Construction is underway at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, KS to begin a series of expansion projects that will incorporate new additions and improvements to the park. Several features are set to be completed in 2020 including a $1.3 million splash park, a toddler’s area playground extension, a parking lot enlargement, a new rhino building, and a new gated and paved entrance.
The 5,000 square foot animal-themed splash park will be located adjacent to Tanganyika’s Troublemaker’s Cove exhibit. The structure, called Tanganyika Falls, will include a large giraffe centerpiece with tipping buckets, multiple small slides, a fountain show and several other play features. Entry into the splash park is included in a guest admission ticket. Season pass holders will also have access. Tanganyika Falls is set to open this summer.
Tanganyika’s playground add-on will be geared towards children ages 2-5 and will feature a new tower, additional seating and shade.
The parking lot enlargement will nearly double the size of the current parking lot in hopes to accommodate the anticipated increase in attendance.
The new rhino building will house five white rhinos that are set to arrive at Tanganyika from Africa later this year. The barn will be located to the west of the giraffe exhibit and will be the first installment of what will become the Safari Park.
Rounding out the 2020 construction efforts, Tanganyika is upgrading its entrance by building an entry gate and paving the road that is Hawkins Lane—which is currently gravel.
Aside from the construction part of things, Tanganyika announced that their number one requested park feature, “lemurs on your lap”, is here for the 2020 season. Guests will be able to closely interact with the lemurs on lemur island by sitting down with them, feeding them, and inviting them to walk across their laps.
According to Tanganyika’s overall expansion plan, additional projects will continue to develop throughout the next two years. Among the projects that are scheduled to be completed after 2020 are:
- A multi-purpose building featuring public restrooms, family changing rooms, a gift shop, bar and VIP room
- Birthday bungalows for birthday parties and private events
- A courtyard area that can be used to host weddings and corporate events as well as allow to relax and play yard games.
Tanganyika’s annual season pass sale is happening March 1-14. Guests with a 2020 season pass can get unlimited park visits for the price of one regular admission ticket ($24.99). See more at twpark.com/seasonpass. Tanganyika will open for the 2020 season on March 14.
