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PROPOSED CONTRACT AMENDMENT
Department(s): Department of Permits, Rentals and Concessions
Vendor: Go Ape Bemis Woods LLC (“Go Ape”), Frederick, Maryland
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to amend contract
Good(s) or Service(s): Professional design, construction, operation, and maintenance services for an Aerial Adventure & Zipline Course (the “Course”)
Original Contract Period: 5/1/2014 - 5/1/2019; Board Approved Extension (9/8/2015) 5/2/2019 - 5/1/2021; Board Approved Extension (1/14/2020) 5/2/2021 - 6/30/2023, with three (3) one-year renewal options to be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent
Proposed Contract Period Extension: N/A
Total Current Contract Amount Authority: N/A (Revenue Generating). Go Ape has agreed to pay the Forest Preserves a $20,000.00 annual fee plus a tiered percentage of gross revenue generated at the Course
Original Approval: 10/7/2014
Previous Increase(s): N/A
This Increase Requested: N/A
Estimated Fiscal Impact: N/A (Revenue Generating)
Accounts: N/A
Contract Number(s): 14-40-405
Concurrences:
The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final amendment is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 17
Summary: Go Ape seeks to offer two (2) new activities at their existing Bemis Woods South operating location. Each of these activities can be operated without changes to existing infrastructure at the Adventure Park. No construction is required or requested.
The first new activity is a shortened “Tree Top Discovery” adventure course, which utilizes the existing course, but uses fewer stations and lasts for less time. The existing full course lasts two (2) to three (3) hours. The shortened course will run about one (1) hour. The shortened course will be offered at a lower price point than the full course.
The second activity, the “Forest Escape” is an area designated within the Adventure Park footprint that offers a scavenger hunt.
Prices for the two new activities are included in the Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Ordinance for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for the year commencing January 1, 2022 (Board Item No. 22-0260). The contract amendment will also require Go Ape to submit proposals for new pricing and activities prior to the Forest Preserves’ budgeting process for applicable year. Go Ape will continue to comply with all safety requirements mandated by State and local health officials to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed amendment will also modify the agreement to clarify that while price increases do require board approval, price decreases and promotional discounts do not require board approval.
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