Grand Rapids John Ball Zoo breaks ground on 11-acre forest, funicular expansion

WOOD-TV8 reports that the John Ball Zoo has begun construction on a new section that will include a forest and a tram to take riders up and down a steep incline that connects the expansion with the rest of the zoo.

According to excerpts from the story:

A groundbreaking ceremony took place Thursday morning at John Ball Zoo as construction of the Idema Forest Realm and Funicular project begins. The project will expand the zoo, at 1300 W. Fulton St. NW, by 11 acres on the formerly undeveloped hilltop. Bea Idema and the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation donated $5 million toward the $12-million project.

A funicular -- a tram on a track designed to take steep inclines -- will be located to the right of the zoo entrance. The funicular will wind its way toward Fulton Street and then curve up and behind the children's zoo area to one of the highest points in Grand Rapids. The 900-foot long ride up the hill is expected to take about four minutes, and is expected to open in early summer 2012.

Read the complete story here.