Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County picks French & Parrello for Turtle Back Zoo African-yard design and approves park projects
Summary
Essex County awarded $671,250 for design services to renovate the African Yard at Turtle Back Zoo and approved multiple park and arts grant agreements and related design contracts; the work includes renovations at Turtle Back Zoo, Ivy Hill Park fence replacement and playground improvements at Watcessing Park.
The Board approved a suite of parks-related contracts that include a $671,250 design contract for the Turtle Back Zoo African Yard renovation and separate park projects funded from the Essex County Recreation Open Space Trust Fund.
David Antonio of the Department of Public Works and Joshua Zates of Essex County Parks presented the items. French & Parrello (French Imperella Associates in some agenda materials) was selected for design and construction inspection services for the African Yard project; county staff said it submitted the sole proposal and has prior county experience at the zoo. The firm’s representative said the work will align with the zoo’s existing African adventure design language and improve circulation and guest experience.
The board also authorized use of County Recreation Open Space Trust Fund dollars for design services on the Turtle Back Zoo African Yard renovation ($671,250), Ivy Hill Park perimeter fence replacement ($318,450) and Watcessing Park playground improvements ($147,000). Fox Fence Enterprises was selected as the low bidder for the Ivy Hill Park perimeter fence project; the scope covers roughly 3,000 linear feet of wrought-iron and chain-link replacement.
Commissioners asked questions about local hiring and the firms’ Essex County workforce; French said his firm employs about 200 people and estimated roughly 5% from Essex County and said it plans to expand its Newark office. Fox Fence said about half its workforce is from the region and that it has crews dedicated to Newark work.
The board approved the listed parks resolutions by roll call in a grouped vote. Commissioners said the county will monitor contractor hiring and outreach to increase local employment opportunities.
