Ben Webstar, Chair of Squamish Access Society, has urged the District of Squamish council to dedicate the land that Rope Runner Aerial Adventure Park earlier occupied for additional parking.
In a letter to the council, Webstar said the recent sale and closure of the Rope Runner park presents an opportunity to alleviate the stress on the existing Smoke Bluff parking facilities by repurposing the land for parking.
Below is the full letter he wrote to the council:
The Squamish Access Society and its predecessor, the Squamish Rock Climber’s Association, representing over one thousand members of the Squamish rock-climbing community, have played an important role in the conservation, development, stewardship, and maintenance of the Smoke Park since its inception.
Over the last 40 years, the park has become a major rock climbing destination, and its many trails have made it a much-loved favourite area for local hikers and visitors alike. Usage of this recreation amenity has grown considerably in recent years. Currently, in the summer, access is often limited by parking availability.
With the completion of the Red Bridge development usage of this area will only increase. The recent sale and closure of the Rope Runner Aerial Adventure Park presents an excellent opportunity to alleviate the stress on the existing Smoke Bluff parking facilities by repurposing the land occupied by the Rope Runner facility.
Any increase in parking capacity there would also improve the visitor experience for those enjoying the Adventure Center, taking a walk in Rose Park or spending a day scaling the Smoke Bluff cliffs. We also believe the parking lot there could relieve parking pressure for the Stawamus Chief and other locations on the summer South Parks bus route. The adventure centre is an ideal location to use for a park and ride system with its proximity to downtown and the information available for visitors at the Adventure centre. On behalf of our membership, we urge the District of Squamish Council and Staff to dedicate this land for additional parking.
