More changes could be coming to the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in the next year.
On Monday, zoo officials announced their plans for a proposed project located near the Sue's Wildlife Carousel. The project calls for additional concessions, new restrooms, an open-air market, children’s play area and public plaza. Officials say they hope to have the new plaza open by the Spring of 2019.
The area was initially deferred until the next master plan, but plans have been pushed up due to the need for updated guest services facilities near Alaskan Adventure, Sue’s Carousel, the Dick and Mary Holland Meadowlark Theater, Stingray Beach, North Gate, Tram stop and the Omaha Train Depot.
The approximately two acre area will be constructed at the current site of the now closed Red Barn Park. The 6,700 square foot concessions building will have ten ordering windows with a variety of seating options as the public plaza will include a mix of tables, chairs, benches and shade structures to accommodate approximately 500 guests. Large public restroom facilities will be available to visitors along with a semi-private seating area with natural fence enclosures, providing nursing mothers with shaded seating.
A sweets shop is also planned along with a new ticket booth for the Tram, Stingray Beach, Train, Carousel and Skyfari. Carousel Plaza will also feature a children’s play area with a soft play surface and interactive play features, a 760 square foot open-air market space and a tram stop waiting area with bench seating.
Many animals, such as goats, from Red Barn Park have been moved to the Bay Family’s Children’s Adventure Trails.