Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza
The Plaza includes EECO (Ecosystem Exploration Craft & Observatory), peaceful gardens, interactive play areas, and an amphitheater. Guests can explore their connection to the Living Planet through interactive learning experiences.
As an artistic sculpture, EECO inspires curiosity and wonder. The overall educational themes throughout the plaza focus on the concepts of curiosity, connections, and choices. The Plaza will be used for community events such as festivals, outdoor events, and more!
You can be a part of the Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza when you purchase a personalized brick to commemorate an event or a loved one. Personalized plaques on the front wall of the stage are also available for purchase, and they light up at night!
Curiosity
In the curiosity area, guests will explore a world of small creatures like the Star-nosed mole or a microscopic Tardigrade scaled to make people feel the same microscopic size. Children can also play on the Microscope Slide. On the other side of EECO’s ramp, there is a rock grotto for small gatherings or a small private event rental.
Connections
In the connections space, guests will learn about how all ecosystems are interconnected to create our Living Planet. Children can swing on the mini ziplines or explore the journey of water in the interactive water table. A giant water cycle will demonstrate how people, plants, and animals are all connected by water.
Choices
The choices area includes a “Coral Garden” made from living succulents and cacti, a Coral Reef play area, and a garden where guests can reflect on their place in the world, and how personal actions can help or hurt the ecosystems around us. Together, we are all members of one global ecosystem, our Living Planet.
Welcome Center
Guests enter through the Welcome Center to purchase tickets or scan their memberships. Our Guest Services team can assist you with whatever you may need, from renewing your membership to purchasing gift cards or setting up an Animal Encounter. Let us know how we can help!
Explore. Discover. Learn.
The Rio Tinto Kennecott Plaza features many hands-on experiences. From an interactive water table to an eel-shaped drinking fountain, there’s something exciting around every corner! Plus, our new EECO Voyager virtual reality experience under the impressive EECO stage is now open and included with admission.
In addition to daytime use, visitors to Loveland Living Planet Aquarium can experience the plaza and the majesty of EECO through various seasonal events such as Nights Under Lights and Movie Nights. Spaces are also available to rent for corporate or private events.
