Southeast Asia Shores and Aquarium Education Building & Initiatives Animal Health Center and Quarantine Facility Downtown Adventure Region Redevelopment (Asia Quest; Australia & Islands) Heart of Africa Expansion Transportation System Asset Protection ($2 - $5 million annually) Zoo Enhancements ($3 - $6 million annually) Total Capital Investment Budget Range $25 - $30 million $30 - $40 million $20 - $28 million $18 - $25 million $50 - $60 million $30 - $40 million $25 - $35 million $10 - $15 million $12 - $18 million $50 - $65 million $18 - $28 million $15 - $25 million $ 8 - $14 million $60 - $150 million (30 years) $90 - $180 million (30 years) $461 - $753 million (30 years)