LANSING, MI — Voters in Ingham County showed their support for the Potter Park Zoo by voting for the Zoo’s millage renewal.
“This is tremendous news for Potter Park Zoo,” explained Ingham County Parks Director Willis Bennett. “With the passing of the millage, we’re able to focus our efforts in executing the master plan and making improvements to the Zoo for our visitors.”
The millage, which is at a .41 tax rate, is expected to collect $2.91 million in operating revenue for the Zoo in 2011. This voter support allows Potter Park Zoo to continue offering lower parking and admission rates to Ingham County residents, which have been decreased since the County took over management of the Zoo in 2007.
“First off, we’d like to thank the Ingham County voters for their continued support,” said Zoo Society Executive Director Sherrie Graham. “Our community members along with our many volunteers made the campaign a great success.”
The passing of the millage also means a great deal for conservation education. Over 30,000 K-12 students engage the Zoo’s education programming each year. In addition, because Potter Park is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the students and visitors will continue to see rare and endangered species such as the Amur tiger and red panda.
Potter Park Zoo is located at 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. within Potter Park along the Red Cedar River in Lansing, Michigan. The zoo is open daily year-round, summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (517) 483-4222 or visit www.potterparkzoo.org
This story was printed in the November 7, 2010 – November 20, 2010
