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Washington Park Zoo lays out 2026–2030 strategic plan, highlights centennial projects

Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board · February 18, 2026

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Summary

Zoo Director Jamie Huss and Parks staff presented the Washington Park Zoo's 2026–2030 strategic plan, outlining goals, past improvements and capital projects including Monkey Island restoration (centennial focus for 2028), Wings of Wonder completion, a wetlands/alligator exhibit and a proposed expanded gift shop and classroom to boost revenue.

Washington Park Zoo on Feb. 18 presented a five-year strategic plan that outlines institutional goals, priority capital projects and funding ideas through 2030.

Zoo Director Jamie Huss and superintendent Shannon described the plan’s priorities—maintaining collaborative operations, improving visitor circulation and experience, developing fundraising mechanisms for capital improvements, and achieving financial stability. Huss and staff reviewed the zoo’s history and recent capital work and then highlighted several upcoming projects.

Major projects discussed included a restoration of Monkey Island timed for the zoo’s 100th anniversary in 2028, tuckpointing and masonry work for the observation tower (targeted for 2029), the Wings of Wonder exhibit (under construction and expected to be ready near the opening season), an "American wetlands" exhibit to provide winter housing for alligators, and a new gift shop/classroom/rental facility intended to more than double retail space and produce additional rental revenue. Shannon said the wetlands holding-area work is earmarked for $100,000 from the zoo endowment; staff provided historical and current order-of-magnitude cost estimates for Monkey Island (a 2011 estimate was "just under $1,000,000," staff said, and more recent estimates range from about $1.9 million upward, with final cost dependent on design and market conditions).

Huss emphasized balancing animal-care needs against cost and feasibility when planning new acquisitions. Staff said the zoo aims to meet national accreditation standards and exceed minimum federal (USDA) guidelines for animal care and safety.

The board was directed to the full strategic plan available on the parks department website for project timelines and funding detail; staff said the Wings of Wonder kickoff meeting occurs the following day and that some projects are out to bid.