OPINION: Oregon Zoo bond measure will help continue young learning

Voters this May will decide the future of one of the Pacific Northwest’s iconic cultural attractions, and I’m voting yes on Measure 26-244 to support investment in the Oregon Zoo.

Oregon Zoo is a place of pride for our entire community. From field trips to Zoo Lights, the Oregon Zoo supports learning and memories across generations. Measure 26-244 will invest in the repairs and updates needed to ensure we keep this gem in good condition for many years to come.

As a former member of the Beaverton school board, I value the Oregon Zoo's core mission of educating children about wildlife and nature in a way that isn’t possible through videos or books. In a typical year, more than 415,000 children visit the zoo or participate in zoo programming, gaining hands-on experience with science. Approving Measure 26-244 will help advance the zoo’s educational mission.

The last Oregon Zoo Bond passed in 2008, delivering all its promised projects on time and within budget. Approximately 40% of the zoo was updated, including the veterinary hospital and habitats for polar bears and primates.

Voting for this bond renewal will advance the next phase of the critical investments to ensure the zoo remains a great place for animals and visitors alike. Without raising our taxes, we can help the Oregon Zoo continue to enrich the lives of children throughout our region and beyond. Please join me in voting yes on Measure 26-244.