Entrance to zoo to be spruced up soon - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Sprucing up the road leading to the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo has been in the works for nearly 10 years. Now, city leaders say they are one step closer to finally starting construction on the project.

This zoo is full of beautiful picturesque scenes, but the same can't be said for the road that leads up to the zoo.

"The scenery on the way is not attractive" said a mom with her kids in tow. April Boggan traveled from Lake Providence for a fun day at the zoo. But the road leading her here, strewn with trash and abandoned houses, made her uneasy at first.

"You go on a trip and the scenery kind of sets it up for where you're going, and it's kinda like uh... I don't know what we're going to see when we get there, but it's really beautiful here." said April Boggan.

Tichelli Road has long been somewhat of an eye-sore for zoo visitors. Which is why, in 2002, the planning began to widen the road and stretch it from the 165 Bypass to U-S 165 business, also known as Jackson Street. Nearly 10 years later, City Attorney Nanci Summersgill says they are on the last step of the process, making offers to property owners for land needed to complete the project. Zoo director Joe Clawson says the improvements will bring in more visitors. "It's just going to be a more pleasing drive off of 165, so you're already getting in the mood for a good day by the time you get to the zoo."

April Boggan thinks the project is a good idea. But until it's completed, she has a warning for first time visitors of the zoo. "Just kind of close your eyes, and when you get there you'll see it's kind of nice." The city says construction will begin within the next year.