Zip Line Decried by Swainton Activist

CREST HAVEN – “I think it’s an absolute disgrace,” Sam Kelly told freeholders of the planned zip line in Cape May County Park.
Kelly, of Swainton, said his brief, impassioned Nov. 10 statement, might be construed as confrontational, but it was something he had to express.
County Counsel James Arsenault said the “last information” he had for the privately-funded project was that the contractor had visited the site in the County Park for the new attraction, in the vicinity of the carousel, and that owners had been working with the state to acquire permits for installation. He said the attraction was to be operational by Memorial Day 2016.
Kelly spoke of the zip line that was proposed to the board in June by Marissa Doyle of Portland, Ore. She said the aerial course would accommodate adults and children, but would not go over the zoo or animals, something prohibited by law, but would remain in the park.
At the time, she said Tree to Tree Extreme LLC, was “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.
Doyle said the firm would guarantee the county $25,000 annually on projected revenues of $425,000. It would bear all costs for installation and insurance, she added.
Kelly, Nov. 10, said he was “devastated” when he learned of the zip line proposal in the park.
“Farms developed beyond environmental concerns and even legal requirements, big box stores competing with (others) for the best spot in our rural, seashore community. And now they want to pave paradise and put up a parking lot,” he said.
“I’ve fought this nonsense for what seems like forever. At one time I had at least some minimal success, today the money is just too big, so I ignored the zip line,” Kelly said.
He cited the natural beauty and solitude of the park that he and his family and many others enjoy.
“As for the 25 grand minimal guarantee that could be a loss if we have not looked at every angle to this,” he added. He cited parking on some summer days “on every available blade of grass…What we may need to do for traffic control and parking alone could well eat the profits of this short-sighted venture,” he said.
When he spoke to friends about the zip line, Kelly said, “They knew of it but felt there was no sense wasting any effort in the political arena.”
The concept for a zip line in the park was originated by Director of Operations Michael Laffey when he was the Parks director.
As Kelly ended, he added, “I am old and I am tired. I don’t have it in me for another thumping, still I might be able to rile some young folks that do. I have a little experience in that arena as well.”
Director Gerald Thornton thanked Kelly for his comments but made no further reply.