As time progresses, the city of Saskatoon is working to upgrade its infrastructure to ensure it is accessible to everyone who wishes to use it.

One of these projects was just completed at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo. Zoo Manager Jeff Mitchell says thanks to a donation from local philanthropists Greg and Olivia Yuel, they were able to rebuild the pier to allow people of all ages and abilities to go pond dipping.

“We had some people out here that weren’t able to do the dipping exactly the way we wanted to, and then we approached the Yuel’s for that specific purpose. We know that they’re huge advocates for accessibility, and we knew it was a really great fit.”

With the upgrades, the guard rails can now be flipped up or down to allow for easier access to the water.

“The flipping down one is so that wheelchairs can get up to it, but they still have a safety rail so the wheelchair can’t roll off of it. The flipping up one is so that kids can get down on their bellies right up close and really get in there…it gives them no barriers between them and the water.”

Mitchell says in order to stay safe; the rails are never flipped up or down unless a zoo staff member is present. Other accessibility enhancements are taking place around the park as well, such as walkway repairs for smooth wheelchair access.

Zoo visitors can explore the new pier by signing up for the Saskatoon Zoo Society’s interpretive pond-dipping program, which is available daily until September 2nd.

“Pond dipping, as crazy as it seems, is fantastic for anyone from three to one hundred. It’s just an opportunity to really learn about the ecosystem and the environment that we don’t always learn about.”

The pier is located at the back of the Zoo next to the pronghorn habitat.