A project by the Coulee Region Rotary Clubs and Hixon Forest Nature Center coming in 2008.

What Is The New Myrick Hixon EcoPark & Zoo?
It’s a facility where having fun can be educational — and learning can be great fun! This extensive $4.8 million project (which includes an endowment) will completely change the look and concept of the zoo at Myrick Park — from a place to only go and see animals, to an entertainment and education destination to experience how animals of northern North America live.

The project, to be completed in 2008, brings Hixon Forest Nature Center over from its current site to a new Myrick Park location. This collaborative effort will greatly enhance opportunities for learning, tourism and family fun.
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What Changes Will We See?
The old zoo will be renovated and populated with animals native to northern North America in their natural habitats. It will become an environmental education facility that will serve as the main entrance into the 1,100-acre wetland, nestled in the heart of La Crosse. Walking/biking trails connect the scenic wetland to an 800-acre forest. Each year, the new nature center will provide hands-on environmental education for thousands of all ages.
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What Will Be Some Of The Improvements?
• The unique natural setting of the EcoPark along the La Crosse River Marsh will be showcased instead of hidden behind a gravel parking lot.
• The road running through the current zoo would be taken out, making the zoo and nature center one and adding space for new exhibits and eliminating the dangers of traffic.
• A new educational facility will provide the needed space for kids of all grades to learn about the animal and environment around them.
• New exhibits such as a Nocturnal building and Aquarium would be added.
• Exhibits would be remodeled, bringing them up to modern-day standards.
• Improved care for the animals, better living environments, better animal viewing opportunities.
• Community programming and significantly more educational opportunities.
• Overall beautification of the EcoPark grounds.
• A destination that will bring people to the Coulee Region from a 100 mile radius or more.
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The New EcoPark & Zoo — A Win-Win Situation For All!
• A family-friendly place for people of all ages.
• A place for all to learn about animals, nature, the environment, zoology, veterinary care, energy efficiency and more.
• A hands-on learning experience that can’t be reproduced in the classroom.
• A demonstration of the value that our community places on conservation, wise use of natural resources and environmental awareness.
• A model of collaboration among the City of La Crosse, Hixon Forest Nature Center, area Rotary Clubs and our community.
• A positive economic impact from visitors.
• A positive statement about our future —an investment in our community’s quality of life.
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It Began With A Celebration Of Rotary’s Centennial Of Service Above Self
On February 23, 1905, a man named Paul Harris met with three friends to discuss an idea that would band together a group of professionals in friendship and fellowship. This simple idea began one of the most powerful service organizations the world has ever seen—Rotary International.

Today, 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 31,000 Rotary clubs located in 166 countries. In commemoration of Rotary’s 100th Centennial, Rotary International has asked clubs all over the world to embark on a new project in honor of the Anniversary.
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Zoo + Nature Center = Myrick Hixon EcoPark
This project began with the desire by Rotary to modernize the Zoo at Myrick Park, a long documented need. More than five years ago, the City of La Crosse commissioned ZooPlan, an architectural firm specializing in zoo building and remodeling, to bring our zoo up to current standards. The master plan, created with the help of local city and zoo employees, had to be permanently shelved due to city budget cuts. When approached by Rotary with the idea to resurrect the project, the City was very pleased and has been supportive and an active participant from the Mayor’s desk to the engineering and park staff.

After Rotary began working with the City of La Crosse on the Zoo, they learned that Hixon Forest Nature Center had outgrown its own outdated facility. There could not be a better partner for the Zoo than the Nature Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public awareness, understanding, enjoyment, and protection of local natural areas.
Instead of competing for funding, these two gems of our region have merged into a single center for the recreation, education, and enjoyment of kids from ages 1 to 100. A favored destination for schools, families, and nature enthusiasts for generations, the renovated and redesigned facilities will serve people within a 100-mile radius of La Crosse and beyond.
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Our Mission
The seven Coulee Region Rotary Clubs and Hixon Forest Nature Center plan to raise awareness and generate the funds ne cessary to remodel the Zoo at Myrick Park and build a new educational building that will become one entity—The Myrick Hixon EcoPark. Also, an endowment will be raised for continued improvements and programming.
As a continuation of the Nature Center’s educational mission, the newly formed partnership plans to work with area schools, from Elementary to University levels, to establish educational curriculum and programming for school groups. Combining live animal exhibits with an environmental education curriculum creates a fun and exciting educational experience not only for students, but also families and tourists.

This project will not only be a wonderful gift to our community, it will let the community realize and appreciate the natural jewel located in the center of La Crosse—the marsh and Hixon Forest. The creation of the EcoPark demonstrates Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self, now and for the next one hundred years.
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The Vision Of The EcoPark
In its present form, the Zoo provides visitors with a basic and somewhat incomplete “zoo experience.” The vision for the future is to utilize many existing facilities and most current species to enhance the visitor’s experiences, and create new opportunities for the understanding and appreciation of indigenous wildlife with an increased educational/interpretive dimension.

The Nature Center has been providing environmental education programs for over 20 years and offers hands-on opportunities in outdoor classrooms all four seasons. It also provides the public with maps and information about all parts of Hixon Forest and the La Crosse River Marsh. In addition to education and recreation programs, Hixon Forest volunteers maintain and restore the 800 acre forest and prairies.
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The Combined Myrick Hixon EcoPark Will...
• Exhibit live animals primarily indigenous to North America and reflective of Wisconsin.
• Serve as a community resource.
• Provide educational and entertainment opportunities for students, families and general visitors.
• Offer special events and programs regarding the forest, marsh, rare native prairies, bluffs, and rivers - all habitats with incredible numbers of wildlife.
• Become the anchor destination in a park with many other features (Kids Coulee, bike trail).
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Master Plan Presumptions
• The EcoPark may not be able to continue free admission, all of the time.
• Attendance would increase to 100,000-150,000 annually.
• In keeping with the spirit of the Myrick Hixon EcoPark, design of new and remodeled facilities will maintain valuable natural resources through energy conservation. In that way, this building, along with native landscaping, has the potential to be a model for other construction.
• Budget for development of approximately $4.8 million, which includes a $1 million endowment.
• Operations budget may increase for additional personnel.
• Ownership and operation will be negotiated with the City of La Crosse with the interest of the EcoPark and it’s animals as the primary concern.
• Target markets
• Animal lovers of all ages
• Those interested in natural habitats
• Families with children of all ages
• School Groups and Tour Buses
• Active Senior Citizens
• Corporate Groups
• Tourist
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Concept Drawings Of The EcoPark And Zoo (click on link to view)
Over Site Plan
Overhead View of Nature Center

Drawing of Nature Center

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