Riverbanks set to open Waterfall Junction on April 7
March 10, 2016
COLUMBIA, SC – A bouquet of new adventures will bloom at Riverbanks Botanical Garden this spring with the grand opening of Waterfall Junction on Thursday, April 7.
The debut of Waterfall Junction completes phase two of Destination Riverbanks—the Zoo’s $36-million expansion and development project. Imaginations will blossom in this 3-acre garden oasis that encourages children of all ages to explore and care for the natural world.
Guests will discover a fountain of fun around every corner. Pop in and out of rabbit holes, unearth a life-size replica of T-Rex, frolic between giant tree houses and kid-sized play houses, splash around and under a 25-foot cascading waterfall, and run or relax on a grassy meadow. In addition, programs designed to inspire budding imaginations will take root in the Norman and Gerry Sue Arnold Learning Center and Amphitheater.
“We are thrilled to finally offer this extraordinary experience to our members and guests,” said Satch Krantz, president and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Both kids and their parents and grandparents will be amazed by the size and scope of Riverbanks’ newest attraction that will provide hours of entertainment and enhanced educational opportunities.”
Admission to Waterfall Junction is free with paid general admission to the Zoo and Garden.
Down the road, the final phase of Destination Riverbanks will come to fruition with the opening of Sea Lion Landing on June 9. The exhibit is a replica of San Francisco’s Pier 39 and will offer guests various vantage points for watching these fin-footed favorites in action.
Guests also will soon have safer access to the Zoo by way of a pedestrian bridge. The bridge, slated for completion late this summer, will cross over the railroad tracks between Riverbanks’ new parking area on Rivermont Drive and the main Zoo entrance.
For more than 40 years, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden has connected individuals, families and groups with the world’s wildlife and wild places. Riverbanks is a special purpose district governed by the Riverbanks Park Commission, which consists of seven members, two appointed by Richland County Council, two by Lexington County Council, two by the City of Columbia, and one jointly by the three entities. It is the mission of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. Riverbanks Zoo is located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC 29210. The Botanical Garden entrance is located at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169. The park is open daily from 9am to5pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas day. Admission is $13.95 for adults, $11.50 for children ages 2 – 12 and free for children younger than 2. Group rates and other discounts may apply. Year-round membership packages are also available. For more information, call Riverbanks at 803.779.8717, visit www.riverbanks.org orwww.facebook.com/riverbankszoo.
