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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
REQUESTING A HEARING OF THE ZOOLOGICAL COMMITTEE FOR A REPORT FROM THE SENIOR STAFF OF THE CHICAGO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY CONCERNING CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AT BROOKFIELD ZOO
WHEREAS, in 1919, Edith Rockefeller McCormick donated 83 acres of land to the Forest Preserves of Cook County for the sole purpose of creating a large, modern zoological park. In 1921, the Chicago Zoological Society was formed at the recommendation of the Forest Preserves of Cook County to manage Brookfield Zoo, which opened its doors in 1934; and
WHEREAS, Brookfield Zoo is the most popular ticketed cultural destination in the Midwest, with over 2 million visitors every year. The zoo supports nearly 2,000 jobs and has generated over $670 million in labor income, over $1.5 billion in economic activity, and over $211 million in local, state and federal tax revenues over the past 10 years; and
WHEREAS, Brookfield Zoo provides crucial community programming, including early childhood natureplay activities, an elementary and junior high science program hosted at community libraries, and a High School program focused on STEM learning and college readiness. These programs serve mainly under resources communities and reach over 4,000 individuals every year; and
WHEREAS, Brookfield Zoo is an example of a successful public-private partnership. It is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and operated by the Chicago Zoological Society. The Zoo is an important and valuable asset of the Cook County Forest Preserve District; and
WHEREAS, the Cook County Forest Preserve District annually provides $14 million for the Chicago Zoological Society in support of its world-class operations; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby request that a meeting of the Zoological Committee be convened to discuss the status of capital infrastructure at Brookfield Zoo; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a member of the senior staff of the Chicago Zoological Society appear before the Committee and be prepared to update the Committee on Brookfield Zoo’s capital infrastructure.end