Como Park Polar Bear Exhibit: Structural & Civil Engineering for Arctic Adventure

Project Overview

BKBM provided civil and structural engineering services for the new Como Park Polar Bear Exhibit, designed to meet Manitoba Conservation requirements with a 3,200-square-foot indoor facility and expansive 13,000-square-foot outdoor habitat. The exhibit authentically recreates a Hudson Bay ecosystem with native landscaping, a saltwater pool, and rock outcroppings.

Project Highlights

  • Exhibit Structures:
    • Designed and engineered several structures including the outpost building (visitor viewing, animal holding), lodge building (multi-purpose room and public restrooms), a concession stand, a new filtration building, an entry canopy for the marine mammal building, and perimeter fencing.
    • Outpost building features concrete walls and precast roof planks for durability and safety.
    • Lodge building utilizes CMU bearing walls; restroom roofs use wood trusses and SIPS panels, while the multi-purpose room uses steel beams and SIPS panels.
    • Filtration building made of concrete walls and precast roof planks, with concrete retaining walls to handle unbalanced soil loads.
  • Civil & Site Engineering:
    • Provided new sanitary, water, and storm sewer utilities through the reconstruction of 600 feet of Kaufman Drive.
    • Stormwater runoff from the exhibit area is managed by a new infiltration pond adjacent to Como Golf Course’s seventh fairway, offering volume reduction, rate control, and water quality that meets City of St. Paul and Capitol Region Watershed standards.
    • Designed a new storm sewer system for the golf course to aid fairway drainage, benefiting both zoo and community facilities.
  • Specialized Stormwater & Utility Solutions:
    • Exhibit runoff is stored onsite in a buried tank and slowly discharged to a new sanitary lift station before joining the campus sewer system.
    • Modified over 400 feet of an existing 66-inch diameter sanitary sewer holding tank within Como Park to maximize capacity and manage peak flows—reducing risk of downstream sewer backups.

Engineering Solutions

BKBM coordinated robust, multi-structure design, specialized stormwater systems, and creative utility solutions to deliver an engaging, sustainable, and animal-friendly environment. Close collaboration with the client, landscape architect, and city agencies ensured optimal habitat function and site-wide infrastructure improvements.

Results & Impact

The Como Park Polar Bear Exhibit is a premier destination blending immersive animal care with sustainable design and effective site management. BKBM’s integrated engineering work enhances guest experiences, supports animal welfare, and delivers long-term value for Como Park and its surrounding community.