WEB: www.jekyllisland.com

The Jekyll Island Authority is proud to announce the grand opening of the Jekyll Island Recycling Park. The park not only provides a clean, convenient location for guests and residents to deposit their recyclables, it has also been designed to be eco-friendly.

A key feature of the Recycling Park is the environmental care that went into the design. The Recycling Park was landscaped by the Jekyll Island Authority staff, led by Cliff Gawron, Landscape Supervisor. All plants are native species that will require little supplemental irrigation once they are fully established, aiding in water conservation. They include sweet grass, cord grass, Florida anise, American Beauty Berry, Saw Palmetto and Southern Shield Ferns. Several mature oaks also grace the site, and every effort was taken to minimize disturbances to these trees during the renovation.

In addition to the native plantings, recycled materials were used for the area’s ground coverings. Refurbished asphalt was used to provide a loose paving surface, and recycled plastic lumber was used to edge the plant borders. Steel edging near the entrance was salvaged from prior renovations of the Jekyll Island Historic District, and mulch in the landscaped area is grindings from storm damage debris that was collected after tropical storm Fay. These environmentally friendly means of improvement can serve as a model for residents and businesses wishing to re-design their yards and gardens in a green manor.

“The Jekyll Island Authority is committed to being green-conscious” said Jones Hooks, Executive Director of the Jekyll Island Authority. “The Recycling Park is an example of this commitment and a great addition to our overall revitalization efforts. It is a way for us to show our support for our guests and residents who already recycle and to encourage others to do so as well.”

“The Jekyll Island Authority appreciates all the citizens and guests who brought the need for a Recycling Park to our attention,” said Bob Krueger, Chairman of the Jekyll Island Authority Board. “We built the Park as a response to their suggestions, and we hope that they will be pleased with the result.”

Coastal Disposal & Recycling will handle the processing of items collected at the site and currently accepts cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and newspaper. In addition, oyster shell is collected at the site by the University of Georgia’s Marine Extension Services and used to rebuild oyster reefs. Yard waste and construction debris is not accepted at the site; however, the Jekyll Island Authority runs a weekly route to provide curb-side pick-up of yard waste from Jekyll Island residences.