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Popular zipline returning to Maffeo Sutton Park this summer

Jun 7, 2018 | 10:56 AM

NANAIMO — People will once again be able to soar high above Maffeo Sutton Park, soaking in the stunning views Nanaimo’s harbour has to offer from a unique vantage point.

The City awarded a contract to WildPlay Element Parks to operate a zipline over Swy-A-Lana Lagoon. The feature was initially installed for Hometown Hockey festivities in February 2017.

“During Hometown Hockey the zipline was hugely popular. There were lineups for the entire weekend and we heard nothing but good things. It was a real adventure for a lot of people to fly across the lagoon,” recreation services manager Mary Smith told NanaimoNewsNOW.

She said installation of the cable is underway now and WildPlay hoped to get the zipline up-and-running by mid-to-late June.

Smith said the schedule for the attraction will be variable and depend on demand. The tentative plan is for it to operate on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the end of June. From July through September, it would be open from Thursday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While WildPlay signed a one-year lease with the City, it will be up to them if they choose to operate through the fall and winter or if they offer the service during special events in the park, Smith said. She pointed out Hometown Hockey was in February and that didn’t dull people’s excitement to go for a zip.

Smith said it will be up to WildPlay to set the cost to ride the zipline. The company couldn’t be reached for comment.

The City paid for the original infrastructure for the zipline. While Smith didn’t have the total cost available, it was listed in the original Hometown Hockey budget at $10,000. She said while the platforms remain, the City will pay for the cable to be re-installed and certified under their agreement with WildPlay.

Terms of the lease agreement mandate WildPlay pay the City a flat percentage of gross revenue. Smith said the popularity of the service will dictate if the City recoups its costs fully.

The line starts at the top of the stairs where Comox Rd. meets Front St. and runs more than 400 feet over the lagoon to a landing area near the playground. It was used by more than 2,300 riders over five days in 2017.

An official start date for the feature will be announced in the near future.

 

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi