ESJ Capital Partners LLC, isset to take over the lease of Jungle Island on Watson Island.It isplanninginvestments and improvements to turn the tropical attraction into a new all-dayexperience for visitors.
Its plans to developthe attraction involveadding a zipline, water features and enhanceddining and entertainment facilities. The 18 acre property is owned and leased byThe City of Miami.
Speaking to Miami Today, Chief Operating Officer Elie Mimoun said, “We really want to see how we can improve the experience.It’s going to be a nice experience and we hope the residents appreciate what we’re trying to do."
ESJ Capital Partners to Improve the Experience
Previouslyknown as Parrot Jungle, Jungle Island formallyopened its $47 million attractionin thesummer of2003.Junge Island has exotic wildlifetogether withtropical gardensandeducational exhibits and shows.The Miami City Commission has approved a deal totransfer the lease to ESJ. This transfer also requires approval by Miami-Dade County and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.Attorney Alex Tachmes, representing ESJ, says the issueshould come before county commissioners in January.
Elie Mimoun said, “We really want to see how we can improve the experience.First and foremost we’re going to improve the appearance of Jungle Island with new signage and a new opening experience. Changes are to include a new traffic pattern and improvements to the parking lot.
ESJ Capital Partners plans to add a zipline ride. The application for a building permit for the zipline is under considerationby city officials.“Once we get building permit approval we’ll break ground first thing out of the gate, ” Mimoun said.
The company also plans to add splash pads and an obstacle coursefor younger childrenand revamp the Kids Club.In addition, itplans to work with Crystal Lagoons to build a biggerwater park for teens and adults or a swimming lagoon for water sports and leisureactivities.
AnEnvironmentally Friendly Attraction
Mimoun said ESJ Capital Partners wants to createan environmentally-friendly attraction.It will therefore strive for LEED certification and will look at water conservation methods and the use of solar power.Phase one shouldtake about 18 to 24 months.
Mimoun said the plan is to retainmost of the animals.The new attraction will delivera better and wider variety of experiences with the animals. it will also be an educationalexperience and “much more fun.”
The existing parkjust needs improving, said Mr Tachmes.“The bones are there. It just takes a company like ESJ to invest into it, turn it around and drive the revenue. The location is amazing – it just needs investment to make it peak.”
“Our vision is to take Jungle Island, which is semi-dormant, and raising it to everyone’s appreciation, ” said Mimoun.
New Jungle Island operator plans broad investments, changes - Miami Today
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