On April Fools' Day, media outlet Bham Now played a prank on its followers.
The Magic City-based media company posted that Brookwood Village Shopping Center will be transformed into an aquarium. However, when several locals in the area heard the joke, many thought it wasn't such a bad idea.
One of those residents is Chelsea Johnson.
Johnson created a Change.org petition to try to turn what started as a joke into reality.
“As a Birmingham local, I have seen the once-bustling Brookwood Village Mall fall into a state of neglect and abandonment, and this space could be better used to serve our community in both an educational and recreational way,” Johnson wrote in the petition. “We propose to transform this mall.” Abandoned mall turned into an aquarium.
“Creating an aquarium in our city will not only provide a unique learning environment for children, but will also attract tourists, boosting our local economy.”
Johnson's petition also noted the economic impact that aquariums and zoos have had nationally.
“According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), accredited facilities such as zoos and aquariums contribute $22.5 billion to the U.S. economy annually and support more than 198,000 jobs nationwide.”
She believes the aquarium can help educate the public and also be an investment in the future of communities.
“Furthermore, it will provide us with an opportunity to promote environmental awareness among residents and visitors alike by showcasing the beauty and fragility of marine life. The National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) states that exposure to marine education programs can significantly increase knowledge about conservation issues Oceans.
“Let's turn this vision into reality by signing this petition today.”
As of Tuesday, the petition had received about 500 signatures.
Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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