Zoo Midland Project Coordinator Charles Harrington discusses his position and inspirations for Zoo Midland in an interview with Midland Times.
MT: Tell us about your role and responsibilities as the Project Coordinator.
I am responsible for moving the project through city processes, setting up meetings with utility people, and coordinating all activity so that as we get further along, construction will move smoothly.
MT: What experiences suited you for this role?
I was the Director of Development Services for the city of Midland and have worked with the city for almost 10 years. I was with planning and code enforcement which included different aspects, such as building inspections and things of that nature. Before that, I have been working in this field for over 30 years in several other cities in Texas.
MT: How did that experience prepare you for work with Zoo Midland?
I understand the city’s rules and regulations, so it helps a lot from that aspect. One of my goals since I’ve been on board is to make this project very transparent. We’ve had meetings with the city residents prior to even meeting with the city council.
It really is a team effort. We want citizen input, and to work through any issues citizens might have. We can do that successfully with coordinated efforts. We can accomplish a lot if we all work together for the sake of the community.
MT: What strategies are you using to ensure Zoo Midland integrates seamlessly into the community and enhances the landscape?
We have worked very intently with having numerous meetings with the homeowners association adjacent to the project. By doing this, we are getting valuable feedback, and we welcome all input. We’ve also held meetings with city services for opportunities to ask questions and voice their concerns. Visitors will also share experiences with The Preserve, so having the zoo next to that helps enhance the experience.
MT: How do you collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure effective planning and development?
Because we do have various figures involved who are not based here, such as our architects and engineers who are out of state, we do a lot of emails and virtual meetings. We do in-house meetings every so often, too.
Agendas were created for our meetings to ensure we are prepared for discussions, and that meetings remain directed and focused. We are also able to effectively work through any issues because everyone is there to discuss what's needed.
MT: What adjustments have been made in the project timeline as we approach the groundbreaking for the zoo?
The pace has picked up tremendously, and every day is another step towards completion. We have 100% drawings coming in soon, and that is going to change the game. Everyone behind the project is gearing up and bringing so much to the table. Our engineers, architects, and design firm are also becoming much more involved now that we are getting closer to construction.
What we’re doing is rare–we are building a zoo from the ground up, and with a project of this magnitude, it takes a great amount of planning and time.
MT: What impact do you anticipate the new zoo will have on the community?
It will have a significant impact on the community. When I was asked to join this project, I was really excited. This is something huge for the community to enjoy.
In the past, this town was full of young oil workers who would come here to work their shifts, then go home to Dallas or Austin, and I think that's changing. When we offer things like the zoo, it provides more opportunities for families to gather and enjoy the community.
What I've also found interesting is that it's not only the young people finding this project exciting. Older residents have expressed interest in the zoo and are looking forward to it. Talking from experience, where I’ve worked with several cities across Texas, it's very seldom to have a project where everyone is positively jumping to be involved in it, and this zoo is doing just that.