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Turtle Back Zoo drives parks revenue growth; parks officials detail attendance, rentals and permit use
Summary
Parks Director Salvante and team said county parks and attractions generated about $24.25 million in revenue in 2024. Turtle Back Zoo accounted for a majority of income, generating about $13.1 million and 965,700 attendees, while golf and arena operations also contributed with combined millions in receipts.
Essex County parks director presented 2024 facility revenue and attendance figures at the budget hearing, showing year-over-year growth driven by Turtle Back Zoo and county golf operations.
Director Salvante told commissioners the parks system generated roughly $24.25 million in revenue in 2024, up from about $22.0 million in 2023 and $19.0 million in 2022. Turtle Back Zoo produced the largest share — about $13.1 million, representing around 54% of parks revenue, and the presentation listed roughly 965,700 attendees for the zoo in 2024.
Golf facilities collectively produced about $5.9 million (24% of parks revenue), with total recorded rounds around 98,683 for the year. Cody Arena produced roughly $3.07 million; concessions and permits contributed about $2.1 million.
Salvante and Business Manager Joshua Zates highlighted other operational numbers: 455 room rentals at county facilities, 405 athletic permits (about 2,700 hours of reserved time), 215 special-event permits and about 402 picnic permits. The parks team also noted room-rental demand was rising, particularly at newer park houses, and that some facilities (for example, Weequahic/Weekwake) had closed for construction part of the season, reducing potential revenue.
On expenses and contracts, commissioners asked about maintenance increases tied to rebid snow-removal and solid-waste contracts; Treasurer Hassan Mohammed confirmed a storm/snow reserve balance of about $8.8 million available under county rules but cautioned reserve draws must follow budget sequence.
Ending: Commissioners praised park staff and volunteers, noted the parks' broad countywide benefits, and asked for follow-up detail on reserve transfers and capital plans.
