Parking project will make zoo better

I noted with interest the Wheaton Park District’s plans to expand the parking lot at Cosley Zoo.

Our extended family visits the zoo often, especially at festive times of the year. We truly enjoy the spacious grounds, exhibits and the animals.

As a long time member of the Wheaton community, I take a great deal of pride in our city, Community Unit School District 200 and our parks. Indeed, I have served all of these units of local government in varying capacities as a volunteer and as an appointed and an elected official.

After much thoughtful consideration and discussion with many members of our community, I firmly believe that this modest expansion of the Cosley Zoo parking lot will serve the needs of zoo visitors and the greater Wheaton community. My support is based on the park district’s long history of being a responsible neighbor to the residents of Wheaton.

The parking lot project continues to be a transparent process as it works its way through the park district’s planning process, City of Wheaton’s public hearings and the scrutiny of the DuPage County Board. Environmental and public safety concerns have been addressed at every stage of this process.

Special attention has been given to the impact of neighboring properties, allowing for appropriate landscaping and fencing. I am happy to support this project at Cosley Zoo. It will only serve to make this wonderful facility even better.

Michael J. Gresk

Wheaton