New Nature Play Area to be unveiled at inaugural Noon Year’s Eve celebration
– The City of Atascadero and the Central Coast Zoo announced the grand opening of a new Nature Play Area and the zoo’s inaugural Noon Year’s Eve celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event will begin with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. to open Wild Journeys Play Zoo, a new nature-based play area designed for young children. The space focuses on nature play concepts intended to support childhood development through creative, physical, cognitive, and social-emotional activities.
Wild Journeys Play Zoo includes hands-on features such as sandboxes where children can dig like a meerkat, a pretend zoo animal kitchen and veterinary clinic, and other outdoor play elements designed to encourage exploration and imaginative learning. The zoo credited Service Systems America, El Camino Veterinary Hospital, and the Central Coast Zoo Foundation for sponsoring the project.
“The new Nature Play Area reflects our commitment to creating meaningful experiences for children that inspire curiosity, empathy, and a connection to wildlife,” said Dr. Cynthia Stringfield, director of the Central Coast Zoo. “Pairing its opening with our first-ever Noon Year’s Eve allows families to celebrate the New Year together in a fun, educational, and memorable way – without staying up past bedtime!”
Following the ribbon cutting, families are invited to participate in the zoo’s first Noon Year’s Eve celebration. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include themed activities, a ball drop, and a sparkling cider toast at noon. All activities are included with general admission.
The Central Coast Zoo houses nearly 100 animal species representing more than 300 animals, including red pandas, monkeys, fossa, meerkats, parrots, and reptiles. The zoo is located at Atascadero Lake Park, one mile west of the 101 Freeway at Highway 41 and Morro Road.
More information is available at www.centralcoastzoo.org or by calling (805) 461-5080.
