Squamish locals and tourists alike can try out the Rope Runner Aerial Adventure Park that is expected to open next month.
Proponents say since an abundance of outdoor activities in Squamish often require expensive gear, training and time, the aerial park may fill an important niche because its developers say participants can get started with little instruction or personal equipment.
Local developer Mario Gomes is bringing this project to town with the help of KristallTurm, a German company which manufactures aerial parks in Squamish.
This park is the first of its kind in B.C.
Sam White, a spokesperson for the project, told The Chief via email the park will stand 17 metres high and 20 metres in diameter, with room for up to 60 people at a time.
Upon completion, it will reside in what is now the Squamish Adventure Centre’s parking lot.
The project’s location has raised concerns for some locals – nonetheless, town council has approved the project.
Coun. Susan Chapelle said in a previous council meeting that she believes the company is not paying “fair market value” for the space, prompting her to fight against the proposal last December.
Additionally, some members of the climbing community felt the park’s location will displace parking for recreationists who use the lot.
White was familiar with Chapelle’s critique and said, “Our perspective is that the use of the space to build the Rope Runner Park required no services, so no costs were incurred by the District.”
Furthermore, because of what White called a “profit share” agreement with the District, the more successful the park is, the more the company shares with taxpayers.
“[It’s] a win-win situation,” she said.
In response to recreationist concerns over parking, White said the park’s developer initiated the expansion of the Smoke Bluffs parking lot.
Recreationists can now enjoy a lot that is nearly double its previous size, she said.
Additionally, she said that, because of the park, the lot at the Squamish Adventure Centre will be enlarged so that overall parking capacity increases.
The Rope Runner Park was the catalyst for creating more parking, not less, White said.
“Because of the heights you can get up to on our aerial park adventure, the views of Howe Sound will be fantastic,” she said.
