Big Rock Closed!!!!!

tjjeepjeep · 11-01-2013, 01:13 PM

For those who don't want to click the link:

Changes are coming to the popular Big Rock Off Road Park in eastern Mason County, according to owner Duke Ford.

Ford has operated the off road park for 14 years and a year ago added a zipline course to the 1,600 acre property to expand his adventure tourism business.

Ford said Thursday he is in negotiations with Northern Kentucky University to sell 860 acres to the university for a stream restoration/conservation study. The watersheds to be studied include one that feeds into Kansas Creek, and another in the center of the property known as Sleepy Hollow. Ford said the plan after NKU completes its study, which could take four to five years, is for the property to be taken over by the Campbell Conservancy for a nature preserve to be enjoyed by the public. The conservancy, based in Campbell County, has four properties in northern Kentucky.

Ford will keep 740 acres, but will discontinue operating the off road park.

He said he will continue operation of the Big Zipper Zipline through a lease with NKU and is exploring the possibility of expanding the course.

"It's just time to move on, the zipline will remain open," he said.

In addition to operating the Big Zipper, Ford said he is investigating other adventure tourism options for his property.

He is also working with Raw Emotion Outdoors in northern Kentucky to offer deer and turkey hunting. He said the plan is to offer a five day guided deer hunt during bow hunting season and his property has already been mapped for deer activity.

In regard to the Tough Mudder obstacle course that has been staged at the park in 2012 and 2013, Ford said the initial two-year contract was over, and it would be possible for the organization to stage the event on the 740 acres he is keeping.

The sale is expected to be complete by the end of November.

11-01-2013, 01:13 PM	#5
tjjeepjeep Just tired Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, OH Posts: 2,213 Images: 2212	For those who don't want to click the link: Changes are coming to the popular Big Rock Off Road Park in eastern Mason County, according to owner Duke Ford. Ford has operated the off road park for 14 years and a year ago added a zipline course to the 1,600 acre property to expand his adventure tourism business. Ford said Thursday he is in negotiations with Northern Kentucky University to sell 860 acres to the university for a stream restoration/conservation study. The watersheds to be studied include one that feeds into Kansas Creek, and another in the center of the property known as Sleepy Hollow. Ford said the plan after NKU completes its study, which could take four to five years, is for the property to be taken over by the Campbell Conservancy for a nature preserve to be enjoyed by the public. The conservancy, based in Campbell County, has four properties in northern Kentucky. Ford will keep 740 acres, but will discontinue operating the off road park. He said he will continue operation of the Big Zipper Zipline through a lease with NKU and is exploring the possibility of expanding the course. "It's just time to move on, the zipline will remain open," he said. In addition to operating the Big Zipper, Ford said he is investigating other adventure tourism options for his property. He is also working with Raw Emotion Outdoors in northern Kentucky to offer deer and turkey hunting. He said the plan is to offer a five day guided deer hunt during bow hunting season and his property has already been mapped for deer activity. In regard to the Tough Mudder obstacle course that has been staged at the park in 2012 and 2013, Ford said the initial two-year contract was over, and it would be possible for the organization to stage the event on the 740 acres he is keeping. The sale is expected to be complete by the end of November. __________________ I want to be the reason you look down at your phone and smile........then walk into a pole.