A series of public meetings this month will help guide the future of the Northwest’s only combined zoo and aquarium. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium officials have set three sessions where community members can discuss the features and animals they’d like to see in the facility’s future. The input will help guide the zoo’s 10 year strategic plan over the next decade.

The meetings are:

• Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the zoo in Point Defiance Park.

• Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Tacoma Nature Center, 1919 South Tyler St., Tacoma

• Monday from 4:30-6 p.m. at Metro Parks Headquarters Board room, 4702 S. 19th St., Tacoma

The draft strategic plan recommends replacement of the aging North Pacific Aquarium and replacement or upgrade of Rocky Shores/Tundra exhibit. It also raises the idea of a parking structure and expanded animal exhibits that could include species from South America, Australasia and the Russian Far East.

I hope you’ll consider participating in one of these discussions!