Zoomers amusement park almost done!

[ScOtT k]

http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051002/BUSINESS/510020315/1075

 

Every time she and her family pass Zoomers amusement park on Summerlin Road in south Fort Myers, Kerrie Stephenson hears the questions from her children.

 

"Every time we drive by, it's 'Are they ever going to get finished?''' said Stephenson, who has a 15-year-old daughter, Sarah, and 12-year-old son, Tommy.

 

"We live on Fort Myers Beach, and there's just nothing of that nature here for us."

 

Their wait is nearly over.

 

The park, which has been in the works since 2002, could open by the end of the year.

 

"We're shooting for November," said Tim Miles, 58, who is a partner in Zoomers along with Dr. Ron Heromin, an orthopedic surgeon who lives in Sarasota.

 

Phase one of the 18-acre park will include adult and children's go-kart tracks, a small roller coaster, bumper boats, amusement rides for small children, a rock-climbing wall, a bungee jump, an arcade, a kids' lounge selling snacks and smoothies, party rooms, an upscale deli and more.

 

The first phase will take up 7.5 acres, and phase two could be more dry attractions or a water park, depending on customer demand, Miles said.

 

"I've got a big-park background, and I've got a big-park mentality," said Miles, a Cape Coral resident for 14 years. His background includes work at Kings Island park in Cincinnati.

 

"I'm going to be all things to all people."

 

Many factors have delayed Zoomers' opening during the past three years.

 

Miles started with two other partners. One of those partners quit the project after his wife died in April 2004, Miles said. His current partner, Heromin, is not one of the original partners.

 

Then in August came Hurricane Charley and its fallout.

 

"The hurricane definitely put us way behind," Miles said.

 

The construction company that had started on the project went out of business last August, Miles said, and it was January before he found Anchor Group to be the replacement contractor.

 

"With the hurricane, there was nobody to do any work," Miles said.

 

Then, during the gap, Miles said, some of his construction permits lapsed and he had to reapply for them.

 

But Miles said things are moving forward now, and if the inspections process moves as planned, he is hopeful of opening by year's end.

 

Miles declined to say how much he and his partner have invested in Zoomers other than to say it's in the millions.

 

Because the delays translated into extra expenses it likely will take a bit longer than anticipated before the park starts turning a profit, Miles said.

 

"We'd like to see a profit in year or two."

 

One unknown factor for Miles is Florida's year-round business climate.

 

His park experience has been in northern states with seasonal operations. Zoomers will have the opportunity for more customers, but also higher operating expenses.

 

"I don't know how to read it," Miles said.

 

In anticipation of opening, Miles is already working on marketing Zoomers.

 

He has a full-time salesperson who will focus on group sales, among other things.

 

Zoomers will have an outdoor restaurant, shelters and catering facilities that can accommodate large groups, Miles said, and he hopes that 35 to 40 percent of the park's business will be through group sales — company gatherings and picnics.

 

Miles also plans an advertising campaign, including billboards that should go up within weeks.

 

Zoomers will be a welcome addition to the area, said D.J. Petruccelli, president of the Fort Myers Beach chamber of commerce.

 

This will be the only thing that's oriented toward kids at all, Petruccelli said.

 

"We've been waiting for something like this for a long time,'' he said. "It's been needed very badly."

 

Stephenson, for one, said her family is ready for Zoomers.

 

"We'll be anxious to check it out, absolutely,'' she said. "My son is already anticipating (having) his next birthday party there."

[BarryH]

I drove by this park on Saturday. There's still a lot of work to be done, but they had construction people there working very hard. I hope it opens in November because they have a kiddie coaster there! Yes, I saw the track! Yeah, credit! Oh, and Carraba's is only a 15-20 minute drive away. I know who will be visiting Ft. Myers to ride the coaster *cough* Elissa *cough*

[chauncey]

I drove by this park on Saturday. There's still a lot of work to be done, but they had construction people there working very hard. I hope it opens in November because they have a kiddie coaster there! Yes, I saw the track! Yeah, credit! Oh, and Carraba's is only a 15-20 minute drive away. I know who will be visiting Ft. Myers to ride the coaster *cough* Elissa *cough*

 

What kind of a kiddie coaster? Dragon wagon? Wacky worm? Rollerskater? Wooden? B&M's first ever? GIVE ME DETAILS!

[BarryH]

I just saw the track, but it looks like a Dragon coaster.

 

Maybe I need to post some photos.

[Flying Unicorn]

Woot for Southwest Florida!

 

Matthew Punta Gorda L.

[Guest]

I lived in Naples/ Fort Myers area and knew nothing about this park until yesterday on ITL:DE. I am glad, now I have somewhere other then King Richard's to have fun at a little park!

 

Katie, who should go back down to FL on vacation soon!

[BarryH]

Ew, King Richard's! They charge like $25 for a wristband for a kiddie coaster, a go-kart track, and some flats. No wonder I drive up to BGT for my coaster thrills.

 

I suppose if R&E and Katie come down to Ft. Myers, I will have to show them around.

[Guest]

Anytime Barry. I lived down there from 1992-1999 and been back a few times a year since I came to live up here. I can't wait to see this new park. Looks like a lot of fun.

 

Beware I am viscious on go-karts! LOL! Pedal to the medal!

 

Katie

[BarryH]

Oh great, I drive like an old man on go-karts. When you've lived in Ft. Myers for over 30 years, you start to drive like your parental units and other old folks.