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Turtle Back Zoo drives parks revenue as county parks report $24.25M in 2024
Summary
Essex County Parks Department reported roughly $24.25 million in facility revenue for 2024, with Turtle Back Zoo accounting for about $13.1 million (roughly 54%). Commissioners pressed on maintenance cost increases tied to rebid snow and solid‑waste contracts.
The Essex County Parks Department told commissioners that park facility revenue rose in 2024 to roughly $24,251,000, led by Turtle Back Zoo, which generated approximately $13.1 million.
"The largest piece of that pie, of course, is the Turtle Bag Zoo Complex where over $13,100,000 was generated," Parks Director Dan Salvante said as he walked the board through a two‑chart revenue overview. He also reported golf operations at about $5.9 million and Cody Arena revenue near $3.07 million for 2024.
Attendance and activity figures: the department reported about 965,700 annual zoo visits and roughly 98,683 rounds of golf across county courses, plus 455 room rentals and 405 athletic permits for the year. Director Salvante noted some revenue was constrained by weather and temporary facility closures for construction.
Commissioners asked how park revenues relate to county tax dollars. A county official noted that the parks revenue exceeds Turtle Back Zoo's budgeted operating subsidy; "the revenue coming in from Turtle Back Zoo is 13,200,000 and our budget for Turtle Back is $8,000,000. So, it's a net benefit to the taxpayer," (Mister Coulter) said during questioning.
Costs and pressures: Parks staff cautioned that a large maintenance increase — about $213,500 — reflects higher rebid costs for snow removal and solid‑waste contracts. Treasurer Hussain Mohammed told the board the county's storm reserve balance is about $8.8 million but reminded commissioners they must fund appropriations before tapping that reserve.
What’s next: the parks team said revenue growth is expected to continue as new park houses come online and events expand, but commissioners asked staff to provide line‑by‑line details on reserve usage and contract cost drivers at a follow‑up meeting.
Attributions: Direct quotes are from Parks Director Dan Salvante and county officials during the Essex County budget hearing (transcript segments beginning SEG 1015).
