Jim Donovan is fundraising
Save Ellenville Flight Park
Dear friends and fellow free flight enthusiasts,
We’re reaching out to you today with a heartfelt plea to support our mission to save Ellenville Flight Park, a premier site for paragliding and hang gliding in the Northeastern United States.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? For decades, this iconic destination has served as a training ground, a playground for those who love soaring through the skies, and a source of inspiration for so many. It's where dreams take flight, where friendships are forged, and where the magic of free flight is shared with the world. But now, this beloved site is at risk of being sold and lost forever.
THE FACTS: Ellenville Flight Park has been privately owned for decades, with site maintenance undertaken by the local flying club, Hudson Valley Free Flyers (HVFF). The property owner, who genuinely supports our cause, is relocating and looking to sell the land. The next-in-line buyer if HVFF does not go through with the purchase (Open Space Institute) has stated they do not want to operate a flying site at Ellenville.
OUR OPPORTUNITY: HVFF has the chance to purchase the launches and landing zone (30 acres total) for $650,000, ensuring the park's legacy and access for future generations. This includes a $200,000 down payment due on January 6th, 2024, and five annual payments of $90,000, all interest-free thanks to the property owner's commitment.
OUR PROGRESS: We've already raised over $100,000 towards the down payment, and we plan to finance the annual payments to the extent possible through membership fees. But we need YOUR help to raise another $100,000 to secure this haven for the flying community and to keep access affordable.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference! Every dollar you give is a step closer to securing the future of this iconic park.
DONATE NOW: Donate here on gofundme or by visiting https://hvff.org/donate.
TIP: For large donations, checks are encouraged to prevent processing fees (mailing address at https://hvff.org/donate)
Let's come together as a community to ensure the skies of Ellenville Flight Park remain open to all who seek the thrill of free flight. Spread the word, share this link, and let's make a difference together!
Thank you for your support. #EllenvilleStrong #SaveEllenvilleFlightPark #PreserveOurSkies #Conservation
Highlights for Pilots
- After the site purchase is paid off, the flying club will own the site outright, and pilots will get to fly it without threat of losing the flying site, new ownership or development.
- All in all, Ellenville Flight Park in New York is one of the most convenient, inclusive, and frequently flyable sites in New England
- Drive up site is usable by both hang-gliders and paragliders (inclusive & convenient)
- 15-min drive between the LZ and launch enables many flights a day
- Large, well appointed launches are on a 5:1 glide to a gigantic landing zone - suitable for beginners with a mentor
- W- and NW-facing launches are conducive to morning, midday and late afternoon flying
- Topography produces ridge lift, thermal lift, wave lift and glass off conditions for flying at its best
- Prime cross-country flying site
- 1,050 ft altitude differential between launch and LZ
- Centrally located: less than 2-hour drive from NYC and Jersey City
- Situated on the beautiful Shawangunk Ridge
- Site is already cleared and engineered with a drivable road leading up to it.
- A strong sense of community and mentorship that continues to support new pilots
- Historic site known as “the hang gliding capital of the Northeast,” where early prototypes of hang glider wings and paragliding wings were flown and tested
Highlights for Non-Pilots and Do-Good Organizations
- Conservation: Ellenville flight park is located on a beautiful overlook on the Shawangunk Ridge. It is already engineered and thus would otherwise have been a desirable plot for residential development. The long-time private owner bought the land in order to preserve it for flying and is now selling. By having Hudson Valley Free Flyers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, buy the land, it will be protected from further development into perpetuity and keep this portion of the ridge pristine. Ellenville’s gorgeous viewpoint will be protected forever.
- EcoTourism and Economic Support: Ecological AND economic. Paragliders and hang gliders fly without the use of engines, ground tracks, noise pollution, or other environmental impact. All they need is a suitable launching and landing point. Before they launch and after they land, pilots are patrons of local restaurants and businesses. Many pilots have also purchased property in the area – and hence pay local taxes – to be close to their beloved Ellenville Flight Park. This sport helps support the town of Ellenville.
- Magical Vibes: People driving past the overlook and/or hiking in the area enjoy stopping to watch paragliders and hang gliders launch and fly around like birds and colorful jellyfish balloons. It creates a wondrous and magical atmosphere. Hiking is only expected to increase in the launch area with the Open Space Institute’s recent purchase of abutting land and development of a hiking trail. Preserving the Ellenville flight park is complementary to this new hiking area and preserves Ellenville’s memorability in people’s minds.
- T
146 supporters
guidestar.org/profile/85-3028089
charitynavigator.org/ein/853028089