RGS Associates’ Paoli team collaborated with the leaders of Elmwood Park Zoo, a beloved zoological park established in Norristown in 1924, to completely transform its entrance and surrounding landscape, furthering both operational excellence and visitor engagement.
Master Planning for Expansion
Our team developed a comprehensive master plan that expands the zoo’s footprint across Stony Creek while upgrading existing facilities, including the main entrance, administrative offices, and nature shop. The phased approach ensured continuous operations while systematically improving visitor amenities and animal care facilities throughout the 100-year-old park.
Immersive Arrival Experience
The first phase focused on creating a compelling entrance sequence, beginning with an elevated parking area and a boardwalk system that leads to a covered lookout and bridge. Native plantings and a “dry stream” design channel rainwater while creating an engaging educational experience that introduces visitors to the zoo’s conservation mission before they enter the main facility.
Functional Landscape Integration
Working closely with zoo veterinarians, our design incorporates carefully selected non-toxic plants that can serve dual purposes as both attractive landscaping and supplemental animal forage. This innovative approach demonstrates how thoughtful plant selection can enhance both aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency while supporting animal welfare.
Historic Preservation and Modern Innovation
The design honors the zoo’s rich, century-long history while positioning it as a world-class destination for conservation and education. Landscape elements and sculptural features throughout the entrance plaza and courtyard areas celebrate key milestones from the zoo’s past and create educational opportunities that connect visitors to the facility’s evolution from a small donation of deer to a premier regional attraction. The new animal hospital will feature publicly accessible observation areas, allowing visitors to witness animal care procedures and reinforcing the facility’s commitment to both entertainment and education in wildlife conservation.
Through thoughtful landscape architecture and strategic master planning, the Elmwood Park Zoo project sets a new standard for zoo design that balances conservation education, animal welfare, and community recreation within a cohesive, historically conscious framework.
