Fantasy Master Plan Maryland Zoo: Maryland Wilderness - The Giant Tree Slide/Herpetarium

A staple of zoos has long been an interface with playground areas.  And modern zoos have taken this idea to greater levels, many include adult "psaygrounds," too--zip lines are the new teeter tauter.  Sometimes the lines get so blurred that the children's play options seem to over shadow the primary function of the zoo, e.g. the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pennsylvania.  I see the need to attend to the desires of children and to give them areas where they can be unrestrained in their physical play; however, I also thing that these areas shouldn't be intimately intermingled with the animal habitats.  This master plan addresses on of those instances for me at the Maryland Zoo. 

The Giant Tree Slide in the Maryland Wildness is a faux tree with a hollow core.  In its very center is a spiral staircase that leads to the top with two slides for children to ride down to a deck.  This is all grand fun!  And very popular, I might add.  Besides the stairway, there are several habitats for species of reptiles, snakes and turtles.  The addition of the Maryland Herpetarium removes any need for living creatures to be housed here.  It also creates an opportunity to provide a different sort of guest experience.  Ergo the Maryland Sound Bird experience. 

Working with the collections of the National Smithsonian Institution, each of the habitats will be transformed into a diorama complete with life-posed taxidermy examples of some of Maryland's most common songbirds.  An audio feature with recordings from the Cornell University Ornithological archives would complete the renovation and provide guests with the opportunity to experience the common songs of common birds who can be seen across Maryland.  Furthermore, It might be possible to construct the dioramas in such a way that a few of them could be designated as rotating allowing for even more opportunities to experience a wider range of birds and bird songs on a season basis.

Fantasy Master Plan Maryland Zoo: Maryland Wildness - The Marsh Aviary

The Marsh Aviary would remain relatively unchanged in concept, and no additional species would be added.  The main upgrade would be to increase the available space by about about 80% of what it is now.  The means of access would remain the same.  The increase in space would simply be for the benefit of the birds to give them more space within to move and interact.  Their holding areas would be upgraded, too.

The addition of a pond with live cattails would be sufficient in size to include live fish and provide for the heron's a natural source of additional food.  By increasing the space for the birds, you would also increase the value of the guest experience.

Fantasy Master Plan Maryland Zoo: Maryland Wilderness - Small Mammal Lodge

The third of the three major additions is also the second completely new structure.  Designed to fit into the hillside just past the Maryland Cave, and landscaped at its entrance to be an extension of the Maryland Cave's naturalistic rock face, this is a new take on an old idea: the Small Mammal House.  In this design, I would call it the Small Mammal Lodge to set up the distinction of both purpose and presentation.

The purpose is to highlight a range of animals that are integral to our diverse ecosystems, but generally go unnoticed.  Guests would receive a wide-ranging education about the amazing number of small mammals that call Maryland home.  They could see and compare the differences between several examples or mice, rats, voles and lemmings, for example.  They would also learn about the sorts of ecological pressures and threats that these animals face as our world and climate swiftly change.

The design will reflect strongly on the Maryland Herpetarium to create a sense of unity within the larger Maryland Wilderness area of the zoo.  Another wide spiraling farm (this time a staircase) will lead guests to a second floor, and an elevator is provided for guests to use for whom stairs are not possible.  A series of glass enclosed silos with cantilevered windows create the sense of openness to the world beyond the building's form.  Windows opened to permit the free flow of air when temperatures permit adds to the blurred lines.  The new Beaver habitat sits adjacent to the Small Mammal Lodge and a guests may choose between a solid stone bridge and the current suspension bridge when crossing the little ravine to continue exploring through the Maryland Wilderness area.

 DESIGN

 FACADES

 SPECIES

Fantasy Master Plan Maryland Zoo: Maryland Wilderness - Maryland Cave

The largest structure in the current Maryland Wilderness is the Maryland Cave.  It is a man-made subterranean experience with cave features and exhibits of some Reptiles, Amphibians and our Seba Short-tailed Bats.  The upgrade would maintain the current structure for the most part, but would excavate the hillside behind it to create the most extensive collection of bat species in any zoo in North America.  In doing this, the area currently allotted to the Seba Short-tailed Bats would also be more than doubled.

Guests would discover a new passage in the main room of the current cave that would lead them into a veritable cathedral hub with five additional habitats for a total of six species of Maryland Bats.  A radical and unique feature would be a large exterior Chiropterary where rotations of species could be allowed to fly free in the night about their cave habitats.  As a concept, a lot of study would have to go into its feasibility and species management.  In an exciting way, it could completely revolutionize the care of Bats in zoological institutions, making the Maryland Zoo a destination for Bat lovers everywhere.

Fantasy Master Plan Maryland Zoo: MD Wilderness - Herpetarium

Looking at the individual components, I will start with the Maryland Herpetarium.  A Herpetarium is a building dedicated to the care and display of reptiles and amphibians.  I am a great fan of both the concept and the inhabitants.  The Maryland Zoo one had a  Reptile House, but it was (and is) located far away from the main area of the zoo.  In 2004, it closed permanently at a time when the zoo was forced to contract many of it's exhibits.  The collect was largely dispersed to other zoos, and only a small core of animals was maintained.  Since, these have found habitats scattered across the Maryland Wilderness and within the Ambassador Animals corps.  This Herpetarium would provide the opportunity to reassemble and expand the former simple building into a dynamic, vibrant, expansive home for up to 26 species and include representation for the first time of native frogs, toads, lizards and skinks.  Additionally, many of the Ambassador Animals would have a public presence for the general visitor.

THE DESIGN

My first consideration was a structure that "fit" the plot.  Next, I an fan of geometric simplicity and asymmetrical balance.  Elegance is important to me, too.  I believe this is also achieved when assembled forms that appear to be solid, yet are open creating a sense of the lines between the interior and exterior spaces being permeable.  Something amazing rising and growing organically out of a firm foundation.

The grand silo made of glass in combination with select large panoramas of windows on the second floor create a constant kaleidoscope of shadows moving through the interior spaces.  Turtle habitats with flowing water further add to the sense of nature's presence.  The broad spiral pathway in lieu of stairs allow all visitors access to the second floor of exhibits.  A non-public access ramp gives staff the same ease of movement between floors containing offices, labs and animal holding facilities.

THE EXTERIOR

THE SPECIES

Fantasy Master Plan: Maryland Zoo

It's been a while since I rolled out some more of fantasy master plan for the Maryland Zoo.  It comes with this disclaimer: This is totally a personal project that has no bearing whatsoever on the actual Maryland Zoo in Baltimore.  It really stems from the fact that after work I prefer to relax by being creative and exploring information and ideas that interest me and not watch TV!   All drawings and graphics are mine--another thing I enjoy creating.

In previous installments, I have outlined upgrades to 1) the Parking Lots, 2) Areas of Guest Amenities and Educational facilities, and 3) a completely new area of habitats dedicated to the Iconic animals of the Western regions of North America.  This next installment will look at the current area known as the Maryland Wilderness.  Currently, it is the second largest area of the zoo and home to North American Otters, Bobcats, Seba Short-tailed Bats, a March Aviary with approximately 12 species of birds and a widely distributed smattering of Reptiles and Amphibians clustered in various satellite locations.

Rather than impost habitat for more larger mammals, my plan seeks to capitalize on small creatures.  The consolidation of the majority of Reptiles and Amphibians into one state-of-the art Herpetarium, and the creation of a Small Mammal "Lodge", along with a huge expansion of the Maryland Cave habitat to include five additional species of bats represent the Trifecta of my design.  There are also a handful of other upgrades and changes to create a rich and varies experience for guests, as well as, more options that are visitor friendly during times of inclement weather.

The managing in a natural state the little run that creates an ever deepening rift in the middle of the Maryland wilderness will create a series of habitat experiences from the main entrance along the north-south axis of the area.  The current seasonal bog with its winding elevated boardwalk remains unchanged.  In an area below the March Aviary an arcing stone dam creates a shallow pond to provide a natural year around habitat for turtles and other creatures that call the zoo home by chance.  Beyond this and below the suspension bridge is the only new larger mammal habitat, a home for beavers.  This habitat connects to the foundation of the new Small Mammal Lodge to provide the Beavers with off exhibit living space.

Other changes include an expansion of the current March Aviary to create a cattail pond and addition of upgraded off viewing enclosures for some of the species like our vultures.  The creation of new circular plaza on the north end of the pathway to better honor a memorial to a former employee who was tragically killed in the beginning of her career.  Finally, the large and hugely popular giant tree slide will be transformed from a satellite herpetarium to an exhibit of native Maryland songbirds.  With the heavy and boisterous traffic the tree slide generates, removing live animals in favor of taxidermied specimens that offer a unique educational experience is a win-win.  The new displays will also feature opportunities to listen to the bird's actually "songs".

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 2 "Icons of Western North America", part 2

A view of the current Education area.

Not directly related to the new section of the Maryland Zoo in my little fantasy master plan, but replacing the current educational facilities in the space they currently occupy, is this new campus called the Maryland Zoo Learning Grove. 

I think that this could also make a wonderful tribute to the outgoing President and CEO of the Maryland Zoo.  If the Board of Trustees made this one facility their pet project and then christened it the "The Donald P. Hutchinson Learning Grove" in his honor, that would be an excellent tribute to a person who has absolutely guided the Maryland Zoo through a very dark hour to a place of solvency, relevancy and innovation.

As a facility, the new learning grove takes on the roll of the primary immersive educational experience at the zoo.  It allows for up to 24 participants an overnight experience with a focus on an extended "camp" curriculum.  An adjoining structure contains classroom and science lab spaces.  There are third story dormitories, shower and restroom facilities that can be divided by gender.  A pair of limited kitchens, a dining room, and two meeting rooms.  The lower level of the classroom/lab structure would contain a recreation room and a media room.  Additionally, like the present facility, there would be outdoor spaces for classes and meetings and group events.  The wrap around ground level decks provide space for outside meeting, eating and even have a BBQ for food prep.  All of this designed to accommodate multiple day experiences, but the possibilities are certainly wider than that.

The learning grove would be used year around to provide opportunities for the following immersive experiences:

• Week long "Camps" that would go from a Friday afternoon check in to a Thursday morning check out.
• These would be scheduled across the summer months with a week off in between to gage their popularity.
• 1 in June, 2 in July, 2 in August
• There would also be a Winter Camp in mid-January with a homeschool student focus and a Spring Camp to coincide with public school Spring Breaks.
• A set of scholarship attendees would be provided for on the basis of economic need for each camp.
• Weekend "Camps" that would go from a Friday evening check in to a Sunday afternoon check out.
• Initially these would be scheduled on a monthly basis and would be targeted toward specific age groups.
• Other uses might include small group retreats for companies, religious organizations, clubs, etc.

Agenda/Curriculum:

• Participants would receive learning that would include the history, structure, husbandry, conservation, and advocacy of/by/for the zoo and all zoos.
• Week Camps might include: 
• A day trip to another AZA Zoo like:  The Smithsonian National Zoo, The Philadelphia Zoo, The Brandywine Zoo, The Salisbury Zoo, The Elmwood Park Zoo, or the Lehigh Valley Zoo.
• Behind the scenes experiences will be a part of all camp events.
• Keeper chats and guest speakers.
• Access to the zoos veterinarians and potentially specific discussions about challenging case histories.
• Historical overview and archival presentations.
• Specific agendas will be tailored to group focuses and scheduling availability.

The design of the structures includes three private bedroom areas.  One for the camp director (a new position), and one each for a camp residence director who will sleep on the same floor with the campers and act as assistants during the duration of the camp experience.  This would establish the presence of three staff members who are directly responsible for the programs, however, members of the Education Department and even potentially the Volunteer Department would participate in the development and implementation of the programs.

Additionally, the curriculum and activities developed by the Maryland Zoo could be either available to other AZA institutions as a result of some organizational underwriting/grant funding, OR as a purchase product separate from the AZA.  The first option would be preferable. 

Bottom line, the Maryland Zoo Learning Grove, as modest as it is, would be the gold standard for immersive, educational, zoo programs.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 2 "Icons of Western North America", part 1

I continue to enjoy my little fantasy redesign and expansion of my beloved Maryland Zoo in Baltimore with this redevelopment of one of the oldest areas of the present day zoo, now long abandoned.  The zoo sits in the heart of Druid Hill Park, the city's version of Central Park and likewise designed by the father of landscape design, Frederick Law Olmsted (that is, the park, NOT the zoo)  The zoo came along, after the initial creation of the park, in 1876.

In its present location, the bulk of the zoos animals reside in areas beyond the original ones.  As the zoo expanded, it abandoned areas deemed too expensive to restore for portions of the park where creating something new was more cost effective.  As a result, today you enter past an iconic 19th century bandstand pavilion to a plaza that is separated from the zoo by a not insignificant ridge/hill.  The hill is now covered by a mature hardwood forest that expands to the north of the zoo and well into the the rest of the park.

While an obstacle of sorts, the hill is bypassed on both sides with roads that lead into the majority of the zoo.   One road skirts the last area abandoned on the southern side of this ridge, and uses a shuttle tram to ferry guests from ticket entrance to zoo grounds.  The other requires you to walk along the north side the of ridge on a service road called the Buffalo Yard Road.  Here guests can see the stone walls and remnants of shelters of habitats once home to some of the zoo's earliest hoofstock like Bison and Deer and Camels.  None of these species are part of the zoo's collection today. 

The road divides the slope of the ridge.  On the north side you look down upon the former habitats.  On the south side, you look up the ridge through the hardwood forest.  While it is a lovely walk, it is also a prime area for redevelopment.  Therefore it is the site of my (fantasy) major new initiative for the Maryland Zoo.

Built upon the present non-Maryland species of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs and Grizzly Bears, and harkening back to a time when American Bison were part of the visitor experience over a century ago, the theme of this expansion would be to establish a new, fifth geographically cohesive zone called: "Icons of Western North America."   This section would join "Maryland Wilderness," "Arctic Realms," "African Journey," and the newly named (Part of my fantasy plan) "Global Farmstead" in continuing the trajectory of excellence at the Maryland Zoo.  In the second map, it's the area in yellow-green.

The area would create generous habitats for the American Bison, Pronghorn Antelope, Collared Peccary, Coyote, North American Gray Wolf (Timber Wolf), Mountain Lion, Grizzly Bears...and North American Black Bears, whose location would act as a transition to the Maryland Wilderness area of the zoo.

The Bison Overlook structure provides a focal point for the entrance into the new zone from the main Schaffer entrance plaza and has a focus on the first large species guests encounter, the American Bison.

Informative signage will tell the story of the animals, their history with the Maryland Zoo (if there is one) and cultural connections between the species and human beings.  Other signage will explore the present status and efforts in conservation and species survival planning.  [This is just a tossed together sample and not what I think the actual placard should look like]

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 6

The last part of this section is possibly the most newsworthy.  The iconic Mansion House sits atop an enhanced berm with a half-circle arced parking lot and hedgerow that flanks it's most picturesque perspective.  It's like a magnificent beast atop a mound surveying with stoic pride its domain. 

Literally the fulcrum of the Maryland Zoo's administrative hub, the Mansion House's presence in the Druid Hill Park is enhanced by this upgrade.  1) a new arcing plaza with vining plants over loggia, ornamental trees and patio spaces with tables and chairs, and 2) a magnificent stone wall around the perimeter of the extended surface that contains the monumental burnished brass block letters reading "MArYLAND ZOO in BALTIMORE" .  These would be backlight to stand out at night.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 5

The fifth aspect of this area of renovations is both minor and personal.  As a volunteer, access to the zoo is directed toward a non-public entrance; however, the parking is along a public access road without any sense of security or design.  Participants in events at the Mansion House use the same.  this upgrade would create a solution within the newly established security perimeter.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 4

The next closer look in this aspect of my Maryland Zoo fantasy master plan takes in a large area under the zoo's auspices and primarily used for large fundraising events.  The area includes the water feature known as the Boat Lake.  The Boat Lake is the second largest stagnant water feature in the Druid HIll Park.  It includes a 19th century Boat House on its banks.  Historically, the Boat Lake was a large open pond that was even used as an ice skating venue in the winter.  Today, it's very much grown over with underbrush so that the shoreline is inaccessible not simply due the antiquated fencing that surrounds it.  It is a haven for actual wildlife.  My plan does seek to address this, but rather to upgrade the perimeter fencing to match that of the rest being established around the zoo.  There may be a time in the future when addressing the wildness will make sense, or incorporating the Boat Lake into a future animal exhibition will happen.  For now, it's good as it is.  The improved fence helps to reduce the Maryland Zoo's liability regarding unauthorized use of the lake.

As to the rest of this area, key components are added that currently exist in another area of the Maryland Zoo.  Most notably picnic pavilions and an enlarge playground.  Both of these compensate for the anticipated redesign of an area of the zoo that is currently functioning in this manner called "Celebration Hill".  Celebration Hill provides groups a place to stage events like birthdays and reunions.  Moving the facilities to this area of the zoo will increase the number of possibly participants, upgrade the playground to a 21st century, all-children-accessible, play area, and provide access to the newly created, enlarged restroom facilities.  (Current users of the Celebration Hill facilities have a porta-john for their convenience.)

All of these upgrades are placed along the Zoo Plaza entrance perimeter of the larger events space and can be accessed to the enhanced enjoyment of participants in those events.  For example, the new lesser pavilion located among the picnic pavilions can be used by the Animal Ambassador outreach program for interactive and educational experiences during the larger events.  The key piece to this area of the zoo is to capitalize on its ability to monetize events and support the fiscal stability of the zoo, while provided excellence in visitor experiences.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 3

Part 3 concerns itself with the front "lawn" of the zoo.  Directly in front of the ticket entrance stands a nineteenth century pavilion that at one time was used to host band concerts.  Today it's just a frame, open and seldom used.  There is a single paved path to the left of the pavilion leading guests from the parking lot to the ticket entrance.

My fantasy design would treat this space as a gem meant to sparkle in the eyes of visitors.  Playing off of the symmetry of the pavilion, I would create a pair of level and straight walkways from the parking lots to the entrance that would pass along either side of the pavilion's foundations.  In between I would create a symmetrical rose garden with a large circular fountain in the middle.  The design would allow guests who choose to celebrate events like weddings an additional venue for capturing photographic memories among other things.

The pavilion itself would remain largely open; however, I would transform it into a permanent exhibition highlighting the history, milestones, programs, mission and future of the zoo.  A series of 10 foot tall panels with widths varying from 8 to 6 feet would tell the story complete with appealing graphics and rich text.  The topics I share here are just ideas.  I offer one draft example to better illustrate the concept. 

I am unaware of any other zoo which offers anything like this as an experience for its guests.  In doing so, the Maryland Zoo would not only establish the possibility of a presidence, but also create a sense of importance to and within the greater community.  There are the sorts of things that foster pride and loyalty among constituents and supporters.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 2

The next part is also a parking lot.  At the zoo, it's generally used to 1) field trip busses, and 2) overflow on busy days.  My upgrades are really more about defining it so that buses can park easily, as well as, created obvious spaces for chaperone cars.  As an educational resource for Maryland's public schools, the Maryland Zoo is actually obligated by the state to provide access and support, as part of it's in kind response to the state's financial commitment to its general operating budget.  That being a given, why not create a first class experience?

I propose the addition of a small food services operation with an patio and well maintained restrooms for the bus drivers who bring the students and then generally just wait around for them to return.  Arrivals begin around 10 AM and departures usually wrap up by about 2:00-2:30.  Wouldn't it be amazing if drivers knew that when they came to the Maryland Zoo, a reasonable, tasty and healthy lunch option awaited them?  I honestly don't know of any zoo which extends such hospitality.

The other major feature would be an expanded sidewalk area where students could disembark to, organize and wait for their turn to enter the zoo.  This would be a tremendous upgrade in keeping the transition from buses to zoo un-chaotic and safer.

SOME OF THE COMPONENTS to this part of section 1 in greater detail:

A) The Secure Perimeter Fencing would be designed to look a little retro and compliment the historical design elements that remind guests of the zoo's provenance in the later half of the 19th century, only with state-of-the-art security elements embedded.

B) Guard Huts would all be replaced, and the number expended to provide the widest possible range of options when maintain security and guest and animal safety.  Each would also contain a powder room for the convenience of the staff.

E) Restrooms for Bus Drivers would be Mens and Womens and include a covered entrance with a drinking fountain.

G) The Hospitality Hut with its self-serve pre-made lunch options.  Once completed, schools would receive information about the service provided and be asked to convey this information to their bus drivers.  Additional, an announcement would be sent out to all of the regional carriers that routinely handle school field trips.

I) Reunification Pavilion.  Pavilions are found all across Druid Hill Park.  The addition of this pavilion would aesthetically fit in, and would provide the final link to a successful field trip experience by provided groups with an easily recognizable, designation location at which to reunify before departing.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Section 1 "Entrance-Parking-Events", part 1

The focus of the first part of the first section of my design is the main guest parking lot.  The notes on the image will go into some detail regarding specific upgrades, suffice it to say I only just read the actual zoo director's annual budget request to the Maryland State Legislature, and upgrade this lot was one of his top priorities...so I guess I'm get my ideas for a 21st century zoological garden in sync with people who really count.   The bottomline for this improvement is the old adage, you can't make a second, first impression.  To that end the first three parts to this first section are intended to work in concert to that end.

MDZiB Fantasy Master Plan: Introduction

I've mentioned this before, my little distraction of creating master plans for zoos.  I set the rules myself so money is never an issue.  In the past I have tackled the Superior Zoo in Duluth, Minnesota; the little Alameda Park Zoo in Alamogordo, New Mexico; the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; another little one, the Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, Delaware; and this is my second run at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, Maryland.  This time is actually more modest and realistic than the first design.

By way of background, I am and have been a member of the Maryland Zoo for several years now.  I have been a visitor for the past 25, and this past March I applied for and was granted volunteer status within their public programs corp under their education department.  Twice a month I share relevant and interesting information with guests, mostly younger guests (the activities are geared toward a 5-14 year-old demographic--although I find ways to engage anyone who is curious and wanting to check out the table and its materials).

By nature I am both creative and curious.  This exercise gives me an opportunity to image what isn't and create it within reasonable parameters all the while prodding me to explore a wide range of interrelated topics.  Honestly, it's very relaxing, too.  I mean, some people build jigsaw puzzles, right?

Disclaimers.  This is one hundred percent a reflection of my own madness.  I have no knowledge of or as far as I know access to the actual plans of the Maryland Zoo beyond what is in the public record.  While I'm sharing this here for general enjoyment of those who stumble upon it, I have not shared any of it with the Maryland Zoo (or any of the other plans I've created for any of the other aforementioned zoos), that's not the point.  It's a fantasy.

Next up, all of the drawings and illustrations are of my own creation (this map for example).  I use an old Apple Computer with a working version of Appleworks to create them.  It is a familiar platform from which to channel my ideas.  As accurate as any of them might appear, I make no assertion that my drawing are 100% accurate.  For example, in creating this map, I employed satellite images.  They are wonderful, but they aren't always clear.  Where they miss the boat, I did my best to extrapolate.  I am sure anyone with a more intimate knowledge of the grounds could find fault.  I am also certain they would absolutely recognize the majority of the details.

The current Maryland Zoo is home to a wide range of animal species for a mid-sized zoological garden.  It was first proposed and organized in 1876.   That year as part of Mayor Latrobe's state of the city report published in the Baltimore Sun newspaper, the following intention for a zoological park was included in the section referencing the finances, budget, and highlights of the Parks Commission of the city of Baltimore.

ZOOLOGICAL [G]ARDEN

It is hoped that the park commissioners will turn their attention to the establishment of a zoological collection in the Druid Hill Park.  In Philadelphia a joint stock company was formed some years since for the purpose of getting up such an establishment in Fairmount Park, in that city.  The company was chartered by the legislature, and authorized to issue a limited amount of bonds bearing six per cent. interest, the sale of which furnished the capital for the erection of the necessary buildings, purchase of animals, &c.  The land was given by the park commissioners and a small admittance [is] authorized to be charged for those visiting the grounds of the society. The proceeds of the admission fees was to be applied to the maintenance of the zoological collection and the payment of the interest on the bonds.

The society has now been in most successful operation for the past three years, and bids fair to become one of the largest and best conducted establishments of the kind either in this country or Europe.  Its receipts as shown by the reports which are annually published indicate its great popularity and appreciation by the people. I am sure that in Baltimore we could find both the liberality and enterprise that would start and foster what would be such an attractive feature in our beautiful park.

From such humble beginnings the zoo was born.  Initially if was referred to as the Druid Hill Park Zoo.  Much later it became known at the Baltimore City Zoo, or Baltimore Zoo, and in 2004 as a result of a financial restructuring agreement with the state legislature of Maryland, the zoo was again rechristened as the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, or Maryland Zoo.

In its present iteration, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore features four focus areas based on geography.  They are Maryland Wilderness, Children's Farmyard, Arctic Region (featuring Polar Bears), and Africa.  My design addresses upgrades to all of these, even though those to the Arctic and African areas of the zoo are rather minor.  Additionally, I expand greatly the region between animals of the Maryland Wilderness and those of the North American Arctic region with a ambitious new focus of key species of Western North America.

And yet, a zoo is so much more than just its animal holdings.  It is a window into grand causes like biodiversity, ecological sustainability, and species survival.  And in presenting any and/or all of these lofty concepts, there remains the mundane and pedestrian aspects of a public access enterprise like a zoo.  And that's where I am going to begin my presentation. 

Before we get to the animals and such, we must start with the basics.  The series of ideas that I am going to present first will focus on the guest/staff/volunteer-park interphase between animal centric experiences, initial access experiences and first impression aesthetics. Furthermore, I break this initial unveiling of my ideas into 6 parts.  Broadly, these posts effect the Entrance, Parking for guests and others, and areas designed to be used for Events.

I know, it's borderline OC.  Still, don't you want to see the rest of what I've devised? 

 More to come.