GEOPAVE® Gravel Pavers

Project Name: OKC Zoo Orientation Plaza & Expedition Africa

Project Location: Oklahoma City, OK

The Oklahoma City (OKC) Zoo & Botanical Garden unveiled its African Expedition in April 2024, marking the zoo’s most significant habitat expansion in its 123-year history. Spanning 14 acres at the zoo’s core, this immersive experience will transport visitors into the heart of the African savannah. Guests will have the opportunity to explore various ecosystems and encounter over 60 species of African wildlife, including zebras, wildebeests, ostriches, gazelles, cheetahs, and giraffes. This ambitious project promises to be a highlight for the zoo, offering an educational and engaging journey through the diverse landscapes and fauna of Africa.

Project Goals: Combining Sustainability and Aesthetic Excellence

To prepare for the new exhibits and species, the OKC Zoo project owners aimed to revamp dated displays and walking paths throughout the zoo grounds. This included creating an access area for utility and maintenance vehicles. The owners sought a solution that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also provided sufficient load support for pedestrian and vehicle access.

After careful consideration, the GEOPAVE® Gravel Pavers were selected for these renovations. These pavers are known for their durability and aesthetic compatibility with natural environments, making them an ideal choice for blending functional needs with the zoo’s overall design.

Project Solution: Enhancing Zoo Infrastructure with GEOPAVE Pavers

Since the new expansion area was situated in the central part of the park and the zoo remained open to the public during construction, the simplicity of the installation process was crucial.

The GEOPAVE system units are lightweight, easy to install, and ship in stackable pallet cubes. The pallet footprint is minimal, but the product on the pallets cover a large area. This allowed for visitors to still access areas of the park without having to walk through construction staging areas.

The team at the zoo had previously installed the GEOPAVE Gravel Pavers, so they were well-versed in the installation process. Their familiarity with the product not only made them advocates for its use in the expansion but also contributed to a reduction in installation time. This prior experience was invaluable in ensuring a smooth and efficient upgrade to the zoo’s infrastructure.

The GEOPAVE System proved to be exceptionally effective. The installation was seamless, and the finished application exceeded the project’s expectations. The system’s successful integration into the zoo’s landscape highlighted its functionality and aesthetic appeal, significantly enhancing the overall quality of the expansion.