Lions, Tigers...and an Ascent adult changing table…oh my!
Sova is happy to announce that we’ve partnered with the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium to help bring accessibility front and center, with the donation and installation of an Ascent® Universal Changing Table at the zoo’s brand-new accessible entrance.
The New Entrance: A Milestone Moment
The zoo’s new entrance is truly a gateway to the wild — designed to feel as exciting and inviting as the experience that awaits inside. Unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 21, 2026, the space marks the beginning of a major transformation for the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. As the first phase of the zoo’s long-term master plan, this revitalized entrance sets the tone for what’s ahead: a more modern, efficient, and welcoming arrival experience for millions of visitors.
Adult Changing Table: A Key Addition to the New Entrance Experience
As the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium reimagines its entrance to create a more welcoming, inclusive first impression, that vision goes beyond aesthetics—it’s also about making practical additions so that every guest can fully participate in the experience. What better way to welcome every visitor than by ensuring the facilities they need are built right into the space from the start?
“The Zoo is now more accessible, more engaging, and more connected to our community,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.
Alongside the modern design of the new entrance, the zoo has incorporated an Ascent changing table for adults with disabilities, thoughtfully located in the brand new restrooms building right at the front of the entrance, which is easy to find as soon as guests arrive. While the Pittsburgh Zoo was already forward-thinking enough to have one universal changing table on its premises, this simple but powerful addition gives families and caregivers further peace of mind. It opens the door for visitors of all abilities to be included in the experience, allowing everyone to focus less on logistics and more on what really matters: exploring, learning, and enjoying the wonder of the animals together.
Alyssa DeLuca, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Vice President of Development, commented on the addition of Ascent saying, “It’s going to be so important for our families who need additional access to have something that’s down at the entrance for when they’re coming and going and not have to make it halfway through the zoo for the other facility we have on site.”
Why Accessibility Matters in Public Attractions
Public attractions like zoos, museums, and parks play a vital role in bringing communities together, offering opportunities for learning, exploration, and shared experiences. But for many families and caregivers—especially those supporting individuals with disabilities—these outings can be fraught with significant challenges if essential amenities are not in place.
Accessibility goes beyond entrances and pathways; it includes the ability to comfortably and safely use restrooms and caregiving spaces. When facilities like the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium prioritize inclusive design, they remove barriers that might otherwise prevent people from fully participating in their communities, helping ensure that these meaningful experiences are available to everyone.
Read more: Top 10 Public Spaces That Need Adult Changing Stations
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s new entrance represents more than a physical transformation—it reflects a deeper commitment to creating a space where every guest feels welcome from the moment they arrive. By thoughtfully integrating a universal changing station, the zoo is removing barriers and making it easier for families of all abilities to share in the experience together.
As more public spaces begin to prioritize inclusive design, projects like this set an important example of what’s possible. Because when accessibility is built in from the start, it doesn’t just improve a visit—it makes it possible.
