Turtle Back Zoo: Pony Ride Trail Opens In Essex County, NJ

Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo has a new attraction: a pony ride trail.

County administrators announced on Monday that the zoo’s new Pony Ride Trail is officially open to the public. The upgraded attraction includes an open air pavilion under which the ponies walk, which allows rides to be given throughout the year and in several types of weather.

According to a county news release, the wooden pavilion covers the pony walking trail loop, protecting the ponies and young riders from the elements. In addition, a barn for six horses was constructed adjacent to the pony ride trail, which eliminates the need for the ponies to cross a public walking path to travel from their old quarters to the trail.

In 2015, there were 29,344 pony rides given during the six months the trail was open, county officials stated.

According to county officials, French & Parrello engineers from Wall designed the upgraded attraction. Shauger Property Services from East Orange was awarded a publicly bid contract for $762,611 to perform the construction work. The Essex County Department of Public Works monitored the project, which was started in September and took six months to complete.

ZOO RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS

According to county officials, the Turtle Back Zoo welcomed 755,239 visitors through its gates in 2015, the first time attendance eclipsed the 700,000 mark and the 11th consecutive year a new annual attendance record has been set.

Since 2003, more than $70 million has been spent for additions and renovations at the zoo, county officials stated.

• See related article: Giraffes Arrive At Turtle Back Zoo
• See related article: Jaguar Sisters Celebrate Birthday At Turtle Back Zoo In Essex County
• See related article: Essex County's Turtle Back Zoo Breaks All-Time Attendance Record

Photo courtesy of Essex County

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