2019 Archive : Reid Park Zoo – River Otter and Meerkat Exhibits

Project Details

Fabric 1

Commercial 95
Producer: Gale Pacific USA Inc.
Supplier: Gale Pacific USA Inc.

Engineer Name 1
Nick Keizer

Engineer Company 1
RNK Structural Engineering

Design Name
Josh Henderson

Design Company
SHADE Industries

Fabrication Company
SHADE Industries

Project Manager Company
SHADE Industries

Installation Company
SHADE Industries

Please describe the project specifications

This project was comprised of three separate shade structures in two neighboring areas of the Reid Park Zoo. Two 14x14 GORILLABrellas, which each provide 185 square feet of shade, were installed in the zoo’s Meerkat exhibit, and a third custom extended umbrella structure was installed over a pool in the river otter enclosure. This structure provides 596 square feet of shade.

What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

Much of the Reid Park Zoo is made up of winding paths that are relatively well-shaded by mature trees; however, the river otter and meerkat exhibits were located in a much more exposed section of the grounds. The client requested shade structures that would primarily provide shade for the animals themselves, but that would also extend some shade to the zoo’s visitors.

What is unique or complex about the project?

Following the installation of the two 14x14 GORILLABrellas at the meerkat exhibit, concrete work was done on the structure nearest to the walking path to embed the column and connect it to the enclosure wall. The concrete was then painted with African motifs that match the theme of the exhibit.

What were the results of the project?

The three shade structures succeeded in providing effective shade to the zoo’s animals and patrons, while offering an aesthetically pleasing addition to the exhibits.

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