DEP IS SEEKING PRIVATE COMPANY TO ASSUME OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH JERSEY OFF-ROAD VEHICLE PARK
PLAN IS PART OF CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION’S GOAL OF PARK SUSTAINABILITY

(14/P62) TRENTON – As part of the Christie Administration’s goal of making parks more self-sustaining, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is looking for private bidders to take over operations of the Woodbine Off-Road Vehicle Park in Woodbine, Cape May County, currently run by the State Park Service.

“Open since early 2013, the Woodbine ORV Park is a wonderful destination that provides excellent opportunities for riders to safely enjoy their sport in the natural beauty of the southern Pine Barrens,” said Richard Boornazian, Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources. “We are looking for a private company to enter into a partnership with us that will lead to expansions and improvements of this park that will provide an even more enriching and enjoyable experience.”

The DEP’s Green Acres Program purchased the 66-acre site of the former Mount Pleasant Sand and Gravel operation as called for by legislation. The law requires the DEP to develop safe and legal places for the use of all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and snowmobiles that provide riding opportunities and reduce pressure from illegal and improper use of ATVs, dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles.

The property was later developed with a motocross track, which now serves as the focus for 10 acres of sand pits, sand trails and sandy areas ideal for off-road vehicles. The DEP’s goal is to expand the land into a network of other riding opportunities to encompass the entire site.

Successful bidders will pay the state a fixed annual fee, increased annually by three percent, plus a percentage of its annual gross revenue earned from ORV park operations. The successful bidder will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the ORV Park and for all improvements, as well as commercial development and expansion of the park.

Certain park rules are in place for the facility, such as a requirement that users be at least 14 years old. ATVs must be registered in New Jersey. Registration can be obtained at any of the Motor Vehicle Commission’s 39 agencies for a fee. Proof of ownership is required.

The DEP released a Request for Proposals May 22. A mandatory pre-bid meeting and site visit will be held June 18 at 11 a.m. at the park.  The deadline for submitting proposals is 5 p.m. on July 11. 

The initial term for the ORV Park will be for five years.  The successful bidder will have the option to renew for a second term of 15 years, if the bidder undertakes certain capital improvements during the first term.  The DEP must also be satisfied with the operation of the facility by the operating company before any renewal is granted. 

For a copy of the RFPs, visit: www.njparksandforests.org/parks/business_ops/current_leases.htm

For more on state parks and forests, visit: www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/