Bungee Business Launches Today in Farmington

Ever wanted to try bungee jumping?

A new Farmington business that gives you the opportunity to do it safely and indoors celebrates its grand opening today. Jump Station is located next door to Zap Zone, in a space that accommodates four "bongos" or mini-trampolines, and the machinery that keeps jumpers in the air. 

Owners Gail Taylor and Edward Kucinski say this is their first business venture. They jumped in, so to speak, after seeing a similar business operating in a North Carolina mall. As they watched smiling, laughing children having a ball, the couple spotted a sign on the side of a bongo that advertised franchise opportunities. 

"We were wanting to do something to get me out of my dead-end job and get him to retire early," Taylor said. "When we read the side of the trampoline, a light bulb went off." 

The rider is securely strapped into a harness, and the bungee cords are tightened by a motor. In addition to jumping, riders can do flips and somersaults. 

"This used to be an acrobatic training device years ago," Kucinski said of the apparatus. 

Once they lined up a franchise, the partners, who live in Westland, went looking for a place to set it up. After being turned down by several mall owners, a Google search brought them to Zap Zone in Farmington, where a space on the south side of the building was available. 

Taylor and Kucinski said they believe the location is ideal, because Zap Zone offers laser tag, glo golf, go karts, bumper cars and many other games that attract children and families. There's some work left to be done, but they'll be ready for customers at 11 a.m. today.

Rates for jumping are $7 for 5 minutes, or $10 for 10 minutes. Jump Station is located at 31514 Grand River. The bungee jump has a weight limit of 220 pounds; on the other end of the scale, even smaller children can be accommodated. (For those concerned about safety, the partners plan to post a checklist that includes 11 safety measures that must be taken each day.)