Plans in Place to Build $6.6M Children's Center at Franklin Park Zoo

Zoo New England is working on plans and a capital campaign to build a $6.6 million educational center for children and families at Franklin Park Zoo. 

The George Robert White Fund recently made a $3 million capital investment to build "Nature's Neighborhoods," an initiative center that is being designed for children and families. So far, $4.5 million has been raised toward the project, according to a recent announcement by zoo officials. 

Nature's Neighborhoods is expected to feature traditional and non-traditional learning spaces hand include flexible indoor and outdoor classrooms, where groups can gather for programs and other educational activities. The space is meant to be accessible and includes for families of all abilities. 

Visitors of Nature's Neighborhoods will be able to connect with nature through self-directed exploration and encounter wildlife and habitats.

"We are incredibly grateful to the George Robert White Fund for their longstanding support of the Franklin Park Zoo," John Linehan, President and CEO of Zoo New England, said in a statement. "This exciting, innovative space will be truly spectacular and a point of pride for the city and the Commonwealth."

Franklin Park Zoo is located in the northeast portion of Franklin Park that crosses the borders of Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and Dorchester. For more information, visit www.zoonewengland.org/franklinvisit.