In another leap away from the scientific purity of its origins, the Minnesota Zoo is installing an elaborate $1 million playground, depicted by its director on Thursday as a means of getting kids "in touch with nature."

Addressing the state's corporate and nonprofit elite at the Minneapolis Club, Lee Ehmke described the so-called Woodland Adventure the zoo is opening in July as an antidote to the virtual electronic world in which kids spend so many of their hours.

"It's really nature-based," he said, " ... in a way that's more than just a simple playground at the zoo."

Ehmke's staff was eager to stress that no public money is being spent on the project, underscoring the delicate dance the zoo and other institutions are doing as they seek to become more sparkling entertainment destinations and earn more of their own keep.

Woodland Adventure is supported by a $500,000 grant from General Mills, which gets the naming rights, and another half-million from a variety of other contributors. It will be located on the new Central Plaza, between the front door to the grizzlies.

"We want people to have fun. There's nothing wrong with that word," he said.

Elliott Polk (Clickability Client Services) — Star Tribune, Star Tribune
With the backdrop of zebras, giraffes and other animals, a Woodland Adventures playground for children is in the works for the Minnesota Zoo, the zoo announced Thursday.

DAVID PETERSON