Thoughts Aloft as Freeholders Buy Helicopter; Hear Proposal, Give OK to Park Zip-Line

CREST HAVEN — Lofty thoughts prevailed at the June 9 freeholders’ meeting. Before the board voted unanimously to acquire, for $460,000, a 1981 Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopter for the Department of Mosquito Control, to replace one that crashed in 2014, they heard a proposal for a zip-line attraction at the County Park in Swainton. Later the board awarded an 11-year contract to the Oregon-based firm that proposed to build and operate the attraction.
Settlement for the helicopter is scheduled for June 17 in Allentown, Pa. from Lehigh Valley Helicopter Inc. said Director of Purchasing Kevin Lare. He acknowledged the search for a replacement aircraft was a “collaborative effort” among many employees from various departments.
While a 34-year-old aircraft may raise some eyebrows, Lare noted a FAA-certified third-party firm had performed a survey of the helicopter and found it to be a worthwhile purchase. The Mosquito Department had budgeted $800,000 for the replacement. It has been privately owned by an individual, since 1991, its second owner, who has a construction company, and it was his personal aircraft which has “around 2,500 hours” of flight time, Lare said.
Another aircraft that was offered as a bid was a 1976 vintage for $550,000 that had over 12,000 hours of air time.
“We are very confident this is a very good helicopter,” Lare told the board. “It will serve the department well.”
Once the helicopter’s ownership is transferred, it will be flown from Allentown to the Mosquito Department’s Dias Creek headquarters on Route 47.
At the Sept. 23, 2014 meeting the board approved a statement attesting to the Aug. 25 loss of the Mosquito Control Department’s 1983 Heller UH12e helicopter that crashed in Court House.
That aircraft was valued at $85,000, with a $5,000 deductible, making the loss $80,000 covered by Federal Insurance Co.
Tree to Tree Extreme
Keeping thoughts aloft, the board heard Marissa Doyle of Portland, Ore. explain her firm’s proposal to place zip-lines within the County Park, but not over any part of the zoo, since that is prohibited by state law. She described the four adult aerial courses and a children’s course as well as a team-building course, located on the ground.
Doyle said Tree to Tree Extreme LLC, is “In business to offer new adventure for people who like the outdoors.” Zip-lining is done along wire cables, secured to trees at various heights. Participants wear a heavy harness that is clipped with two fasteners to allow a soaring-like motion.
Envisioned as a year-round amenity at the county park, the firm will bear all expenses for installation, staffing, operation and insurance, she said. Initially the firm guarantees the county $25,000 annually on projected ng revenue of $425,000, according to its proposal. Because of the large initial investment the firm sought a 10-year lease, but was given an 11-year lease, in part due to anticipated time to secure permits from state and other entities.
Doyle said the lines are of varying heights, thus allowing persons of all ages to participate, including young children. Her own 4-year-old daughter accompanied her to the meeting, and giggled at times as her mother made the presentation.
In addition to the zip-lining the firm does team building for companies, religious groups, schools and other organizations, she added.
The cable on which the zipping is done holds 5,000 pounds. It is also impossible to unclip board hooks at the same time, Doyle noted, thus allaying concerns that a person could be high in the trees on a station, disconnect and fall to the ground.
She said the firm’s’ personnel would patrol the area to ensure proper and safe practices were being followed by users.
“People in their 90s have done this (zip lining). It’s how much you are willing to take on,” Doyle said.
There seemed to be good-natured rivalry among board members as to who would be the first to take a ride. Since Doyle said it would be educational, Director Gerald Thornton offered to take the first ride, to ensure it was safe for E. Marie Hayes and Kristine Gabor. The offer drew some laughter from the two who also wanted to take that first zip ride.
Doyle said that no trees would be harmed, and that stations built around the trees would allow for grow, and would not dig into the bark of the tree.
“We think this will be a great source of revenue in the off season,” said Doyle. In the off season and shoulder months, she envisioned groups, schools and religious organizations would be able to take advantage of the attraction.
“We want to work closely with the zoo,” Doyle said. “ We don’t want to impact anything. We want to work with them to make it a good experience.
Asked about state oversight of the attraction by the Department of Community Affairs by Freeholder Will Morey, Lare replied he and Director of Operations Michael Laffey had spoken with the DCA, and confirmed it has oversight of the attraction.
The concept for a zip-line in the park was originated by Laffey when he was parks director, prior to being promoted to his present position.
The firm will carry mandatory insurance with coverage of $1 million per individual, said acting County Counsel James Arsenault.
“It sounds great,” said Thornton at the conclusion of the presentation.