Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said Tuesday that the county's miniGOLF Safari at Essex County South Mountain Recreation Complex in West Orange has netted $37,414 in new revenue since its opening Sept. 16.

"We anticipated the golf course would be successful, but its popularity has exceeded our expectations. We are pleased to provide an affordable and enjoyable activity that people of all ages can enjoy," DiVincenzo said. "Our goal from the start was to transform our South Mountain Recreation Complex into a recreation destination, so our residents did not have to leave Essex to find family-friendly leisure activities."

The county executive said 6,578 rounds of golf have been played since the opening.

Early records for participation were set on the third day of the course's operation when 972 people played a round of golf and on Sept. 25 when 875 people played, according to DiVincenzo. He also said the course brought in 10 jobs to the county.

The miniature golf course is part of the county's $4.8 million, 36-acre South Mountain Recreation Complex renovation, which includes Turtle Back Zoo, Richard J. Codey Arena, a three-story Park N Ride facility, a 300-space surface parking lot, which was built in conjunction with miniGOLF Safari, and a soon-to-be-built boathouse. DiVincenzo said the county will start construction on the boathouse and restaurant over the Orange reservoir in December or early January.

County officials said miniGOLF Safari was roughly $800,000 to build. DiVincenzo said the entire $4.8 million, which includes the course's cost, was paid for by the county's economic development funds.

The African-themed, 19-hole course on Northfield Avenue also is part of Turtle Back Zoo's master plan. It is in the shape of Africa and split into three sections: the Sahara desert, the grasslands and the Congo.

West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi said the mini golf course is a "great facility" for the township.

"We're thrilled with the county's commitment to recreation facilities, especially facilities in town," he said. "This ultimately is not only a benefit to the residents of the county, but to West Orange residents."

Officials said all revenue from the miniature golf course goes directly to Turtle Back Zoo.