After two years of discussing a way to renovate the Zoo Aviary into a new use, it was economics that ended the plan and prompted City Council and the Zoo Board to agree on a different way to improve neglected aspects of the Thompson Park facility.
Plans to turn the unused bird house into a classroom proved too difficult and expensive, forcing the relook.
I outlined a plan for an open air pavillion at the aviary site complemented by overdue city help on fixing up the adjacent Children's Zoo. Thompson Park Conservancy Vice President Bob Gorman embraced the plan as a way to continue a quarter century partnership between the Conservancy and the City, while also staying within numbers originally budgeted for Zoo improvements.
Both bodies will meet in two weeks to firm up the proposal.
When a million dollar price tag surfaced for the aviary rehab, everyone realized it just didn't make sense to continue, but still wanted to work together on building a better facility.
Looks like that is going to happen.
As for Bob's visit to the Council Chambers I preside over....well, they say only Cold Warrior Richard Nixon could have made the trip to China to thaw relations.
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