RYAN ANNOUNCES $1,000,000 GRANT TO HELP BROOKFIELD ZOO MAKE NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. George H. Ryan today released $1,000,000 to fund two major improvements at Brookfield Zoo. The grant covers construction of a much needed guest amenities facility and construction of a refrigeration unit for perishable supplies.

"This investment will ensure that Brookfield Zoo remains one of this state's true treasures," Ryan said. "With these improvements Brookfield Zoo will continue to be a place where families can go to learn and play together."

The guest amenities facility will be built at the zoo's main entrance and will house family oriented restrooms, including baby changing rooms and child-sized and handicapped accessible facilities. The 2,000 square-foot refrigeration unit will be located in an existing warehouse on the zoo's grounds.

Brookfield Zoo; located at First Avenue and 31st Street in Brookfield, Illinois; is one of the nation's most popular zoos. It is home to more than 2,600 animals representing more than 400 species. The zoo is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and is managed by the Chicago Zoological Society.

The $1 million was appropriated by the General Assembly through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The funds for these improvements were included in the FY1999 budget at the request of Sen. Tom Walsh (R-LaGrange Park).