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Riverside Discovery Center outlines seven-step master plan to boost revenue, staffing and AZA accreditation
Summary
Riverside Discovery Center (RDC) staff presented a multi-year master plan focused on new revenue streams, staffing additions, infrastructure upgrades, AZA accreditation steps and expanded conservation/education programs.
Riverside Discovery Center director Kai updated the City Council on a seven-step master plan aimed at stabilizing zoo finances, improving infrastructure and pursuing Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation.
"The crux of our master plan ... covers seven steps to hopefully transition us over the next couple of years into a premier zoo," Kai said, describing concurrent workstreams that began April 1 and run through December 2027. Kai said the zoo has begun revenue initiatives such as renovating the concession stand and planning behind-the-scenes guest experiences and an obstacle-course attraction to diversify income.
Kai said staffing increases will focus on maintenance and fundraising roles to meet AZA recommendations: "We're really trying to bolster, namely our, maintenance department. So that was one of the big things with AZA, is that they felt that we didn't quite have enough members of staff specifically for maintenance to keep up with preventative maintenance." The presentation also outlined plans for a mock inspection, coordination with a Denver Zoo mentor on the AZA pathway, and a projected six-month application and inspection process for accreditation.
RDC plans exhibit renovations and fundraising to modernize older enclosures and create more interactive guest experiences; the center also hopes to expand in-situ conservation and breeding programs in partnership with larger institutions. Kai invited council members to visit the zoo and preview new booking and marketing systems that are being launched.
Council asked no substantive follow-up questions at the meeting; the update was provided for information and to invite future review of the final master plan once RDC receives feedback from AZA reviewers.
