Amphitheater At Turtle Back Zoo: 'Education' Or 'Overspending?'

"This would help enhance our educational mission," the county executive said. "This is overspending on the zoo," a critic countered.

Jul 11, 2019 1:14 pm EDT | Updated Jul 11, 2019 9:25 pm EDT

Officials and staff celebrate the opening of a new entrance at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ in April 2019. (File Photo: Essex County)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County officials are exploring the idea of building a new amphitheater at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, which could possibly include a 150,000-gallon pool and a stage/light setup.

During their Wednesday meeting, the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders approved a resolution that will provide up to $600,000 to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed amphitheater.

The contract was awarded to Wall-based French and Parrello Associates, which has carried out design for other recent renovations at the zoo.

County and freeholder spokespeople pointed out that the $600,000 contract is only for architectural, engineering and design services involving the proposed amphitheater. There was no estimate available for the actual construction costs.

"The consultant will determine if this is feasible, and if yes, will move ahead with design," a county spokesperson told Patch.

Some possible features the firm is being asked to explore include:

An amphitheater stage with a 150,000-gallon pool, featuring an acrylic window facing the seats
A 5,000 sq. ft. animal support building consisting of various animal habitats that may include but not limited to aquatic and terrestrial environment, indoor/outdoor yards, food preparation space, office, garage with loading dock, sky lights, interactive guest space, crate storage, walk in freezer and cooler, restroom/scuba locker room
Two additional outdoor, above-ground circular pools connected to the animal support building. They shall be covered with a shade structure and include adequate animal separation and housing. Each pool will hold approximately 40,000 gallons.
A roof structure covering the seating, pool and stage areas
A stage set that includes LED panel screens with artistic design, various entry points for access, various themed props, and a custom theatrical sound and lighting package
A control booth at the back of the amphitheater with HVAC for heating and cooling
Four additional elevated stage platforms will be located throughout the amphitheater connected by a chute system and include a stage lift in each

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. supported the amphitheater proposal in a statement on Thursday.

"We are always looking for ways to improve the experience our visitors have at Turtle Back Zoo and have identified the need for a modern amphitheater," DiVincenzo said. "This would help enhance our educational mission by allowing us to create more dynamic presentations and provide additional seating so larger audiences can participate."

On the flip side, Adam Kraemer, a Republican running for late Essex County Freeholder Lebby Jones' unexpired seat this November, said the amphitheater proposal is a misuse of tax dollars.

"This is overspending on the zoo," Kraemer told Patch. "The county has not clarified as to if this will increase traffic at the zoo. We don't know if this will mean a reduction in trees and green space. It is unclear what this will do to drainage. In a high-tax county with roads falling apart and a public safety need to address over 100 homicides a year, this is not a wise use of funds."

In June, some community members offered fierce pushback against a plan to build a new, $16 million "North American bear exhibit" at the zoo. An online petition titled "No Turtle Back Zoo Expansion" garnered thousands of signatures.

See related article: Taxpayers Can't Bear Idea Of $16M Bear Exhibit At Turtle Back Zoo

According to its website, the Turtle Back Zoo is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association and is "committed to providing an enriching recreational experience that fosters excellence in wildlife education and wildlife conservation.

It saw more than 900,000 visitors in 2017.

See related article: Turtle Back Zoo Reaches Record-Setting Visitor Total

RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE TURTLE BACK ZOO

Recent development at the Turtle Back Zoo has included the following projects.

Parking Deck/Train Ride – In February, county officials announced a $17.5 million plan to build a third parking deck at the complex and "modernize" the zoo's popular miniature train ride. (Read more)

Flamingos – A $3.2 million flamingo exhibit made its debut last year. It has a pool, nesting island in the middle of the pool and an imitation waterfall, as well as a 1,000-square-foot indoor facility to hold the birds when they aren't on exhibit. (Read more)

Leopards – A $2.58 million "behind the scenes" renovation took place at the leopard exhibit in 2018. (Read more)

Penguins – A $6 million habitat for the zoo's penguin population built last year includes a 4,200 square foot building with fabricated rock walls and a 30,000-gallon salt water pool to simulate the animals' natural habitat. (Read more)

Lions/Hyenas – In June 2017, the zoo opened the Ronald J. Mount Lion and Hyena Exhibit, a $3.6 million, half-acre habitat that includes a two-foot pool and exposed rock formation, a heated stone patio to attract the lions, three public viewing stations and a heated, one-story building that is "designed to resemble an old North African fortress." (Read more)

Giraffes – In 2016, the zoo opened its long-awaited, $7 million giraffe exhibit, which included four Masai giraffes, as well as eland, whistling ducks, ostrich and tortoises. (Read more) One of the giraffes, Hodari, died after showing "strange behavior" in June 2017.