The Old MacDonald Farm, formerly known as Bever Zoo has been in operation for 123 years, but after many of the exotic animals were forced out due to regulations the park has lost it’s luster.

Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation announced its plans to bring excitement back to the farm at the Cedar Rapids Parks, Waterways, and Recreation Commission meeting Tuesday.

“With the farm this year, they’re able to touch the animals, they’re able to feed them, engage with them, go in and play with them if they want to, and also bring in a lot of programs and events,” Animal Exhibit Coordinator Megan Corrigan.

The department is bringing in dozens of young animals including goats, chicks, and rabbits. The programs will be centered around the them and used to promote urban agricultural education.

“Kids can come out and they can learn how to be a farmer for a day, or play with baby farm animals and paint, and make crafts ,and stuff like that. Those ideas hopefully to bring the people out to the farm again,” Corrigan said.

She said it’s important to have the hands on interaction for children, as well as their families.

“A lot of people in Cedar Rapids didn’t grow up around farms, they didn’t have that background,” Corrigan said. “Old MacDonald Farm is a free place for the community to go to. Their parents don’t have to be around they can come walk down if they want to.”

She said the goal is to make the area a vibrant place in the community like it use to be many years ago.

The farm opens for the season April 23.