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Essex County approves park and Turtle Back Zoo design contracts, funds CT scanner for animal care
Summary
The Essex County Board approved design contracts and funding for multiple park and Turtle Back Zoo projects, including a budget insertion of $250,000 and a $943,193.50 purchase to add a CT scanner to the zoo’s on-site animal wellness center. Commissioners also authorized designs for court and habitat renovations funded from the Recreation Open Space Trust Fund.
Essex County commissioners on Monday approved a package of park and zoo projects that county officials said will improve visitor safety and expand on-site animal diagnostic capabilities. The board voted to insert $250,000 into the Parks Department budget as partial funding for a new CT scanner and approved design contracts for courts and habitat renovations across county parks.
The board’s action covered several items introduced by parks staff and the zoo’s leadership. "We are acquiring a CT scan machine, which will help us to perform diagnostics in our new animal wellness center," said the zoo’s on-site medical representative, explaining the machine will reduce the need to transport animals to outside facilities for imaging. County staff listed the CT purchase at about $943,193.50, with a $250,000 budget insertion flagged as a partial funding source.
Why it matters: County officials said the CT machine will allow more diagnostics to be performed on site, reducing stress and permitting complexity for injured or ill animals. Commissioners also described the projects as upkeep and safety investments: boardwalk work and exhibit updates at Turtle Back Zoo, resurfacing and lighting upgrades for community tennis and basketball courts, and picnic-area improvements at South Mountain Reservation.
Details and approvals: Joshua Zates of Essex County Parks told commissioners the Recreation Open Space Trust Fund would be used for design work, with specific amounts listed in the packet: Leeway Park court design at $861,980; South Mountain picnic-area design not to exceed $225,000; sea lion habitat design at $199,500; and Australian habitat design at $144,000. Commissioners debated project scope and longevity; zoo staff estimated major habitat renovations typically last 15–20 years before needing another full overhaul.
Contract introductions: Representatives from awarded firms attended and described work plans. Shoretop Construction told the board the firm will resurface courts, replace nets and fencing and install new solar-powered trash receptacles in the North project under a $861,980 contract. Air Systems Maintenance introduced its low bid to provide HVAC maintenance at county buildings (approximately $940,900). VA Electrical representatives described a $559,000 contract for fire alarm system upgrades at county courthouse buildings.
Public input and next steps: Commissioners voted to approve the resolutions covering these items in a single motion. County staff will proceed with the inspections and design services specified in the contracts; construction timing depends on procurement and permitting schedules. The board’s action was procedural approval to proceed; any construction timelines will be set with the individual contractors and reported back to the board.
