jekyll island

Conover Hunt, Deputy Director FMFADAJuly 16, 2009

Nor

State Park operated by Jekyll Island Authority since 1950. Original 99 years extended by 40 to 2089

JI is ten times larger than FM: 5800 acres

Cannot develop more than 35% of gross MHW land

Staff of 274 operates on $16 million/year

Self-sustaining since 1983; No endowment (small reserve fund)

Mission: protect and preserve natural and cultural resources generating revenues from supporting activities

Operates independently of State Parks Dept.

Board has 9: one=Sec. of Natural Resources 2 Advisors, both political

No staff housing—a problem

Staff-directed operations generate◦ High level of customer service/satisfaction◦ Direct control over quality of concession-type

operations Hotels— $3 million 3 Golf courses—$2.3 million Convention Center/Restaurants--$2.6 million Campground--$900K Museum and Turtle Center--$676K, rising Miniature Golf and Bike Rents--$300K

Millionaires' Resort, 1880s Private club for Rockefellers,Pulitzers, Morgans

Seasonal residences with full time year round staff

View of museum Programs offered

History Museum, free Guided jitney tours $ Walking tours Retail in small

buildings Turtle Center $ Limited historic house

tours $ Adding more

programs

• Leased from JIA

• JIA gets income from on site concessions

• Full service resort

• May assume operations of unused cottages as B&Bs

• Centerpiece of NHL District

•

Collection of large mansions underutilized

NHL area large with high landscape upkeep

Thinking of adaptive reuse

Beach on Atlantic side Wide variety of assets

65% must be kept natural

Resources:◦ Trees, dunes, beaches,◦ ocean, flora and fauna,

coastal and deep sea fishing, crabbing

Bike Trails Nature Hiking Trails Swimming, Surfing Marina Camping and RV Park Picnic Areas Pier Fishing and Deep Sea Charters Small Cruise Line Port Annual Events—Wild Shrimp Festival

Simple facilities, popularRepeat campers get signs

Visitors need more diverse experiences◦ More educational activities

Sea Turtle Center, 2007 Expanded historic programs in and outside NHL Eco tour activities Use flora and fauna to teach—wildlife book

◦ More variety in recreational programs Canoe-Kayak rentals Electric cart rentals Balloon Rides?

◦ Market Jekyll as a “Package” of experiences

Enhance educational experiences:◦ Walking tours/signs◦ Sea Turtle Center◦ Eco education◦ Historic Interpretation

outside NHL area Canoe/Kayak

Rentals Upgrade one golf

course

Blair Chapel in NHL New Programs in works

Weddings Seafood Festival Beach Music Festival Turtle Festival Christmas Tours Family Weekends Golf Tournaments Packages

Income from all JIA operations support mission◦ Overall operations must support social mission◦ Nature and culture not profit centers per se

Foundation fund raising◦ Natural, cultural and educational projects

Special Events—pay to play

Parking fees—Public shares stewardship role

Historic Cottage Walking Tour Signage

Beach ADA Beach access ramp

High public acceptance

Gives visitors a sense of ownership

JIA cooperates with state in signage

Beach signage

Diversity of income sources=critical

Set Design Standards early

Keep up with market trends

Customer Service creates returns

Destination sites offer variety

Nature and History are GREAT assets