Jekyll Island Conover Hunt Deputy Director FMFADA July

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

Barrier Island 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 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)

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

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--$900 K Museum and Turtle Center--$676 K, rising Miniature Golf and Bike Rents--$300 K

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

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

Jekyll Island Club Hotel • • • Leased from JIA gets income from on site concessions Full service resort May assume operations of unused cottages as B&Bs Centerpiece of NHL District

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

$3/ Car Vehicle Parking Fee: $1. 6 million per year

Fee Supports Heritage Preservation /Tourism Historic Cottage Walking Tour Signage

Fee Supports Natural Conservation Beach ADA Beach access ramp

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

Positive Lessons ü Diversity of income sources=critical ü Customer ü Set ü Destination ü Keep ü Nature Design Standards early up with market trends Service creates returns offer variety sites and History are GREAT assets