ALLEGAN, Michigan — Skydive Allegan announced on Sunday it's closing its doors after more than a decade of business.
For the past 13 years, the company has offered skydiving from airplanes, hot air balloons and helicopters at Padgham Field at the Allegan County Airport.
There were opportunities offered for first-time jumpers, skydiving students and experienced jumpers. The company also had professional tandem skydiving services for military veterans and young, old, sick, dying and mobility-impaired people.
The owner, Dennis Bennett, said the company was also a stepping stone for skydiving and aviation professionals. Skydive Allegan offered work to new commercial pilots from Western Michigan University's Aviation Academy and others for flight time building.
Bennett said Skydive Allegan was home to new skydiving professionals building experience, as well as local professionals in fields outside of skydiving.
The company let Western Michigan University's skydiving club, The Skydive Broncos, use its resources when needed. Now, the club competes nationally in sport skydiving.
Bennett said the company donated to local charities, frequented local businesses and performed skydiving demonstrations for the community in support of first responders and veterans and in memory of fallen servicemen.
Bennett thanked Allegan for all of its support over the years, along with everyone who visited the drop zone
"Lastly, I would like to thank all that took the leap," Bennett said in a Facebook post. "You found your way to us and we jumped out of airplanes together. Thank you for your support."
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