Basejumper.com - archive

I went to CB yesterday, and there was a "No Trespassing" sign at the last hill before the landing area.
As most of you know, the parks department is closing the park for 6 to 9 months to build a new parking lot and refurbish some of the trails. I went to the main parking lot and talked to 3 rangers there. They took my information, and said they would get back to me.
Today, the park superintendant called me and explained that the entire park will be closed to EVERYONE during the construction. They don't want side streets to be over run by hikers/base jumpers/climbers, etc.
They have already met with the Phoenix police department. Patrols will be increased in those neighborhoods, and trespassing citations will be issued.
Although the sign is posted now, we can still continue to jump through January 27th. The park will be closed January 28th.
The Phoenix Park supervisor is seriously considering permanantly closing the park to base jumping. He told me his reasons are a major influx of jumpers coming in, and recent injuries.
They get constant complaints from the neighbors close to the landing area when there are numerous jumpers out there at one time. He also told me that he and his co-workers Google "C!@#$b@#$" on a regular basis. They see all of the youtube videos, and they're not impressed. His words, not mine.

PLEASE respect the temporary closure. If you sneak in there and jump, you'll be further decreasing our chances of jumping there legally. Even if you're not caught, the neighbors know what a parachute sounds like. They will likely report it to the park service. If you sneak in there and do a night jump and get hurt, you'll almost certainly fuck it up for everyone.

I'll get off my soap box now:)

Thanks,

Wes Preis
Phoenix, AZ

P.S. He told me they read this forum...

I have not visited AZ yet but plan to soon
and thank you for your efforts to keep all
cool with the locals and the fuzz.

This is very dis heartening. I don't have many jumps from CB but have enjoyed visiting the site. This will be a terrible loss if we loose access to the area. I was planning a marti gra trip to the area but this is one more reason to reconsider my travel plans.