Fresno City Council considers proposed parking structure for Roeding Park and Chaffee Zoo

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Whether it’s giraffe watching, tiger spotting, or watching newborn elephants, the Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a Central California gem that welcomes millions of guests each year.

“There are more exhibits, more people are coming to our zoo, not only from the surrounding area but from out of town, from other states. They are visiting our zoo and that is leading to an increased need for parking,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

Porterville resident Giselle Tapia knows this demand all too well.

“There was no special parking lot, you just parked where you parked, and if you found one, that was good, if not, you looked for another one,” said zoo visitor Giselle Tapia.

And what makes things even more complicated: As soon as you have found or cleared a spot, you have to walk the not always clear paths to the entrance with the children in tow.

“People parked themselves because they didn’t pay attention to where they were going. They took up too much space and no one could fit through,” Tapia said.

To address traffic and parking problems, Mayor and Councilman Miguel Arias wants the City Council to support a negotiated agreement and begin construction of at least one multi-story parking garage in the area.

“Building a parking garage for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and the general public will free up a lot of parking spaces for those who just want to enjoy the neighborhood park on weekends or during the week,” said City Councilman Miguel Arias.

The agreement allows the city to begin negotiations with the zoo company to determine the logistics of the garage, its appearance, financing and timeline for construction.

The zoo welcomes this discussion.

From Illuminature to Roar-and-Pour, the zoo is hosting more nighttime events, and CEO Jon Forrest Dohlin says a parking garage will provide more safety.

“It has to be something that people feel really safe about, that they feel like it’s convenient and protected, and that’s really very convenient for us to be able to get to care safely even in the evenings,” said Jon Forrest Dohlin, CEO of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

If approved on Thursday, negotiations are expected to take three to six months.

According to environmental studies, construction will not begin for at least a year.

For the latest news, follow Brianna Willis on Facebook, Þjórsárden and Instagram.