TBZ Aust Outback Boardwalk Reno 2024 09 17

September 13, 2024 TOWNSHIP OF WEST ORANGE 66 Main Street West Orange, NJ 07052 Re: Renovations to the Australian Outback Exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo 560 Northfield Ave West Orange NJ 08086 To Whom It May Concern, Essex County is proposing to make renovations to an existing deck pathway system for the Australian Outback exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo. The deck system will consist of a 10’ wide ADA compliant ramp, a small observation deck area, a large concrete observation area and connections to different existing active areas. The decking will consist of a composite plank, and the handrails will be ADA compliant. Proposed ADA amenities will include: ornamental benches, ornamental trash receptacles, chain link fencing, signage, a plaza area with space for vendors, two rustic shade canopies for the animals of the Australian Outback exhibit, and increasing the gate entry into the existing prehistoric playground. There will be multiple access points to the renovated deck pathway system. The pathway connects to the main pathway, the petting farm, the Australian Outback Aviary and the prehistoric playground. While guests are walking on the proposed deck system, they will have the opportunity to rest at the proposed concrete plaza and at the small deck area. We hope this brief narrative provides the pertinent information to properly inform the public about this new and exciting Exhibit at the Turtle Back Zoo, whose continuing goal is to educate youth about animals and their habitats throughout the world.