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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 Preserves of Cook County (the “Forest Preserves”) 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 base 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: This amendment will reduce the gross revenue fee by $4,000.00 for the 2020 season.
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: At the June 16, 2020 Board Meeting, the Forest Preserves notified the Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners that it would seek amendments to existing concession agreements to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19. Because of restrictions implemented by the State of Illinois, Go Ape was unable to open until June 13th, as opposed to its typical opening in early March. After opening, maximum group size was reduced and limited to ten (10) for both courses. As of August 31, 2020, Go Ape’s 2020 revenue has been reduced by approximately 30% from typical season revenue. In order to ensure the long-term viability of this concession enterprise, the Forest Preserves seeks authorization to reduce the vendor’s 2020 gross revenue fee by 20%, or $4,000.00, for the 2020 season.
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