The Sunken Garden at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul is closing Monday until after the holidays so new ramps can be installed to improve accessibility, the zoo announced this week.

It means the conservatory won’t host a Holiday Flower Show this winter, although they are introducing a new holiday show in the visitor center.

The ramps project has been in the works for “some time,” said Matt Reinartz, a spokesman for the zoo. He noted that improvements were necessary even though the area has small elevators to accommodate wheelchairs. Those lifts were installed years ago and frequently break down due to heat and humidity in the space, Reinartz said.

“With the city’s allocation of $314,000 from the Capital Improvement Budget, we’re thrilled to finally implement ramps that will not only work seamlessly in the space but also eliminate the challenges of ongoing maintenance,” he wrote in a statement to the Pioneer Press. “While this necessary construction means we won’t have a Holiday Flower Show in the Sunken Garden this year, we’re excited to introduce a brand-new holiday experience in December: Winter’s Blooming Wonderland!”

The Winter’s Blooming Wonderland display will be located in the visitor center porch and will offer “a wonderful seasonal experience filled with beautiful winter foliage, sparkling decorations and festive charm. It will be a unique way to celebrate the season while we work to improve accessibility in the Sunken Garden,” Reinartz said.

A Facebook post on the zoo’s page said this weekend is the last chance for visitors to see the Fall Flower Show, which will mark the last flower show of the year.

Since the zoo’s annual holiday flower show tradition began in 1925, it has never been called off except during the pandemic, Reinartz said. Despite this, public reaction has been positive.

This was reflected in the comments on the zoo’s Facebook post with the vast majority applauding the zoo’s decision to add ramps.

One woman commented that while she would miss the holiday poinsettia show this year, she was thankful the zoo was improving accessibility. Others echoed her sentiments.

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The Sunken Garden is expected to be closed Monday, Nov. 18, through Jan. 12.

Reinartz noted that scheduling the right time for the construction of the ramps had been tricky.

“We had to carefully schedule the accessibility upgrades to minimize disruptions — especially since the Sunken Garden is such a beloved spot for weddings, many that are planned two years in advance,” Reinartz said.

“Once completed, these upgrades will provide a lasting improvement for the Conservatory, making it more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. We still have many other gardens where people will be celebrating their weddings and receptions, plus this Winter’s Blooming Wonderland exhibit will be an amazing spot for a cocktail party or wedding.”