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Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island. Conover Hunt, Deputy Director FMFADA July 16, 2009. Barrier Island and State Park. Nor. Statistics. 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

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Jekyll Island

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  1. Jekyll Island Conover Hunt, Deputy Director FMFADA July 16, 2009

  2. Barrier Island and State Park • Nor

  3. Statistics • 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)

  4. More Statistics…. • 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

  5. Tourism Destination Site • 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

  6. History Millionaires' Resort, 1880s Private club for Rockefellers, Pulitzers, Morgans Seasonal residences with full time year round staff

  7. NHL Historic District- 240 acres • History Museum, free • Guided jitney tours $ • Walking tours • Retail in small buildings • Turtle Center $ • Limited historic house tours $ • Adding more programs View of museum Programs offered

  8. Jekyll Island Club Hotel • 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

  9. Some “Cottages” on Tour Collection of large mansions underutilized NHL area large with high landscape upkeep Thinking of adaptive reuse

  10. Natural Resources=Key • 65% must be kept natural • Resources: • Trees, dunes, beaches, • ocean, flora and fauna, coastal and deep sea fishing, crabbing Beach on Atlantic side Wide variety of assets

  11. Nature Activities 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

  12. Campground, 280+ spaces Simple facilities, popular Repeat campers get signs

  13. Studies in 1996-2004: • 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

  14. New Programs Since 1996 • Enhance educational experiences: • Walking tours/signs • Sea Turtle Center • Eco education • Historic Interpretation outside NHL area • Canoe/Kayak Rentals • Upgrade one golf course

  15. Special Events • Weddings • Seafood Festival • Beach Music Festival • Turtle Festival • Christmas Tours • Family Weekends • Golf Tournaments • Packages Blair Chapel in NHL New Programs in works

  16. Financing Natural/Cultural /Educational Programs • 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

  17. $3/ Car Vehicle Parking Fee:$1.6 million per year

  18. Fee Supports Heritage Preservation /Tourism Historic Cottage Walking Tour Signage

  19. Fee Supports Natural Conservation Beach ADA Beach access ramp

  20. Fee Supports Education Beach signage High public acceptance Gives visitors a sense of ownership JIA cooperates with state in signage

  21. Positive Lessons • 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

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