The Woodland Park Zoo received a master use permit from the Seattle Department of Planning and Development to build a new west entry.

The new entry, scheduled to open in 2010, is supposed to reduce wait times and add guest amenities, according to a March 25 press release from the zoo.

The north entrance will be removed as part of the project, but a new landscaped path will connect the north end of the zoo with the new west entrance.

The new entrance will include improved amenities, such as member services, equipment rentals, coffee and computerized sales system, according to the press release.

The project is part of the Long-Range Physical Development Plan for the zoo passed by the city council in 2004.

An appeal filed against the project by Irene Wall, Phinney Ridge Community Council president, was dropped in February.