New play area splashing into the Great Plains Zoo

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — If you’ve been to the Great Plains Zoo recently you probably noticed a couple blocked-off areas under construction. Well, soon those areas will open with new and returning elements.

Today’s spring sun wasn’t beating down too hard on the Great Plains Zoo, but here in South Dakota we know how hot it can get in the summer. That’s why the zoo is looking forward to opening its brand new splash pad.

“It’s going to be really nice to have something to cool off, maybe extend that stay at the zoo because, you know, in the past we haven’t had that availability,” Denise DePaolo with the Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House and Aquarium said.

Crews are still putting the final touches on the area, but kids will be able to start splashing around Memorial Day weekend.

“Saturday, May 25th, is our Leep Into Summer event. So this is the kick-off of our big summer schedule, so zookeeper chats, creature features, we’re going to have all sorts of fun stuff going on that day. The kangaroo walk-about will be open, the carousel will be going and then, of course, our brand new splash pad for everyone to enjoy,” DePaolo said.

The splash pad isn’t the only area under construction at the zoo. Crews are getting closer and closer to welcoming back lions in July after 30 years.

A summer of excitement at the Great Plains Zoo, with even more things on the way.

“Within the next couple of years we’ll have a state-of-the-art aquarium facility and butterfly rainforest here at the zoo and then the sky is the limit. We’re going to be looking at our whole campus and making it more user-friendly, better habitats for our animals and just a really great place that our community can come and feel ownership over and really have a great time,” DePaolo said.

Also under construction at the zoo is a new year-round restroom that will have an adult-sized changing table.

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