South Tx Botanical Exhibit & Park Opens at Gladys Porter Zoo

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (July 16, 2010) – After a tropical depression delayed the planned opening of the South Texas Botanical Exhibit & Park, Zoo staff is excited to invite the public to celebrate the grand opening of the Zoo’s newest attraction on Saturday, July 17th at 10:30 a.m. There will be a brief ceremony followed by complimentary cake and refreshments while supplies last. The park features an enchanted South Texas themed playground and is nestled in an area landscaped with native plants. It is located adjacent to the butterfly garden and recently re-opened Butterflies, Bugs & Blooms exhibit.

The playground is one-of-a-kind, and contains sensational play structures. Among them is a 22-foot-tall Discovery Tree with multiple slides, a sliding pole, and lots of ADA features. An elevated walkway connects the Discovery Tree to the ClubHouse which features a slide, a talk tube and secret alcove. There is also a whimsical Castaway Boat with all the bells and whistles that will totally captivate toddlers. Playground visitors can also cool off under the refreshing water misters at Martha’s Cove.

Zoo staff has been working for months to convert a former railroad track area donated by the City of Brownsville into a beautiful park for visitors to enjoy. The play structures were created by Themescapes, Inc. a Minnesota-based company specializing in themed amusement parks, waterparks, hotels, casinos, restaurants, zoos and museums across the world. Their staff has been onsite for several months, sculpting play structures into enchanting platforms for themed play and installing ladders, slides and poles.

“I know Zoo visitors are going to be wowed by our new addition. We are particularly proud of the huge sculptures of South Texas animals on the Discovery Tree. Despite the unplanned downpours courtesy of Hurricane Alex and a tropical depression, our staff has really pulled together to get this park completed,” said Zoo Director, Dr. Patrick M. Burchfield.

The South Texas Botanical Exhibit & Park was made possible by grant funds and generous contributions from over 40 donors. The park will be open during regular Zoo hours. Admission is free with regular Zoo admission or Zoo membership. For more information on the South Texas Botanical Exhibit & Park, visit www.gpz.org or call (956) 546-7187.