Zip line proposed for Queen Elizabeth Park
PILOT PROJECT: If approved by board, 190-metre long run would operate from late May through September
Visitors to Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Park may be able to enjoy great views while flying through the air this summer if the park board approves a proposed zip line.
Greenheart International, a Vancouver-based company that constructs and operates zip lines and canopy walks, has approached park board staff about operating a temporary zip line during the summer to mark the park’s 75th anniversary.
“We were looking for something that could create a little excitement and fun,” said Vancouver Park Board chair John Coupar. “This is a great way to do it.”
According to a staff report, the proposed zip line would operate from a temporary launch tower on the west side of the Bloedel Conservatory, travel over the adjacent quarry garden and land on the southwest side of the garden. The total distance covered would be 190 metres.
The zip line would be a pilot project and operate late May through September. Operating hours would be similar to the conservatory’s and the cost to use the zip line would be in the range of $15 to $20.
The financial return to the park board will be based on a percentage of the total revenue made from the zip line. If revenue is less than $75,000, the board will not receive a percentage. If it’s between $75,000 and $250,000, the park board will receive a 10-per-cent return on the portion over $75,000. If it’s between $250,000 and $400,000 the return would be 35 per cent. On any revenue over $400,000, the park board would receive a 40-per-cent return.
Greenheart would purchase liability insurance and the park board would not assume financial risk.
Staff recommend approving the zip line because it is “very low impact, provides an additional activity for visitors to Queen Elizabeth Park, will raise the profile of the park and provide excellent opportunities to cross market with the Bloedel Conservatory.”
Visitor and resident feedback will be collected during the pilot project and brought back to the park board, which can then decide whether the zip line will return.
Coupar said he thinks people will be drawn to the zip line and he can’t wait to try it out. “I think it’s going to be really thrilling,” he said.
Coupar said he hopes the board will support the idea.
If the board approves the zip line, it will still need a building permit from the city.
The zip line is on the agenda for the April 27 park board meeting.