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http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/1...e3483324563.txt

Moving Forward

Washington Park Zoo Director Johnny Martinez holds a model Thursday depicting the planned additions to the zoo’s Animal Resource Center. Photo by Matt Field
Board OKs design for zoo upgrades
By Matt Field
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, December 3, 2010 5:09 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — Washington Park Zoo will get an upgrade as the city parks board voted Thursday to approve the architectural design of additions to a building.

The designs call for a new classroom, bathrooms and a covered patio to be added to the old elephant barn building. Although the board approved the design for all of these elements, the classroom and bathrooms will be built first.

Zoo Director Johnny Martinez said the $225,000 will come from a Michigan City Community Enrichment Corp. and money from La Porte County Prosecutor Robert Beckman’s office earmarked for the first phase.

The project will be let out for bids before construction begins.

“Hopefully, we’ll get started, weather dependent, possibly in the spring,” Martinez said.

He said the Washington Park Zoological Society is raising additional funds to add the covered patio to the project.

Martinez said the addition of the classroom will allow for classes to be held simultaneously with events in the old elephant barn, which is now used for educational activities. It contains small animal exhibits and animal artifacts such as skulls.

The money from the prosecutor’s office — $200,000 — comes from the infraction deferral account, which is built on fines paid by motorists with moving violations.