Community meeting set for Camp Long ropes-course plan

Almost a year after first word of a “ropes course” coming to West Seattle’s Camp Long, the plan is advancing, and Seattle Parks has just sent word of a community meeting where you can find out more about it:

Seattle Parks and Recreation is hosting a public meeting for the community to learn about the new ropes course coming to Camp Long; it takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 27 at Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave SW.
Last year, Seattle Parks and Washington State University 4-H entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to bring a ropes challenge course to Camp Long.

Parks’ news release continues after the jump:

Parks is moving forward with implementing this agreement and plans on breaking ground in spring 2011.

“We are very excited to expand the opportunities that Camp Long has to offer the community,” said David Kipnis, President of the Camp Long Advisory Council.

There will be several elements of the ropes course that will be integrated into the forested areas of Camp Long and will provide an integral part of the developed curriculum. WSU 4-H, through 30 years of adventure education experience, has created student focused curricula that use activities to strengthen critical life skills including decision making, self confidence, positive risk taking, self esteem, teamwork, and leadership.

Camp Long will join an extensive system of WSU 4-H Adventure Education Programs and Courses. Funding for this project is provided by Washington State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program.

Camp Long is one of Seattle’s best kept secrets. Located in West Seattle, this 68-acre park offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature, hike in the forest, camp overnight in rustic cabins, rock climb, and learn about natural history. For more information: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/environment/camplong.htm.

For more information please call Chukundi Salisbury, Seattle Parks Project Manager, at 206-612-6342; email him at chukundi.salisbury@seattle.gov; or visit
seattle.gov/parks/projects/camp_long_course

lina rose January 18, 2011 (9:07 pm)

It would be so awesome to have a ropes course at Camp Long! It would be an amazing community asset for local schools and orgs and I believe that there are very few local courses. I hope to get to this meeting, as a former high/low course facilitator I would LOVE to see one come to WS.

sean January 24, 2011 (8:02 am)

I am concerned that they are going to trash the trees that the ropes are attached too. Most of the standards developed for ropes courses have been developed by the people installing the ropes and not an independent organization such as ANSI. This often leads to ropes attached to trees with little consideration for tree physiology and biology. Trees slowly decline with the disturbance. I am not against the course being developed if it is done with consideration.

Scott Baker January 24, 2011 (8:24 am)

I am concerned IF the plan is to use trees to support the course activities.

I have been around such courses since the 1970″s. Both as an instructor and as an arborist. There is always a sever negative impact when trees are used.

Building on poles within trees works much better. The trees in the park can only be replaced over a very long time. I have seen many trees ruined by such courses.

Brian Brandt January 31, 2011 (10:31 am)

I have seen different courses in WA state. The newest standards in the industry address tree health and work to minmize impact. What I have seen is many youth and adults have very meaningful learning experiences on a course. I talked with one business owner who started her company as a result of her growth experience on a course. I talked with a young person who became a strong leader in her school after a challenge course. Thank you Parks and Recreation for supporting youth.

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