The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will not renew the contract with Gulf Adventure Center at Gulf State Park in south Baldwin County. ADCNR is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of Alabama’s natural resources including state parks, state lands, wildlife and aquatic resources. No reason was given for the decision, according to a press release from Gulf Adventure Center.
In 2012 J.T. Lemons, a founding partner and the concessionaire of Gulf Adventure Center, was granted a contract with ADCNR to build and operate Gulf Adventure Center — a 14-acre, 7-tower zipline course and outdoor adventure center within Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores.
Opened in March of 2013, Gulf Adventure Center quickly gained popularity and has since become one of the top attractions on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The adventure center contributes more than $150,000 in sales tax annually, employs seven full-time and 48 part-time employees, and has provided revenues in excess of $300,000.00 to the Gulf State Park.
The notice of non-renewal comes as a shock to Gulf Adventure Center Managing Partner Tom Schlinkert, as there was no indication ever given by ADCNR of any dissatisfaction with the operation.
After the initial notice was received, Schlinkert met with ADCNR officials at their headquarters in Montgomery to discuss the contract. During that meeting, ADCNR officials indicated they were not comfortable with another 4-year term and suggested that Schlinkert submit a year-to-year option for consideration.
Schlinkert presented a year-to-year contract proposal to ADCNR on August 4. He received notice on August 9 that the proposal was not accepted. No reason was given for its denial.
A forced closure by ADCNR will mean the loss of one of the Alabama Gulf Coast’s few year-round attractions, as well as the loss of 55 jobs, equating to an estimated economic loss of approximately $850,000.
Schlinkert is making every effort to come to a mutual agreement with ADCNR on a contract that is satisfactory to both parties.
“We’ve built a great asset for the Alabama Gulf Coast tourism industry in the past four years, and we have plans to expand our operations, adding more activities and amenities,†said Schlinkert.
“We’ve been good stewards of the natural resources at Gulf State Park and would like to continue to enhance awareness and appreciation for the park’s natural beauty and native wildlife,†he furthered.
Gulf Adventure Center’s contract with ADCNR contains only two possible reasons for cancelation or non-renewal of contract. 1) The land occupied by Gulf Adventure Center is needed for the newly-planned Gulf State Park Lodge, in which case ADCNR is to compensate Gulf Adventure Center $40,000 to disassemble the zipline course and relocate to another section of Gulf State Park. 2) Malfeasance.
Schlinkert stated there has been no malfeasance, nor claims of such from ADCNR.
Currently, Schlinkert is making every effort to understand the ADCNR’s recent actions, and is working to preserve this Gulf Coast tourism asset and the operation’s $1 million-plus investment.
“After a great 4-year relationship with ADCNR, its Commissioner and staff, it seems that the decision on this forced closure has been made at some other level of state government.â€
Gulf Adventure Center is initiating a campaign to lobby the Alabama Governor’s office to keep the center open. Supporters are encouraged send “Keep Gulf Adventure Center Open†or #keepGACopen messages to Governor Robert Bentley through the following channels:
email – http://216.226.177.218/forms/contact.aspx
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/GovernorRobertBentley/
Twitter – @GovernorBentley
Phone – 334-242-7100
Mail – 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36130