SPLOST

Our first Zoo project – SPLOST proposal

Our first project has been to submit a SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) project proposal that would completely renovate the zoo. Working with the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services staff, we submitted a proposal that implements nearly all of the zoo improvements that were envisioned by the community at the Memorial Park visioning sessions held in 2017. If our project is included and the SPLOST package is supported by the voters, the zoo will be completely rebuilt and replaced to create a facility that is modern, convenient, and reflects the deep commitment and respect our community holds for environmental education. The project includes:

  • New entryway, new perimeter fencing, and behind-the-scenes staff vehicle access
  • Restrooms for visitors, located inside the zoo
  • New walking pathways for visitors which offer greater accessibility
  • New educational signage and exhibits that are modern and unique
  • All new, naturalistic habitats for the animals
  • New buildings to house the reptile collection and animal nutrition kitchen
  • Creation of a wetland garden exhibit
  • New program animal and quarantine spaces
  • Infrastructure necessary to support a modern and environmentally conscious facility

Why should we renovate the zoo?

It’s been over 30 years since significant investment was made in the facility. It’s been well-loved over the years – thousands of visitors, students, scout and civic groups have enjoyed the environmental education programming and visiting the non-releasable, native wildlife that call Bear Hollow home. We have reached a critical moment, and the zoo risks being “loved to death” without significant reinvestment. We thank you for your help and support in working towards a rejuvenated facility for our community.

You can help!

Support the project! A citizen review committee will recommend which projects should be included in the final package that will go to the voters. Time is of the essence! Reach out and make your voice heard! Here are the ways you can show your support:

  1. Go to the ACC Comments link below (first blue button) and fill out the form!
  2. Send us a letter in support of the project. Tell us why the zoo is important to you and why you want to see it remade. Pictures that we can share with the committee would be very helpful. You can complete a testimonial form on our website, as well.
    Mail to: Friends of Bear Hollow, Inc.
    c/o Memorial Park
    293 Gran Ellen Drive
    Athens, GA 30606
    Or Email a Word Doc and Image to: friendsofbearhollow@gmail.com
  3. Comment on your support during the public comment period. The presentations will be posted online and the county will announce when public comments on projects can be made. Visit the county SPLOST website to review the presentation and make your comments. https://www.accgov.com/splost
  4. Contact your commissioner and the mayor to express your support for the project. Contact information is available here: https://www.athensclarkecounty.com/DocumentCenter/View/60/Mayor–Commission-Contact-Information?bidId=
  5. Keep checking this website for updates and other ways to get involved.
    friendsofbearhollow.org
 

Other News, Actions and Information:

SPLOST 2020 Comment Form

Select Project 60 (Bear Hollow) from the pulldown menu in the form. We would appreciate your support of our original proposal instead of our cost-reducing alternate proposal that would exclude the wetland garden, storage, and some signage, features that we believe would greatly enhance the redesigned zoo.

Comment on ACC SPLOST 2020

Support Proposal #60 for SPLOST 2020!

Learn more here.

Fill out our petition on Change.org

FOBH SPLOST 2020 Press Release – January 14, 2019

Dear Neighbor Letter – January 14, 2019

Redo The Zoo Coloring Sheet! Download this pdf, print it out get your crayons and markers, and you’re ready to start coloring!