Steezelining

New Article from the Boulder Weekly – nice coverage!

Picking up the slack

 

From: City of Boulder News
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2017 8:39 AM
Subject: Slacklining now allowed in designated locations within Boulder parks

NEWS
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017
Media Contacts:
Denise White, Parks and Recreation, 303-413-7258
Sarah Huntley, Media Relations, 303-441-3155

https://bouldercolorado.gov

Slacklining now allowed in designated locations within Boulder parks

A new City Manager’s Rule now allows Boulder’s slacklining community to practice the sport in specified locations. The rule, in place since late January 2017, is intended to provide opportunities for a healthy and creative sport within Boulder while protecting trees and other amenities within the parks.

Slacklining is a sport that has gained popularity in recent years and is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Slacklining encourages social interaction, is inexpensive and provides a range of health benefits to participants. These qualities align with the mission of the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation and provide an opportunity for youth engagement and building community within the parks.

Slacklining is defined as a recreational activity that involves participants balancing on a strip of webbing fixed above the ground between two trees. Although the rule now allows slacklining, it does not accommodate potential needs of extreme or elite slackliners as the rule also imposes several restrictions to protect trees, other park users and infrastructure. A summary of these restrictions ensuring compliance with the rule includes:

• Slacklining is only allowed on designated trees; An interactive map identifying the approved trees is available online at https://bouldercolorado.gov/forestry/slackline.
• Slacklining is only permitted during park hours.
• Participants and spectators assume all risk associated with the activity.
• All slacklines may be affixed on a temporary basis and may not be left unattended. Unattended equipment will be removed and considered abandoned property.
• Tree protection material must be placed between the tree and the line that is fixed to the tree. Material must be at least ¼” inch thick and at no time should any cabling, wires or lines be in direct contact with the bark of the tree.
• The slackline may not be elevated to a height of more than four feet at the center of the span when the user is on the line and weighting it.
• The slackline may not obstruct the intended uses of the park, sidewalks, buildings, roads, streets, playgrounds, bikeways, water features, sport courts, bike racks, handrails, art objects, fences or light poles.
• When the slackline length exceeds 50 feet, visible safety tags or flags must be used to alert park users that the line is in place.
• Trees and/or landscaped areas showing damage from slacklining activities may be restricted.
• Slacklines may only be attached to approved trees and may not be affixed to any other infrastructure including but not limited to buildings, bike racks, handrails, art objects, fences or light poles.
• Activities such as stunts or tricks involving flips are not permitted.
• Slacklines must be removed for any park permit use or regular maintenance such as lawn mowing or tree pruning.

Slackliners previously had been restricted from participating in the activity under Boulder City Code Section 6-6-6(c), “Protection of Tree and Plants,” which prohibits attaching anything to a tree on city-owned property. The new rule to the extent only of any conflict, supersedes any conflicting rules or parts of rules, including without limitation, Section 6-6-6(c), “Protection of Tree and Plants,” B.R.C. The ruling also allows the city forester and other staff to monitor the use in the selected locations and modify the designated trees as necessary if conflicts arise.

The original city ordinances regarding slacklining were designed considering public safety and to protect trees. In 2016, Parks and Recreation staff worked closely with a community group of slackliners to explore ways to attach the slackline in a manner that doesn’t harm the tree and agree on specific trees that are suitable for the sport. By working with the community and exploring rules and protocol from other peer communities, the city developed and proposed a rule change to allow safe slacklining in designated park locations while protecting trees. Last winter, the city sought public input and comment on the proposed slacklining rule changes. After receiving and reviewing these comments, the new rule was approved to allow slacklining in Boulder.

For more information, to see the interactive map or to read the full City Manager’s Rule, please visit https://bouldercolorado.gov/forestry/slackline.

–CITY–

All,  we’ve finally made it happen.  Slacklining is officially legal in Boulder.

Note that there are a few caveats – please follow the rules, and respect this first opening up of the city to our sport.  If things go well, we may have the opportunity to expand slacklining in the future.

• Be respectful of all park users
• Use tree protection!
• Follow the rules!

https://bouldercolorado.gov/forestry/slackline

Detailed rules

Approved slackline locations and trees

Hey slackers, we’re almost there!  The city is close to approving rules for slacklining in Boulder, and they look like they will be really great!

Nice story in the Daily Camera on January 13, 2017.

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/boulder/ci_30722345/rule-change-works-allow-slacklining-boulder

With thanks to Katie Frayler – though many of the words are my own, and each slackliner should feel free to send what they think best.

Katie’s original comments are available on her Facebook page.

 

————–

Jeff Haley
Planning, Design and Community Engagement Manager
Boulder Parks and Recreation
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304
haleyj@bouldercolorado.gov

 

<Date>

 

Dear Mr. Haley:

As a member of the Boulder slacklining community, I’m excited to work with you on the movement to legalize this sport in Boulder parks. Slacklining has been an important part of my life and family; I first walked a slackline over 30 years ago in college, and both of my sons have become accomplished slackliners, active in the community and competing at a high level.  I’m really proud of them, and what they’ve learned since they took their first steps on the line.

I’ve reviewed the proposed slacklining rules from the City of Boulder, and have some suggestions that I think better fit how our community slacklines. Most of the rules are great, and the only area I have suggestions is under Rule 8.

I would suggest that Rule 8 be changed to read as follows:

8. Slacklines may only be affixed to trees in the manner set forth below:

A. Only trees greater than one foot in diameter at a height of 48″ from ground level may be used as anchor posts.  Only trees approved by the City Forester may be used as anchors for this activity.

B. To protect the bark on the trees some type of tree protection material must be placed between the tree and the line that is tied to the tree.  Material must be at least 1/4″ inch thick such as carpet squares, form padding or similar material.  At no time should any cabling, wires or lines be in direct contact with the bark of the tree.

C. The slackline may not be elevated to a height of more than four feet at the center of the span, when the slackliner is on the line. A clear and flat landing surface must be present under the full length of the slackline.

D. The slackline may not obstruct the intended uses of the greenspace, sidewalks, buildings, roads, streets, playgrounds, bikeways, water features, sports courts, bike racks, handrails, art objects, fences or light poles.

E. When the slackline length exceeds 50 feet, visible safety tags or flags must be used in order to alert park users that the line is in place.

F. The center of a slackline may not be within 20 feet of sidewalks, buildings, roads, streets, playgrounds, bikeways, water features, sport courts, bike racks, handrails art objects, fences or light poles.

G. Trees and/or landscape areas showing damage from slacklining activities may be restricted from future slacklining activities at the discretion of the City Manager.

H. Slacklines may only be attached to approved trees, and may not be affixed to other infrastructure including but not limited to buildings, bike racks, handrails, art objects, fences or light poles.

My suggested changes are focused in the following areas:

• Sub-section A: We were expecting that the acceptable trees would be identified on the City’s website, and that we would help support a sign or two at each park, referencing the city’s site for more information. I’m not sure it makes sense to have a sign on each tree.
• Sub-section C: Depending on the location, we’d suggest that the high restriction be changed to read ‘no higher than 4 feet when the slackliner is on the line’ – because of variations in the ground in parks, that seems to make more sense, and meet the spirit of keeping the lines at reasonable height.
• Sub-section D: Many slackliners prefer longer lines than 50 feet. In many cases, these are the preferred line to walk on.   When we presented suggested trees to the City, we identified parks where longer lines can be safely used, and don’t obstruct other park users.
• Sub-section E: I would suggest only requiring flagging on longer lines; shorter lines are typically much more visible.
• Sub-section H: I would suggest that we eliminate the requirement to post notice on each approved tree

Under CU Boulder Campus regulations, along with the Business School and Naropa, if a space is reserved in advance, students are permitted to rig slacklines from 250 up to 600 feet long. For reference, the current longest slackline crossed on the ground is about 2,000 feet long. For longer lines, we think it’s reasonable to use safety tags to ensure the line is visible to all.

The slacklining community is excited and willing to organize and fundraise to support the enactment of regulations that reflect the work we have put in to help define what reasonable slacklining regulations will look like. We hope that you can take our comments under consideration, and we can jointly create a set of rules that are not only acceptable to our community members, but easier to enforce.

Last week, the Spot Bouldering Gym held one of their ‘Slacktopia’ events. It was a huge success, with around 200 people attending. The Spot gave me some time to speak to the crowd, and we’ve encouraged people to reach out with comments to you. Several people came up to me afterwards and were excited to hear about the changes – and one person even asked me to make sure we included tree protection in the rules.

Thank you for taking the time to review my comments on the Rules regarding slacklining and permitting slacklining only in designated locations. Please contact anytime me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

 

Ken Wagers

 

The following rules are proposed by the City of Boulder for slacklining.  Please note that there is an open comment period until December 22, 2016.

Rules Regarding Slacklining and Permitting Slacklining Only in Designated Locations

1. Slacklining is defined as a recreational activity or sport that involves participants balancing on a strip of webbing that is fixed above the ground between two trees.  This Rule is intended to allow for beginner and general recreational slackline users.  This does not accommodate potential needs of extreme or elite slackline users.
2. No person shall attach to or install on any tree growing within or upon any city-owned or controlled property, including public rights-of-way, any material to the natural structure of the tree except as set forth in Section 6-6-6(c), “Protection of Tree and Plants,” B.R.C. or for the purpose of slacklining as set forth in this Rule.
3. Slacklining is permitted in designated locations within some city-owned or controlled property.  The designated locations are subject to change by the City Manager in its sole discretion and will be conspicuously posted and marked.  In addition, a list of designated locations will be available for viewing on the city website.
4. Slacklining is only permitted during designated park hours.  If hours are not designated, then it shall only be permitted from sun-up to sun-down.
5. Slacklining participants must comply with all city ordinances and departmental policies including the Parks & Recreation Department’s special event policy and commercial use permit if applicable.
6. Participants and spectators assume any and all risk associated with this activity.  For participants, the risks include but are not limited to, death, paralysis, and serious injury.  Participants and spectators shall follow the conditions in this Rule and use appropriate safety equipment and practices.  Spotters are strongly recommended.
7. All slacklines may be affixed on a temporary basis while in use and slack lines must be removed when not in use.  The owner of the slacklining equipment is responsible for setting up and taking down the equipment and may not leave equipment unattended.  Unattended slacklining equipment will be considered abandoned property and disposed of in accordance with city procedures for abandoned property.
8. Slacklines may only be affixed to trees in the manner set forth below:

A.  Only trees greater than one foot in diameter at a height of 48″ from ground level may be used as anchor posts.  Only trees posted by signs may be used as anchors for this activity.

B.  To protect the bark on the trees some type of tree protection material must be placed between the tree and the line that is tied to the tree.  Material must be at least 1/4″ inch thick such as carpet squares, form padding or similar material.  At no time should any cabling, wires or lines be in direct contact with the bark of the tree.

C.  The slackline may not be elevated to a height of more than four feet at the center of the span.  A clear and flat landing surface must be present under the full length of the slackline.

D.  Slacklines may not exceed a length of 50 feet.  The slackline may not obstruct the intended uses of the greenspace, sidewalks, buildings, roads, streets, playgrounds, bikeways, water features, sports courts, bike racks, handrails, art objects, fences or light poles.

E.  When the slackline is extended, visible safety tags or flags must be used in order to alert park users that the line is in place.

F.  The center of a slackline may not be within 20 feet of sidewalks, buildings, roads, streets, playgrounds, bikeways, water features, sport courts, bike racks, handrails art objects, fences or light poles.

G.  Trees and/or landscape areas showing damage from slacklining activities may be restricted from future slacklining activities at the discretion of the City Manager.

H.  Slacklines may only be attached to approved trees that are conspicuously posted and marked as such, and may not be affixed to other infrastructure including but not limited to buildings, bike racks, handrails, art objects, fences or light poles.

9.  Activities such as stunts or tricks involving flips are not permitted.
10. To the extent of any conflict, this Rule supersedes any conflicting rules or parts of rules, including without limitation, Section 6-6-6(c), “Protection of Tree and Plants,” B.R.C

All – the City has issued proposed rules for slacklining.  See my other post for the proposed rules.

As a reference, our original proposal is attached here.

Boulder_Slackline_Legislation_Proposal_05.17.16

 

———————–

Good morning everyone,

I wanted to let you know the public comment period has started for the slacklining rule.  You can find the announcement on our website here https://bouldercolorado.gov/city-manager/pending-city-manager-rules-and-regulations.

Also, this will be published in the Daily Camera and the comment period runs through December 22nd.  Please feel free to share the link with others as this is an open public comment period at this point.  I welcome any comments and will be collecting them through the 22nd.

Also, once the comment period closes, I forward all comments and information to the City Manager for final determination, signatures and then it becomes final once its recorded with the City Clerk.

Finally, we should start discussing the outreach to the community so let me know when the meeting is scheduled that you mentioned coming up.

Best,

Jeff Haley, PLA

Hi all,

Good news on the Slackining front in Boulder!  We’re making good progress.  Please see below a recent email from the city.

——————-

Good evening,

It’s been a couple of months since we last talked and I would like to update everyone on the status of the slacklining ruling.  After several rounds of reviews and discussions, the final ruling has been routed for signatures and to begin the public comment period.  I will let everyone know when the comment period begins and next steps.  At this point we need to hear from the community about any concerns and questions that might need to be resolved.  Again, I’d like to thank everyone for their involvement in this process and patience.

In the meantime, we are currently updating the City’s website with a page related to slacklining that will discuss the rules and provide information about the location.  We are also working on an app that will allow folks to view detailed maps from portable devices and click on specific trees to better understand the locations within the parks.

Lastly, pending final approval of the ruling, we would like to work with you all in getting the word out to the community and perhaps organizing an informal celebration at one of the parks.  More details to come, but just wanted to get the update out.  Please let me know who would like to assist in the outreach, etc.?

Best,

Jeff Haley, PLA
Planning, Design and Community Engagement Manager

We’ve heard back from the city, and access appears to be moving in the right direction.

I’m working to sort out costs for signs, and then we may be hitting up the area slackers to pitch in for both funds and labor to put in the signs.  We will also need everyone’s help to communicate the new rules, and help provide self-enforcement by our community.

Here’s the latest email from the city, lightly edited:

———

Admittedly, this initiative took a back seat for the past month due to various projects going on. However, we are back on track and I really believe that we will almost be there by the end of July.

Current Status:

• The week of July 11th we will be meeting to review the language with our attorney’s office related to the ordinance changes that are necessary.
• That same week, our maintenance supervisors and Forestry staff will be visiting all the sites you have proposed to determine final decision/authorization.
• Immediately thereafter, we will be designing the signs to be placed on site outlining the various rules/information.

How you can help:

• At the last meeting you discussed fundraising and partnership for making the signs and installing. Is that still a reality?
• As you outlined in your last packet of information, could you develop a plan/approach for education and outreach for the slacklining community? We would like to engage our communications staff to review with you.

Hopefully that helps gives you an idea where we are at and will keep in touch. Let me know if you have other questions at this point and thanks again for all your hard work in helping us with this.

Best,

City of Boulder