Work will soon be underway on one of the first things the public sees when they visit the Pocatello Zoo.
Starting in October, crews will begin the first phase of improvements to the entrance at the zoo. Phase one, which will last through next spring, consists of installing ADA pathways and xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping that utilizes drought tolerant vegetation to help conserve water.
“Just like the animals here at the zoo are native to Idaho, our xeriscaping will feature native vegetation,” said Zoo Superintendent Peter Pruett. “We plan to incorporate a dry sagebrush creek stormwater retention demonstration area that will be functional, beautiful, and educational.”
Next month, crews with the City of Pocatello Parks and Recreation Department will remove trees inside the construction zone. In November, the City’s Street Operations Departments will grade the areas for the pathways. During spring of next year, the pathways will be paved and the xeriscaping will be completed.
Also in the works is a new gift shop and admissions building for the Pocatello Zoo, which Pruett hopes will be built within a year of phase one’s completion.
“We are in the process of redesigning the gift shop and admissions building to help keep costs down,” Pruett explains. “Our goal is to present an option to the City Council that is practical and attractive without spending too much.”
For more information on the zoo visit zoo.pocatello.us