Your Metroparks Zoo wants to build a hotel?
Okay real quick— did you hear what the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is floatin' out there? A *hotel*. Yeah, a whole entire themed hotel, right there on the property, lookin' to bring in some extra cash for the park system. I saw this and I had to do a double-take. Like, what, are they gonna have a giraffe deliver your room service? I mean, it's not a bad idea on paper for revenue, but it’s definitely a Cleveland kind of weird, you know?
So this is the thing— the Metroparks system, it's Cleveland's secret weapon, seriously. We got that Emerald Necklace around the city, and the Zoo, down there in the Brookside Reservation, it's a huge part of that. It's a gem, but it's also tucked away. A hotel could totally change the vibe, bring in more folks from out of town to stay right there, experience that whole area. They're lookin' at four possible spots, probably somewhere that doesn't mess with the animal habitats too much, I hope.
* **What This Means for Cleveland** * Could bring in more tourist dollars, which Cleveland could always use. Think about folks staying for Guardians games or a show at Playhouse Square, then driving down to the Zoo for a themed experience. * Adds another unique hospitality option, different from downtown or the East Side hotels. * Could really boost the Brookside Reservation area, which is gorgeous but maybe not on every tourist's radar.
I'm a little torn, to be honest. Part of me loves the idea of Cleveland trying something bold and different, leaning into the unique stuff we have. The other part is like, will it feel... too much? But hey, if it means more funds for our incredible Metroparks, which are honestly some of the best green spaces in the country, then yeah no, I'm probably on board. It’s definitely something you’d be talkin' about at the West Side Market over pierogies, that’s for sure.
Cleveland on the wire — we've been here the whole time.
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