Charles Paddock Zoo sign gets OK from commission
This photo shows where the proposed sign to Charles Paddock Zoo would go.
–The Charles Paddock Zoo is in the midst of changing, as has been evident over the last several years. The entrance to the zoo got renovated, the pink flamingo exhibit relocated, exhibits improved or changed and, most recently, a new monument sign was approved by the Atascadero Parks & Recreation Commission.
The issue went before the commission on Oct. 15 and all seven members – Chairwoman Susan DeCarli, Vice Chairman David May, Commissioners Susan Greenaway, Tom Zirk, Jeremiah Loughry, Dayn Mansfield and Kevin Campion – voted to recommend approval, Zirk said. It will now go before the Atascadero City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 27 with a recommendation for approval from the commission.
The signage is keeping in pace with the zoo’s master plan, which was approved by the city council in 2004. The plan gives direction and guidance to make the zoo into a destination for residents and visitors. Projects are completed as funding becomes available.
This rendering shows the proposed sign for the entrance to Charles Paddock Zoo.
Projects completed thus far:
- Revamped zoo entry
- Permanent, American with Disabilities Act restroom facility
- New gift shop and food service area
- Approval of red panda exhibit
Over the summer, a statue dedicated to Charles Paddock, the founder of the zoo, was erected in front of the zoo to commemorate the zoo’s 60th anniversary. The statue was funded completed by private donors. According to staff report from the city’s recreation department, the group recognized that the front gate needed an impressive sign to complete the entrance with the addition of the statue, so it began raising additional funds for the signage.
According to city staff, there is no sign at the zoo’s entrance. The proposed sign includes cutout letters that are raised one inch to provide added depth and character. The sign’s color is consistent with the branding of the zoo and is proposed to be 12 feet, six inches in height to the base of the sign with an additional 3.5 feet at the top of the sign.
The proposed sign was not included as a part of the zoo master plan. While the sign is being designed and constructed with private signs, there will a small fiscal impact to the city for completion of the sign as staff time will be utilized for building permit review, inspections and installation of the sign.
This shows an birds’ eye view of where the sign will be located within Atascadero Lake Park at the zoo.
