06-19-2009, 12:51 PM
Here is the letter from Skip:
I've been mulling over some things... First, I want to thank all of you who have supported the park over the last 3 years. We have had over 5000 registered vehicles come into the park since we opened up in May 2006. I know the economy has hurt everyone in different ways. These times have impacted Gulches as well.
When I created my business plan for Gulches I figured I could draw on about 4000 off roaders from casual to hard core to support the park. I needed 60 vehicles per weekend to meet expenses and just break even. This was never going to be a get rich business and I knew that going in. However, the weather this year and high gas last year combined with the economy has put a strain on the park. Changes are going to have to be made that I do not want to have to make.
One of my options is to make Gulches a private park permitting members only to attend. A couple hundred members at $1,000 for 5 years membership with a few days open to the public is not a new idea. Keeping the park public and raising the price is another option. Closing is certainly not my choice but always a possibility. I f you are reading this, then you are interested in the fate of Gulches. No decisions have been made so far. Your input is welcome and wanted.
The one change I am making at this time is closing on Thursdays. This probably will not be noticed since few people have shown an interest in showing up on Thursdays. Of course, we will always be available to groups of any size to open any day of the week with a couple days prior arrangement.
At the very least, all I can do is ask if it is possible please come out and ride with us. If it is not possible hopefully it will be down the road. We hope everyone can survive these times of financial stress.
I've been mulling over some things... First, I want to thank all of you who have supported the park over the last 3 years. We have had over 5000 registered vehicles come into the park since we opened up in May 2006. I know the economy has hurt everyone in different ways. These times have impacted Gulches as well.
When I created my business plan for Gulches I figured I could draw on about 4000 off roaders from casual to hard core to support the park. I needed 60 vehicles per weekend to meet expenses and just break even. This was never going to be a get rich business and I knew that going in. However, the weather this year and high gas last year combined with the economy has put a strain on the park. Changes are going to have to be made that I do not want to have to make.
One of my options is to make Gulches a private park permitting members only to attend. A couple hundred members at $1,000 for 5 years membership with a few days open to the public is not a new idea. Keeping the park public and raising the price is another option. Closing is certainly not my choice but always a possibility. I f you are reading this, then you are interested in the fate of Gulches. No decisions have been made so far. Your input is welcome and wanted.
The one change I am making at this time is closing on Thursdays. This probably will not be noticed since few people have shown an interest in showing up on Thursdays. Of course, we will always be available to groups of any size to open any day of the week with a couple days prior arrangement.
At the very least, all I can do is ask if it is possible please come out and ride with us. If it is not possible hopefully it will be down the road. We hope everyone can survive these times of financial stress.
Waiting to build or BUY another legend! :thefinger:
Always an EB fan, lover and freak :notworthy:
1985 Yoda 4Runner :xyxthumbs:
Always an EB fan, lover and freak :notworthy:
1985 Yoda 4Runner :xyxthumbs:
