Oct. 17 Ward 3 meeting
Covered by Documenter Etta Thompson (see her notes here)
Akron Zoo President and CEO Doug Piekarz shared several upcoming initiatives at the area attraction with Ward 3 residents last week, including an art exhibit, electronic dinosaurs, giraffes and more.
The first initiative is a public art exhibit opening Jan. 20 called “Celebrating Black History in Perkins Woods.” The exhibit explores the history of Perkins Woods, which was a city park whose footprint is now largely taken up by the zoo.
Patrons will also learn about the monument to the abolitionist John Brown. Additionally, they will see the NAACP’s efforts to keep the zoo in Akron and a long-lived custard stand that helped root the community.
Piekarz said local residents will also share their accounts and memories of Perkins Woods and how it impacted their lives.
Tickets for the event will go on sale soon. The exhibit will be on display until March 3.
Dinosaurs on their way
In 2025, visitors are in for a prehistoric treat: electronic dinosaurs are coming to the zoo. Zoo officials will place exhibits throughout the park Piekarz said. They will teach patrons about the dinosaurs, the reasons for their extinction, and how we can save other animals from extinction with present-day efforts.
This addition will not affect ticket prices, Piekarz said.
In August, zoo leadership announced plans for the construction of a new veterinary hospital. Piekarz said construction will begin in 2025, and it will open in 2026. The 12,000-square-foot veterinary hospital will be located behind the Landon & Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa area and will help meet the needs of the zoo as it continues to grow.
Giraffes, ostriches and wildebeests, oh my!
In 2028, the zoo will open a giraffe conservation center that will also include ostriches, wildebeests and a small animal exhibit. Piekarz said there will be several viewing and animal-feeding areas for patrons, along with a play area for kids, restrooms and concessions.
Piekarz said the zoo is committed to Akron’s neighborhoods and embodies its mission of “All are welcome.” For every $1 spent at the zoo, $8 is given back to the community through economic impact initiatives, he said. The zoo also hosts several admission-free days and events that have provided $422,000 in value to the community.
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