DULUTH, Minn. (AP) - Supporters of a Duluth zoo are weighing in as city officials discuss the possibility of doing away with the costly attraction or giving it a much-needed makeover.
Duluth officials explored a series of options last week as they tried to decide whether to transform the Lake Superior Zoo into a different kind of public place, such as an adventure park or a park with an event center or amphitheater. The city estimates the zoo is in need of upgrades costing at least $12 million, plus an annual subsidy of about $500,000 to cover operation costs, Minnesota Public Radio News (https://bit.ly/1QikY6g ) reported.
But the zoo’s supporters don’t want it to go away, and they’re urging the city to recognize the benefits it provides for the community.
“We know we must continue to change but we also believe there is a great value, including financial value, for having a zoo in our region for all of us to enjoy,” said John Scott, president of the board of the Lake Superior Zoological Society.
The zoo also makes Duluth a better place to live and visit, he said.
“We stand ready to work with the city council, people of Duluth, to create a plan to keep our zoo healthy well into the future,” Scott said.
City officials are expected to identify their preferred option for the property this summer and submit it for public review.
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Information from: Minnesota Public Radio News, https://www.mprnews.org
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