Venice Beach Zip Line Reaches Final Hurdle

Plans to build a zip line over Venice Beach may soon come to fruition as the California Coastal Commission is expected to vote on the project on Feb. 7.

Discussion over the zip line began in May 2012, when Councilman Bill Rosendahl introduced the idea, which the Venice Neighborhood Council approved on the condition that the ride be dismantled at the end of its three-month trial period. The 750-foot zip line would zoom people between the bike path and the boardwalk near the skate park and Windward Plaza, just before the basketball courts. 

The Coastal Commisionn will have the final say on issuing or denying the temporary three-month permit to Canadian-based Greenheart Conservation Company to install the ride, which is expected to generate about $150,000 during the pilot period. Two-thirds of those revenues would be allocated to improving Venice Beach facilities, such as restrooms and trash bins. The zip-line could be up-and-running by July 1. 

Greenheart estimates the ride will attract between 500 and 1,000 people every day. Rides would cost $20 for the approximate 40-second ride. The hours of operation would be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for children’s educational programs and from 11 a.m. to sunset for the general public.

In July 2012, Venice resident Gail Rogers filed an appeal, claiming among other things, that the zip-line would impact parking and obstruct coastal views. However, the Public Works Department board denied her appeal a month later. The city will monitor the zip line’s impact and address residents’ concerns during the three month trial period.

The California Coastal Commission will meet Feb. 7 at 8:30 a.m. at the Redondo Beach Civic Center, located at 415 Diamond St. in Redondo Beach.