Proposed City of Boulder Slackline Rules

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