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The revitalization of Jekyll Island moved forward last week as Linger Longer Communities completed the first round of public input sessions with its final session in Atlanta. Over a seven-day period, more than 600 people attended five meetings across Georgia, with several hundred providing suggestions, comments and questions to the Jekyll Island Authority’s revitalization partner.

Project executive Jim Langford presented the plan in St. Mary’s, Jekyll Island, Augusta and Atlanta and then fielded questions and comments following the presentation. After an open question period, everyone in attendance had the chance to meet the developers one-on-one to discuss the plan in detail.

“These sessions are a big step forward in the plan development,” said Langford. “We are now getting the opportunity to hear what people have to say about our proposal, and we appreciate those who attended the meetings and provided constructive feedback. Now we can incorporate those ideas into plans for the future of Jekyll Island.”

Linger Longer Communities already responded to the input of one Georgia resident. In response to a petition presented by 10-year-old Morgan Simpson, Linger Longer Communities pledged to include a playground and miniature golf course in its plans to redevelop the barrier island’s 60-acre beach village area. The playground will likely be rebuilt near its current location. Both amenities will continue to provide activities for young children of Jekyll visitors and residents.

Simpson collected more than 762 signatures from her friends and neighbors – all children and teenagers. She presented the petition to Linger Longer Communities during one of two public input sessions held on Jekyll Island.

“Morgan made a strong case for the needs of the younger visitors to Jekyll Island, and we immediately realized we should honor her request for the beach village to continue to feature a significant playground for children,” said Langford. “We hope more island residents, visitors and other Georgians will follow Morgan’s lead and continue to present suggestions that will make Jekyll an enjoyable place for everyone.”

The number of visitors to Jekyll Island declined more than 47 percent from 1990 to 2006. During the same period, hotel room nights declined nearly 30 percent. The lack of revenue hinders the Jekyll Island Authority’s ability to reinvest in the island and upgrade and maintain the facilities and park. This decline led the Authority to select a private partner to create facilities which would drive a sustainable economy.

“Seeing this significant, long-term drop in the number of visitors to Jekyll Island, it’s important to include activities that will entertain a broad range of visitors of all ages,” Langford said. “The playground and miniature golf courses are a part of the overall mix that will allow visitors to have an enjoyable time at Jekyll, and hopefully make them want to come back.”

Linger Longer Communities will compile and analyze other input from the sessions as the process moves toward a revised plan. Also in consideration will be additional feedback provided to the partners through the various avenues in place for comment. These include the project’s Web site, www.rediscoverjekyll.com; by e-mail at info@rediscoverjekyll.com; via phone at (888) 854-6437; or by standard mail at 100 Linger Longer Road, Greensboro, Ga. 30642.

About Linger Longer Communities

Headquartered in Greensboro, Georgia, Linger Longer was formed in 1985 by Mercer Reynolds and Jamie Reynolds to develop Reynolds Plantation, one of Georgia’s premiere mixed-use developments. Reynolds Plantation is a 10,000-acre golf and lake community featuring 99 holes of championship golf and 80 miles of shoreline. Additional Linger Longer Communities include Reynolds Landing at Lake Oconee, a resort community centered around a classic Bob Cupp golf course, and Achasta in historic Dahlonega, Georgia.

Communities developed by Linger Longer feature the cornerstone principals of creating meaningful, long-lasting communities with minimal natural disturbance and exceptional amenities. Stewardship of the land, expansion of historic preservation and strengthening wildlife preservation are hallmarks of its planning and operations.