Rec foundation will pay to bring zip line to Morganton

MORGANTON - By Sharon McBrayer

A new attraction is coming to Catawba Meadows Park. The Morganton Parks and Recreation Foundation announced Thursday it will buy recreational adventure equipment that will include a zip line tour, playground and climbing wall. The foundation will purchase the system for $278,000 from Beanstalk Journeys. The equipment will be on City of Morganton property — as the city owns Catawba Meadows Park — and the city will likely contract with Beanstalk Journeys to operate the attraction.

Representatives from the three entities will meet Wednesday to hash out the particulars, including the percentage of profit and/or yearly fee Beanstalk will pay the city.

Doug Smith, chairman of the rec foundation, said the equipment could go up at the park in 60 to 90 days and be open in time for summer.

Beanstalk Journeys presented the idea two weeks ago to Morganton City Council and its recreation advisory commission.

Selling points from Beanstalk Journeys were:

• The zip line, or rope course, would have different levels of challenges going from 20 feet off the ground to 50 feet off the ground.
• The possibility to attract 5,000 users a year for zip line tours.
• The first public climbing wall in the county.
• 60 new jobs as workers will be needed to ensure safety and act as guides.

Smith said the new equipment will be a nice addition to the park, helping to diversify it into something more than just baseball and softball fields.

Gary Leonhardt, director of parks and recreation, said the zip line course takes about two hours to complete, but the company has promised to come up with shorter courses, as well.

Mike Fischesser owns Beanstalk Journeys and was the national safety director for Outward Bound before he started his company, Smith said.