New attraction planned this fall
When it comes to outdoor attractions, one of the most adrenaline-charged amenities on the playground is the kid-inspired zipline.
The local favorite playground equipment allows young riders to launch from a platform and soar swiftly through the air until they are rapidly bounced backward.
Platte City residents will soon get to experience this fun and entertaining park amenity at Rising Star Park, which is home to the local water park at 1009 Second Street in Platte City.
On Tuesday, July 26, the Platte City Board of Alderman approved a resolution awarding the bid and approving a contract with ATHCO of Lenexa, KS to add a zipline at Rising Star Park.
DJ Gehrt, city administrator, said the zipline will stretch 66 feet in length and feature dual freestanding platforms on opposite sides that will allow riders to access the disc seat and propel across the park landscape.
A spongy rubberized safety surface will be added beneath the zipline, and the equipment will be in compliance with the ASTM playground maximum fall height standards.
“The line itself is from 10 to 13 feet above the ground with a suspended zip line seat that places the seated rider approximately three feet off the ground (about a foot higher than sitting in a swing). This zip line is designed primarily for the 5-12-year-old age group, although it will hold an adult,” said Gehrt.
A concrete ribbon curb around a 1,748 sq. ft perimeter will be added, along with a safety hood over the zip line.
The cost of the Rising Star zipline project is $97,480.
Rising Star Park first opened to the public as a splash pad in September 2021.
Over the past decade, playground ziplines have proven to be fun, safe, and entertaining for children ages 5 to 12 years. The amenity has become a hit in other local playgrounds, including E.H. Young Park in Riverside and Variety KC Exploration Play at the Kansas City Zoo.
The city received three submittals from their second request for proposal (RFP) process. The initial RFP process began on May 12 and was “rejected because of a discrepancy” in notifying the vendors during the submittal period, wrote city administrator, D.J. Gehrt in a staff report.
The results of the second RFP process revealed three submittals, including two from AB Creative and one from ATHCO.
Ultimately, the city decided to move forward with ATHCO because their design featured several accommodations, such as a two-way directional design and dual solid platforms at each end of the attraction. Their availability will allow them the flexibility to install the zipline by Nov. 11, according to city documents.
ATHCO does provide a 15-year warranty on the coatings, metal support structures, and the plastic components of its zipline. Additionally, there is a five-year warranty on the cable mechanism.
“ATHCO and its suppliers have a long and successful record of completing similar projects, including the adjacent Rising Star playground area,” wrote Gehrt in a memo to the board of aldermen.
The zipline is part of the city’s park master plan to continue to add new features in three phases.
Phase 1, consisting of the splash pad, playground area, and sidewalks, was fully funded and has been completed.
The city now sets its sights on completing Phase 1-B which includes the zipline, bathrooms, three sun shades, a shelter house, and additional parking.
Staff reports indicate the sun shades have been ordered and are scheduled to be installed by the end of the month.
While the city received several bathroom bids, city officials will likely reject those bids and request a re-bid with several revisions.
Upon the completion of Phase 1-B, Platte City will be reimbursed $73,480 of the cost of the zipline project from the Platte County Parks and Recreational Partnership Grant program.
While Phase 2 has been fully funded, Phases 2 and 3 are part of a 20-year process to add amenities as funding becomes available.
Gehrt said now that the zipline project has received the go-ahead, the installation will be completed and available for use by mid-November.
In other news from the City of Platte City:
·The city approved a request for a special event permit submitted by the Platte City Friends of the Arts. The permit allows for the street blockage on Main Street from Fourth to Third Street from 6-9:30 on Saturday, Aug. 13. The event will feature Steve Bankey and the Flatlander in concert in front of the Platte County Courthouse.
·Aldermen approved a request for a special event permit submitted by NW Audio for a car audio competition and car show event.
·The city gave retroactive approval for two sanitary sewer system repair expenditures, including a $17,195 repair to a 20-foot-long section between the Platte County High School and Bell Mondo Drive.
·The city entered into a one-year agreement with the Platte County Economic Development Committee. The city will pay the PCEDC $2,100 for providing economic development services.
·A new police officer recently joined the Platte City Police Department on July 18. Another candidate will soon come onboard. Still, the department wants to fill one more vacant position, city officials indicated.