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Brandon Luthy, center, with Tim Kanaval (Pinal County Economic Development) and other residents of Oracle following the approval of the new Zip Line in Oracle by the county supervisors.
Alicia Bristow | Submitted
San Manuel Miner
The Oracle Women’s Network (OWN) recently met with Brandon Luthy and David Thompson who are Oracle Entrepreneurs. Luthy plans to bring a zip line recreational area to Oracle and Thompson will be starting a feed store including tool rentals and will help promote the zip line. He will be working with other businesses obtaining combination packages to offer to the public. To give an example, a person might purchase a package that includes a two night stay at the Biosphere, a Jeep tour, a zip line, for a family of four. The costs have not been determined yet. Thompson will also be running an ATV/Jeep tour business and plans expand his business due to public needs and tourism.
For those unaware of a zip line it consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding on to, or attaching to, the freely moving pulley. Zip lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment. They may be short and low, intended for child’s play and found on some playgrounds. Zip line tours are becoming popular vacation activities, found at outdoor adventure camps or upscale resorts, where they may be an element on a larger challenge or ropes course. A zip line is fun and reminiscent of being a child on the swing set.
Luthy plans to begin construction in December this year as long as all the permits are in order. Luthy is excited to bring the zip line to Oracle for the history and beauty of Oracle. The facility will be located approximately 6 miles on the Mt. Lemmon Road from Oracle. Luthy will be refurbishing an old mine building making it into the office. There will be a concessions area with coffee/soda and small refreshments. There will be a sitting area off the office building so a person could have a cup of coffee, sit and enjoy the view. Luthy plans to add to the area making a sluth to do gold panning, a rock climbing wall, and a possible obstacle course. The possibilities are endless. Not to mention it will bring a few new jobs to the area. Luthy said, “Within the first year I hope to have 10 employees and go up each year from there.”
President of Oracle Womens Network (OWN), Alicia Bristow appreciates Brandon Luthy and David Thompson for their time and meeting with the OWN Group and everyone at OWN wishes them great success!
Nina Crowder is a resident of Mammoth. She volunteers in several local organizations. She covers events throughout the Copper Corridor and Superior Town and School governance.
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