PARKING LOTÂ
You Are Here: Our Place in the Edmonton River Valley
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Valley Zoo Development Society
The Valley Zoo Development Society (VZDS) is a registered charity and friend of the Edmonton Valley Zoo (EVZ). The VZDS is proud to take a lead role in the EVZ’s stunning transformation into a special place that inspires love and learning of the natural world.
Impact of Your Support
Children are fascinated by the natural world, especially by animals. By providing them with a fun setting where they can learn about animals & nature, we can create life-long ambassadors for the long-term health of our planet.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!
Welcome & Parking
Status: Planning
Budget: $5-million
Projected Completion: 2028
The journey to an extraordinary zoo experience begins long before guests step through the gates. The Edmonton Valley Zoo parking lot has been reimagined to create a welcoming, sustainable, and engaging arrival experience for every visitor.
A Sense of Place from the Start
Approaching the Zoo along Buena Vista Road, visitors will be guided by updated wayfinding signage and a striking sculptural art element, building excitement and anticipation for the adventure ahead.
This is more than just parking; it is a gateway to the Zoo, setting the tone for the immersive experiences that await, including the upcoming Coastal Arctic Zone.
Sustainability at Every Turn
The redesigned parking lot will use nature-based and Low Impact Development (LID) solutions to manage stormwater responsibly:
Soil vaults and bio-swales will improve water quality and reduce runoff to the constructed wetland
A large, landscaped wetland will function as stormwater management and create habitat for native plants and wildlife
Trees and solar panels will provide shade while reinforcing the Zoo’s commitment to sustainability
GET CONNECTED TO EDMONTON’S RIVER VALLEY
Guests will be able to stroll along an interpretive boardwalk, observe local ecosystems, and learn about the River Valley. They will connect with the natural environment through Indigenous art, stories, and language, creating a combination of ecological and cultural storytelling that will strengthen placemaking and deepen the connection between the Zoo, the River Valley, and the broader Central Parkland Natural Subregion.
Key Features & Enhancements
The parking lot design maximizes stall efficiency and improves traffic flow, while exceeding accessibility standards:
246 large stalls
17 priority stalls
10 accessible stalls
10 bus stalls
36 staff stalls
New pedestrian paths will guide guests from the lot, along the boardwalk, and towards the Zoo’s entry, café, and amenities. Along the way, guests can enjoy playful interpretive elements, such as the water sturgeon feature, and their first glimpses of the zoo’s animals, including North American river otters adjacent to the EdVenture Lodge.
Highlights of the Parking Lot and Arrival Zone
- Zoo signage and sculpture for welcoming and wayfinding
- Constructed wetland & stormwater management integrated with habitat creation
- Interpretive boardwalk connecting visitors to the River Valley ecosystem
- Photovoltaic shading elements supporting sustainability
- Enhanced parking facilities with large, compact, accessible, priority, and bus stalls
- Public areas including pathways, landscaping, fencing, and zone lighting
Be Part of Our Future
The Valley Zoo Development Society is proud to fund this transformative project, ensuring that every visitor’s journey begins with a memorable, sustainable, and accessible experience.