For Immediate Release
Contact: Gina Stiles (904) 757-4463, ext. 210; cell 655-3632

Grand Opening of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’
Unique Trout River Gardens on September 7-9

Jacksonville, FL, August 31, 2007— Officials at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the grand opening of their $1.9 million, 1.6 acre Gardens at Trout River Plaza to be held September 7 through 9.  The Grand Opening begins at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 7, with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by Zoo officials and includes its Board members and other City dignitaries.  On September 8 and 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., grand opening festivities such as live entertainment, free caricatures, face-painting and more.  Master Gardeners will also be available to answer questions about the gardens and give advice on how to grow the plants. 

“The opening of this artistic garden space completes yet another part of our award-winning Botanical Gardens Master Plan” said Executive Director of the Zoo, Dennis Pate. This new garden is now the most one of its kind in Jacksonville and just a preview of what’s to come with planning already underway for our Asian Bamboo Garden and Monsoon Asia exhibit,” Pate continued. 

The new garden space features a partially-walled botanical garden plaza that will serve as a gathering and event space and offers a beautiful view of the Trout River.  Central to the plaza is a celebratory fountain with a spill bowl topped by a basking anhinga bird sculpture. The fountain is surrounded by pebble mosaic paving that features a menagerie of animals

of the Trout River.  Springing from lush garden beds, thirteen Grecian-style “living” columns topped with overflowing flowering urns give the Gardens a classical look.  A planted trellis, lush and cool with colorful and fragrant vines, along with a number of large shade trees, themed lights and site furniture all create a special area that can be enjoyed by families, garden and art enthusiasts alike.  The Riverview Courtyard located behind the plaza is an ideal space for day or nighttime private events.  The “Great Lawn” in front of the plaza can also be used for private events as well as the Zoo’s marketing and fundraising events.

“This is the most formal garden we’ve designed with both classical and contemporary elements,” said Bob Chabot, Director of Horticulture at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. 

For over 90 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Starting in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has grown to house more than 1,400 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species. The Zoo is a non-profit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Located on Jacksonville’s north side two miles off I-95, the Zoo is open year-round, 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to www.jacksonvillezoo.org.

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