[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6667307,"mediaKeyId","2264281-6f269da784b4673e7ebaaef349bafd12","parentId",2264281,"title","Detroit Zoo outlines 7‑acre Discovery Trails, highlights county partnership and $54 million revenue","audioSeconds",1094,"startMs",1096000,"endMs",2190000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264281-6f269da784b4673e7ebaaef349bafd12&start=1096&end=2190","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264281-6f269da784b4673e7ebaaef349bafd12/thumbnail_1096000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6667307/Oakland-County/Michigan/Detroit-Zoo-outlines-7acre-Discovery-Trails-highlights-county-partnership-and-54-million-revenue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667307-fc2574d38dd652a4b71387537c0b8af7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773609887&Signature=dT2MjScDYCDmSW56PbTON9O8dw4vBzLV9rkgwxZjr~CQfSS1uR3sile1-hMUw5wZutTWrz6drxJMbfpESod8fHGFQBKbZPSCSmZ~3Hfu5oA--W4QRHMQmzGesrRsYWWFRCPew25HoE2b2AI3cTnTbWIcQuEQ1TBTXCKCFcrKIg7tTSNTVF-TgYlaRlua6BsEx8XvyIwZtbw6QSl-savV2x~ySOkQBBt1dyTlawCqqVdVGjtwObSc5JPuBsONr378BzEtZ1AiFLPSTuFPX9L-KXZ3LPvU0DLxt1z2jXVSk9DTs3SbtYXcAlBbpIupeHP-ouI6meYUBd5jrBHfmwS13w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oakland County","date","2025-02-12T01:05:02.87Z","article","Haley Murphy, executive director of the Detroit Zoological Society, told the Oakland County Board of Commissioners that the zoo drew about 1.2 million visitors in 2024, generated roughly $54 million in revenue and is proceeding with Discovery Trails, a 7‑acre, accessibility‑focused experience scheduled to open in 2026.

Murphy said the zoo now raises about 51% of its revenue from earned sources such as admissions and events, with public support accounting for about 34% of revenue; Oakland County’s millage contributed about 13% of that public support. “At the Detroit Zoological Society, our mission is simple but powerful, to create meaningful connections between people, animals, and the natural world so all can thrive,” Murphy said.

The strategic plan Murphy presented is the organization’s first comprehensive roadmap since 2010. She told commissioners the zoo’s 2024 year included investments in capital and operations, a rebound in attendance after the pandemic and significant education and community programs that reach students and vulnerable populations across the Tri‑County region.

Murphy described a range of education and workforce initiatives: a four‑year paid Conservation Student Internship that enrolls cohorts of ninth through 12th graders, partnerships with local high schools and colleges, and outreach programs for people experiencing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking. The zoo reported engaging more than 23,000 students, teachers and families through its education programs in 2024.

Murphy also described sustainability efforts, including a 0‑waste program for select events, a net‑zero water initiative and a community recycling event that recycled more than 85 tons. She credited county staff and the Oakland County Water Resources Commission for helping the zoo secure federal funding and navigate water‑sustainability projects on its nearly 100‑year‑old site.

Murphy briefed commissioners on two infrastructure efforts supported by the county: an $18 million, seven‑acre infrastructure rehabilitation that addresses aging grounds and piping, and emergency repairs after a sinkhole opened along 10 Mile Road outside the zoo. Murphy said a staff member fell into the sinkhole up to his waist; the road closure has allowed the zoo and county to complete repairs.

Discovery Trails is described as an inclusive, experiential area with an accessible canopy walkway, interactive animal experiences and new habitats for prairie dogs, bush dogs, alpacas, burrowing owls and aquatic touch‑tank species such as bamboo sharks and stingrays. Murphy said the project is designed so children with differing mobility needs can use the same pathways as their peers. Construction is under way with a target opening in 2026.

Commissioners thanked Murphy for the update and asked about community partnerships and contact information for staff. Chair Woodward and Commissioner Brendan Johnson both praised the zoo’s programming and the local economic impact Murphy cited.

The Detroit Zoological Society asked the public to follow project updates at dzu.org/discoverytrails and to note that parts of 10 Mile Road remain closed while county‑supported repairs continue.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Meeting 02-11-25","oneSentenceSummary","Haley Murphy, executive director of the Detroit Zoological Society, told the Oakland County Board of Commissioners that the zoo drew about 1.2 million visitors in 2024, generated roughly $54 million in revenue and is proceeding with Discovery Trails, a 7‑acre, accessibility‑focused experience scheduled to open in 2026.","taxTitle","Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",2835,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6667299,"Oakland County honors three local leaders with Black Excellence Awards",455,265000,720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264281-6f269da784b4673e7ebaaef349bafd12&start=265&end=720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264281-6f269da784b4673e7ebaaef349bafd12/thumbnail_265000.jpg","/articles/6667299/Oakland-County/Michigan/Oakland-County-honors-three-local-leaders-with-Black-Excellence-Awards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667299-7d290cfef95b6132fa5a83d1b1dea7dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1773609887&Signature=a09fJiJ0MzIH43c6yhDRawsSVb6PhBny4ZiBZZjhNv9mrjkM0EzlpFXNRtCOyT6DDg3J2~UwPe3Xvb9LiC1tNkW4jMnUFriDdfyj92LrsYXTY7mzuv~Y1gL-~KOjnaFvW5qRnekwaDY-twBWQ3dqk4nLPhfPsIjJJLXVvRJV-XXQ4futRa1e1ZgyVqOIJMnV8JNYndRY-2quXSBrn6JxPgaD83mtTlVU1USkkt~ePbkXQ8meAiWkkxKD0D257quoCq2s1HBFJOQ2-CI0O~ZHOhhI32TDvuWsH8a3qvqxK2RFWoBCnN4tAoVHkvXAUT5MXWl5nkrZGlpjzYl7LixMQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Angela Powell presented the Oakland County Black Excellence Awards to three community leaders during the board meeting and outlined the award’s history and purpose. The awards, now in their fourth year, recognize residents nominated by community members for leadership and service.

Powell said the program began in 2022 to highlight contributions from members of communities that have historically been overlooked and to mark Black History Month. \"They are truly committed to making our county a better place,\" Powell said of the nominees.

Dustin McCullough, founder and CEO of the Pontiac Community Foundation, received the first award. In remarks from the podium, McCullough said the honor was humbling and committed to continuing work that benefits Pontiac, particularly young Black men. The presentation cited his work mobilizing investments to the city and past roles in local boards and nonprofits.

The second award went to Jamar Bray, founder of Jamar’s Jammies, a nonprofit that distributes pajamas to youth in need. Presenters noted Bray began the program in 2018, distributing hundreds of pajamas in its first year and later partnering with shelters across Michigan.

The third recipient, Camilla Rice, was honored for founding Green Olive Soaps, a Troy‑based business that grew from serving a single customer to several thousand. Presenters cited Rice’s use of natural ingredients, charitable “bar soap” donations to local women’s shelters and recent retail partnerships with health systems.

Commissioners, awardees and families gathered for photographs following the presentations. Commissioners Smith Charles and Taylor joined Commissioner Powell in presenting the awards.","Commissioner Angela Powell and colleagues presented the Black Excellence Awards to three community leaders—Dustin McCullough of Pontiac Community Foundation, Jamar Bray of Jamar's Jammies, and Camilla Rice of Green Olive Soaps—recognizing community service and entrepreneurship during Black History Month.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6667304,"Votes at a glance: Oakland County commissioners approve consent agenda, SWAT interlocal agreements and health network appointments",239,2696000,2935000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264281-6f269da784b4673e7ebaaef349bafd12&start=2696&end=2935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264281-6f269da784b4673e7ebaaef349bafd12/thumbnail_2696000.jpg","/articles/6667304/Oakland-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Oakland-County-commissioners-approve-consent-agenda-SWAT-interlocal-agreements-and-health-network-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667304-082ea0124eb189a61fe2f6aa4e76be49/orig.mp4?Expires=1773609887&Signature=BVkyaHu1aUDDm5evEtpxpvXeKuReLgcokcs7c86PT600G08KxxAdbhB-LYQf8SPLPaR2SdbEKwx6RjSRNY2OZ-o5rP77ARaaU2zErnywRfSe4k7i9YKIb65oGhItD0sHaxK01crons8sxXpl7LLu1ydc1fIaO-HQssL7SLhuF9NF8PDmwjrYJ0WhNWKEHvKuu5rd4hIT8W2aOkNKV6v0UjGikf4Vozf4~tybfZW33MG5A7UA0v3i-3NDzaPBEcyTTQIZMLVr~UsIMzH6jkjNXKja42iLfq1amZNooI3h~pjXz4rIhdzeslzzEDwnqm4kxhIl-Lx98sMx6vXqT9BgbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its meeting, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners adopted the consent agenda and approved several routine motions with unanimous support, approved two interlocal agreements to join the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics team, and confirmed appointments to the Oakland County Health Network.

The consent agenda was adopted by voice vote; the clerk recorded 18 yeas and 0 nays. Commissioners then approved interlocal agreements that allow the city of Birmingham and the Charter Township of Bloomfield to participate on the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team; both resolutions passed 18‑0. The motions to join the SWAT team were moved by Commissioner Lueb and seconded by Commissioner Spiz.

The board also confirmed appointments to the Oakland County Health Network recommended by the Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee. The committee recommended reappointing Yvette Woodruff (working involvement in mental health services), Malkia Newman (primary consumer) and John Young (secondary consumer) to three‑year terms beginning April 2025 through March 31, 2028; the board voted 17‑0 to confirm those appointments.

Clerk and staff presented five communications from county offices; commissioners voted unanimously to receive the communications. The communications included multiple letters regarding appointments to the tax increment financing district ad hoc review committee and a letter from County Executive David Coulter recommending reappointments to the Oakland County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The county executive cited the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act in accompanying materials.

Commissioner Hoffman introduced a resolution urging the governor to grant a pardon for Timo Jin Kansu and the resolution was referred to the Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee without objection. No committee vote on that resolution was recorded at the meeting.

Votes recorded at the meeting matched the clerk’s tallies noted during the proceedings; no contested roll‑call tallies were recorded in the transcript.","The Oakland County Board of Commissioners adopted the consent agenda and took several routine votes with unanimous support, approved two interlocal agreements to allow municipal participation on the Sheriff's Office SWAT team, and confirmed three appointments to the Oakland County Health Network.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Detroit Zoo outlines 7‑acre Discovery Trails, highlights county partnership and $54 million revenue

Oakland County honors three local leaders with Black Excellence Awards

Votes at a glance: Oakland County commissioners approve consent agenda, SWAT interlocal agreements and health network appointments