The Topeka governing body on Wednesday approved a capital project to relocate city fiber optics that currently run through Gage Park and, in places, through zoo exhibits.

City staff explained the project’s purpose is to reroute the city’s fiber around the perimeter of the Topeka Zoo because the fiber currently crosses portions of the park and “in some cases actually through exhibits with dangerous animals,” a staff member said. The project will also add a fiber leg to the planned community‑center site near the carousel.

The estimated cost is $150,000 and staff said the Gage Park Improvement Authority (GPIA) — which receives a county sales tax dedicated to park improvements and whose board earlier presented its 2024 annual report to the council — agreed to reimburse the city for the relocation costs. Staff told the council the city will contract and design the relocation work and then seek reimbursement from GPIA.

Council action: councilman Dobler moved approval and councilman Banks seconded; recorded votes showed nine yes and the motion carried. Staff said the project will be added to the 2025–2034 CIP and to the 2025–2027 CIP as project number 900800 for “Topeka Zoo fiber relocation.”

Context: Keith Warda, chairman of the Gage Park Improvement Authority, presented the authority’s 2024 annual report earlier in the meeting and outlined governance and financial reviews the authority has undertaken. Warda and board member Tammy Cortez attended the council discussion on the CIP item.

Ending: staff said they will proceed with design and contracting, coordinate reimbursement with GPIA, and return with implementation details and schedules.