The project to build a new water treatment plant in northwest Wichita has gained a mascot, with a naming contest that will raise money for the nearby Sedgwick County Zoo.
An eight-foot inflatable gorilla will be on one of the cranes for the Northwest Water Treatment Facility project near 21st and Hoover Road, and a contest will be held to name the gorilla. Wichita city council member Bryan Frye said people can choose one of three names.
Eno – a traditional African name meaning “water god”
Amazi – meaning “water source”
Hydro Joe – an American name
Frye said people can donate one dollar to choose a name by texting NWWF to 76278 or going to nwwf.givesmart.com The contest will run for four weeks.
The Sedgwick County Zoo’s president and CEO, Dr. Jeff Ettling, said the new plant will benefit the more than 6,000 animals at the facility. Sedgwick County commissioner David Dennis said he looks forward to seeing the treatment plant completed, and the naming contest is a great way to recognize the project and the Zoo.
The $281 million dollar water plant project began construction last fall, and it will take several years to complete.
