ZOO TO HOST EQUINE FACILITY GROUNDBREAKING

ZOO TO HOST EQUINE FACILITY GROUNDBREAKING
By Aimee Yamamori
Nov 3, 2005, 23:25

The Phoenix Zoo, in partnership with the Arizona State University Alternative Research Clinic’s (ASU-AIRC) Hunkapi horseback riding program, will host a groundbreaking for a new equine facility on Phoenix Zoo grounds. The groundbreaking festivities are planned for 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2005, at the Phoenix Zoo.

This new equine facility will provide a four-level equine program for full- functioning youth, private sessions and therapeutic riding classes involving varying degrees of physical and mental challenges for special needs individuals. The program will also accommodate on site and mobile after school programs, summer and overnight camps, family therapy sessions, a driving program and corporate team building activities.

Research on equine programs like the Zoo’s Horse Hands indicates that the benefits can include increased self-esteem, improved communication and decreased anxiety in children. Other benefits may include the physical benefits of improved balance, flexibility, muscle control and strength. The programs also teach children the value of caregiving, a mission of great importance to the Phoenix Zoo.

A research based ASU-AIRC/Phoenix Zoo program will combine the current resources, staff and programming of both entities. The different, but complementary programs will provide the opportunity for ASU and the Phoenix Zoo to share overhead, facility space and operating expenses. It will also create a centrally located total equine program for children in need of equine programs at the Phoenix Zoo.

In addition to the participation of ASU’s Hunkapi program, the Associated General Contractors Student Chapter at the University’s Del E. Webb School of Construction has also generously agreed to assist. The student program has assisted with other non profit construction projects in the past, and will contribute their efforts to solicit community support to complete the construction of the new Zoo facility.

With funding, the Zoo plans to build a 16,000 square foot riding arena with lights, roof cover and bleachers. The site will also include 44 horse stalls, a round pen, two corrals, tack room feed shed, office and storage space. The preliminary estimated cost for the proposed construction is one million dollars and the Zoo is still seeking funding to complete the project. The Orcutt/Winslow Partnership has donated architectural services to the project and the naming sponsor of the equine facility is Thunderbird Charities.

“Thunderbirds Charities is very excited to be a part of the new Equine Arena at the Phoenix Zoo,” said Thunderbirds Big Chief Bryon Carney. “The joy and happiness that this new arena will bring to the children of Arizona is priceless.”

For information about ASU’s equine program, call 480-965-3395. For information regarding the Del E. Webb School of Construction’s Associated General Contractors Student Chapter, call 480-965-3615. For information on the future plans for the Phoenix Zoo’s equine program or to inquire about donating to the program, call 602-914-4346.

To RSVP to attend the groundbreaking event, please call 602-914-4346. Attached is a list of current program partners/supporters.

Phoenix Zoo Equine Facility Partners

Key Partners:

·Thunderbird Charities

·Orcutt/Winslow Partnership: an architecture and interior design firm has committed to all architectural plans on a pro bono basis

·ASU Associated General Contractors Student Chapter

·Arizona Horse Lovers Foundation: long-time supporter of Phoenix Zoo equine programs

Equine Program Friends:

Pulice Construction
Verde Home Builders
Sundt/Stacy and Witbeck Joint Venture
Graef Construction
Sun State Equipment
Border Construction Supplies
Brady-Aulerich Surveying
Prodigy Straw Homes