Micke Grove Zoo seeks board’s approval for needed repairs
The Micke Grove Zoo first opened its gates to local residents in 1957, and has kept much of the original infrastructure such as the fencing, gates and sewage systems.
Sixty years later, some of that same infrastructure is in need of repair.
In May 2016, the San Joaquin County Department of General Services (DGS) submitted a list of the zoo’s highest priority projects to Senator Cathleen Galgiani. The following month, Galgiani’s staff notified the county that $500,000 had been secured for the repairs in the 2016-2017 state budget, signed by Governor Jerry Brown.
Last January, the county was notified that Brown proposed to eliminate several projects from the state’s budget, including the zoo’s repairs, and that there was little point in pursuing the matter any further. Despite the discouraging news, staff carried on with the application process, and in May 2017 received word that they would in fact receive the funds to begin repairs.
Next Tuesday, approval of the project and the necessary budget adjustments will go before the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.
Micke Grove Zoo Director Kevin Hertell explained that the three main projects consist of re- pairs to a fence and gate along the west perimeter, sewer systems and storm drains.
“Pixley Slough runs right along the fence, and too much rain can cause the water to flood the zoo,” Hertell said.
Hertell pointed out a rock wall that had recently been rebuilt along the bank of Pixley Slough to help minimize the risk of flooding, before drawing attention to an old gate in the fence that must be opened to allow truck access to the zoo’s sewer system.
“The gate still opens, but it’s getting a little more difficult each time because it’s so old,” said Hertell.
He then explained that the zoo’s sewers are 60 years old, as are the flood control valves. He expressed hope that a new material, which he admitted to not knowing the name of, will be able to squeeze the old sewer walls back into place and seal off any cracks.
“If that doesn’t work, we’ll have to tear up the walkways and rebuild the whole sewer,” Hertell said.
Hertell added that a preliminary environmental study of Pixley Slough has already been completed, although no date has been set for the repairs to start.