Zipline in Queen Elizabeth Park eyed by Vancouver park board

Vancouverites may soon have a new view from the highest point in the city with the park board considering the installation of a zipline at Queen Elizabeth Park this summer to celebrate the park's 75th anniversary.

If it's approved, I can't wait to take a ride on it.- Vancouver Park Board Chair John Coupar

City staff recommend the zipline attraction should be installed as a temporary pilot project from May to September, according to a report scheduled for discussion at the park board meeting next week.

"I'm always very protective of parks personally but you want to have some fun," said John Coupar, chair of the park board.

"If it's approved, I can't wait to take a ride on it."

Riders, hanging from a cable by a harness, would launch from a temporary tower on the west side of Bloedel Conservatory at the top of Little Mountain in the park.

They would zoom 190 metres over the park's manicured gardens — a popular spot for wedding photos — and land southwest of the garden.

Zipline proposed by Vancouver company

A Vancouver company, Greenheart, pitched the park board on the zipline plan and would jointly market it.

Greenheart has previously built a canopy walk at the UBC Botanical Gardens and a zipline at Whistler.

Staff estimate that it would cost $15 to $20 to "experience" the Queen Elizabeth zipline with some revenue generated for the park board if enough people pay.

Coupar said the temporary zipline in downtown Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic Games showed an appetite for such rides. That attraction was free, however.

The proposed Queen Elizabeth zipline would have little impact on the park, said Coupar.

"It's all temporary. It's really a pilot project to see how people feel about it."