Paradise returns July 3, 2007
Posted by Ron in Attractions, Businesses.3 comments
The Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader published an informative article about the recent reopening of the former Exotic Animal Paradise near Strafford, Mo., now the Animal Paradise Family Fun Park.
The park reopened in April after it was sold at auction last year.
It sounds like a lot of improvements have been made:
[T]hey brought in new animals. Lisa Ann Oddo estimates the attraction has about 200 animals in 40 species. That is a number similar to the number of species that had been at the park previously, she said.
The couple also is building a better habitat for the animals, Lisa Ann Oddo said.
“We are bringing back more natural settings for the animals with more grass and stuff,” she said.
To comply with federal regulations, the Oddos have put up 9-foot fences around the park.
And there’s something new for tourists, too. Aside from fresh paint for park facilities, a 5 1/2-mile drive around the park has been improved, and guided tram tours are available.
The speedway at the park has been remodeled with brand-new go-karts. And upscale concessions are available as part of an outing at the park, Oddo said. [...]
Other amenities include a frozen lemonade stand, an arcade, a taffy candy store and an old-time photo shop, Oddo said. [...]
Future plans include offering bass fishing and miniature golfing, as well as biking trails and a batting cage.
The park has scheduled a grand opening event for Aug. 3.
(Hat tip to Tommy and Glenda Pike.)
