GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Visitors to John Ball Zoo who live outside Kent County will soon be charged a $5 parking fee.

The zoo announced the change Friday, Sept. 5, and said it will go into effect “in the coming weeks.” Zoo members who live outside Kent County won’t have to pay the $5 parking fee, and Kent County residents will continue to park for free.

A zoo spokesperson didn’t immediately have the date on which the parking fee is expected to go into effect.

“Revenue from the updated parking policy will directly support the Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and wild places, maintenance of Zoo facilities and investments in guest amenities,” according to a release from the zoo. “The change aligns with practices at many cultural institutions in Grand Rapids and beyond.”

Parking at the zoo was pr

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