51¶ÌÊÓƵ

Now, the zoo takes up 7.5 of the 26.5 acres bounded by A and 27th streets and Capitol Parkway and called the Antelope Park Triangle. It is seeking three more acres -- essentially where Ager Play Center and the city's Parks and Recreation Office are now, said Parks and Rec Director Lynn Johnson.

The play center building, built by the Works Progress Administration and the original home of the city's indoor zoo, would be put back into zoo use, Johnson said.

The proposal would give the Parks and Rec office to the zoo, but zoo Executive Director John Chapo said there are no immediate plans to move it.

The plan would preserve the Strolling Garden, Rose Garden and teacher’s fountain on the triangle’s north tip, as well as all the city trails.

“All those enhance the sense of destination for the area,� said Chapo, noting that expansion plans are in their infancy.

“We are looking to see where we can grow.�

The hope is that at least a portion of the zoo could remain open year-round instead of April to October, he said. Some programming already is offered throughout the year, and this year's April 1 opening is the earliest in the zoo's 50-year history.

The Parks and Rec Advisory Board is set to decide whether to endorse the land-use proposal in May, Johnson said.

If it does, the zoo will begin a feasibility study to determine whether there is enough community and donor support to go ahead. There is no cost estimate.

“We have to do a lot of figuring out,� Chapo said. “We are gathering understanding of what our footprint could look like.�

A more pressing need is moving Lincoln Public Schools' Zoo School.

Now, the science focus high school has four classrooms in Camelot Commons with more in three portable buildings near the visitor food area. The portables are directly over high-pressure water mains, and the city wants them moved, Johnson said.

Another big challenge is parking. The zoo estimates it needs to double its parking space, Johnson said.