The Spokane Park Board and City Council are exploring an opportunity to build a zip line along the south bank of the Spokane River. The council expects to post a request for proposals by the end of February, and anticipates the RFP process will take between 30 and 60 days.
The zip line project is just one among several projects being considered to beautify the Spokane Falls and Riverfront Park area ahead of the 50th anniversary of the International Exposition on the Environment. Other potential projects include a renovation of the suspension bridge over the south channel of the river, completion of the Great Gorge Loop Trail, and rehabilitation of the Riverfront Park parking lot, according to the Spokesman-Review.
Unlike the other projects, the zip line would be constructed without the use of city funds. Design, construction, maintenance, and operations will be the responsibility of the chosen vendor.
Initial plans to have the zip line cross over the Spokane River have since been barred due to several issues, including restrictions around the local Monroe Street Dam. A line crossing the river would also be steep, possibly creating safety concerns, according to a staff report delivered to the Spokane Park Board.
If built, the zip line would start at the plaza overlooking the Monroe Street Dam and travel downstream approximately 1,400 feet under the Monroe Street Bridge to Redbank Park in Peaceful Valley.
Whether the attraction is approved ultimately depends on the proposals, which would examine the feasibility of completing construction ahead of the Expo anniversary on May 4, 2024.
