Those visiting the Peoria Zoo will have to go through a new entryway to see the animals. The Junior League of Peoria, Peoria Zoological Society and the Peoria Park District officially opened the newly constructed Barton Pavilion entry and parking lot to the public. It’s phase one of a multi-phase project to build a new Children’s Museum.

Carlotta Bielfeldt is the co-chair of the Power of Play Campaign. She says the old entry to the zoo is now closed and will likely be used for educational purposes in the future.

"That ticket area and that gift shop were designed many many years ago before we ever envisioned a zoo that brings in hundreds and hundreds and thousands of people a day, or a weekend, or whatever," says Bielfeldt.

Bielfeldt says the next part of construction will be the educational walkway and the renovation of the Glen Oak Pavilion where the Children’s Museum will be located. She says money still needs to be raised to complete all phases of the eight million dollar project. More information is available at www.powerofplaypeoria.org.