Less than three miles away from Lowe’s store 69 in Battle Creek, Mich., is the Binder Park Zoo. Spread across more than 430 acres, the zoo is one of the largest in Michigan and features a vast array of animals and plants. It’s a place of adventure and its exhibits and programs are centered around its mission to connect people with nature and inspire them to conserve.
The zoo’s staff are frequent customers at Lowe's and over the years, they’ve developed a strong and close business relationship with associates, including Pro Sales Specialist Kelly Flees.
“If we’re not delivering there every day, their crew is in here purchasing products,” Kelly said with a laugh. “I’ve done several projects with the zoo in the past – it’s just such a happy place in Battle Creek.”
So, when Kelly heard about Lowe’s 100 Hometowns campaign, she immediately thought of the zoo. Built in the 1970s, it could use some renovations and repairs. In particular, the staff had been looking for ways – and the means – to enhance a new “Zoorassic Park” exhibit, a section of the park where children can learn about dinosaurs. So, she applied for a grant on the zoo’s behalf, thinking it’d be a perfect candidate.
She was right. Binder Park Zoo was selected as a 100 Hometowns grant recipient, which thrilled Flees.
“I cried,” she said. “I was just overwhelmed … filled with joy and just so happy for this news for our community. I couldn’t wait to get started.”
Work quickly got underway. Volunteers, including associates from Lowe’s, repainted structures, added metal roofing to outbuildings, laid new pavers for the dinosaur statues, installed artificial turf, relandscaped and more – all projects Flees says were urgent needs for ongoing conservation of the facility. But the impact is much deeper. The enhanced exhibit, when opened to the public later this year, will give visitors hands-on learning opportunities in the fields of conservation and science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). This 100 Hometowns project laid the foundation for future programs, activities, experiences and educational opportunities for children and families who are interested in learning about dinosaurs and that period in the world’s history.
“Binder Park Zoo reaches out to so many families and children,” Flees remarked. “I’m just so thrilled that Lowe’s gave them the opportunity and ability to expand their vision. And now, we get to showcase what Lowe’s gave us the chance to do.”
Flees has been with Lowe’s nearly 24 years and while she’s always been proud of how the company has supported communities, this project is particularly special to her.
“It was so good and so heartwarming to see Lowe’s do this,” she said. “It shows there is still so much good in this world and we can still make people happy."
