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PROPOSED CONTRACT
Department(s): Permits, Rentals and Concessions
Vendor: Go Ape Bemis Woods, LLC, Western Springs, IL
Request: Authorization for the Forest Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) to enter into and execute
Good(s) or Service(s): Aerial Adventure Course, Zipline, and Other Activities
Contract Value: N/A (Revenue Generating)
Contract Period: 7/1/2026 (retroactive) - 6/30/2036 with two (2), five-year optional extensions. The first renewal option shall be subject to the renegotiation of financial terms and approval by the Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners. The second renewal option may be exercised at the discretion of the General Superintendent.
Estimated Fiscal Impact: The Agreement will generate an Annual Minimum Usage Fee of $20,000.00 to the Forest Preserves. Annual compensation is based on a tiered revenue-sharing structure equal to 4% of gross revenue up to $800,000.00, 6% of gross revenue between $800,001.00 and $900,000.00, 8% of gross revenue between $900,001.00 and $1,000,000.00, 10% of gross revenue between $1,000,001.00 and $1,200,000.00, and 12% of gross revenue exceeding $1,200,000.00. The $20,000.00 Annual Minimum Usage Fee is credited toward the revenue-sharing payment and serves as the minimum amount payable to the Forest Preserves for each year of the Agreement.
Accounts: Concession Fees 51001.411316
Contract Number(s): #74000016890 issued under Solicitation Number 25-40-012702
Concurrences: The Chief Financial Officer has approved this item. Final agreement is subject to legal review and approval.
District(s): 16
Summary: The Forest Preserves previously awarded a contract to Go Ape Bemis Woods, LLC (“Go Ape”)(Board Item No. 14-0405) for the construction and operation of an aerial adventure course and zipline at Bemis Woods, which has now been in operation since 2015. Since 2021, the operation has generated an average of approximately $128,363 in annual revenue for the Forest Preserves, demonstrating its continued financial benefit to the Forest Preserves. The Forest Preserves recently issued a new Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for a vendor to operate the Bemis Woods course. As the sole responsible and qualified bidder, Go Ape was selected to continue operating the treetop adventure course (includes zipline), treetop journey course (includes zipline), Treetop Nets, Forest Escape, and axe throwing activities at Bemis Woods in Western Springs, IL.
The Forest Preserves has the ability to terminate its new agreement with Go Ape after five (5) years, upon three (3) years notice and with the understanding that another zipline/adventure course would not operate in Bemis Woods for two (2) years after Go Ape’s removal. Go Ape owns the equipment at this location and will be required to return the site to its original condition upon end of contract. Go Ape will be responsible for paying certain utilities during operating season.
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