Augusta’s new adventure park made a grand appearance Tuesday before an Augusta Commission committee.
Billed in SPLOST 8 as a downtown zipline, Destination Augusta revealed Tuesday the Outdoor Urban Adventure Center will feature much more, including an eight-story illuminated climbing tower.
The zipline will extend from the Freedom Bridge at Fifth Street into the Savannah River, while the climbing tower will rise from the levee just east on the Georgia shore, according to Destination Augusta images shown to committee members.
“This is more than an attraction — it’s a transformative project,” Jennifer Bowen, chief strategy officer and senior vice president of Destination Augusta in a statement. “For the first time in maybe the history of the Riverwalk, visitors and residents will be able to connect and interact with the river in a variety of ways.”
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The project, done through a memorandum of understanding between the city and convention and visitors bureau, received $1.75 million in sales tax 8 funds. Since then Destination Augusta has partnered with adventure park designer and operator The Forge, which will manage and operate the park. The city will own the park equipment and receive 3% of the park’s profits.
The Forge’s premiere park, based in Lemont, Ill., is a 300-acre adventure park, and the company has a park under consideration in Memphis.
“I firmly believe we found the right partner in The Forge. I’m impressed with how they take the destination’s assets and overall vibe into account when designing a project,” said Bennish Brown, Destination Augusta president and CEO.
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Tuesday, the commission’s Public Services committee approved an agreement between the city and The Forge. The agreement assigns all day to day operations to The Forge while the city is the owner. The agreement runs through Dec. 31, 2030, and either party can terminate by giving 90 days notice with the city paying a termination fee. Capital requests are due each Nov. 15 for owner approval.
In addition, the committee approved waiving all permitting and planning fees for the project.
Features of the current design for the park include:
- An eight-story climbing and zipline tower visible in the city skyline
- A two-story climbing challenge course built above the Freedom Bridge’s existing structure
- A scenic observation deck accommodating up to 100 people, free to the public during park hours
- A geodome for orientation, training and private event rentals
- Food and beverage offerings onsite
- A fleet of rentable donut boats launching from the Riverwalk Marina
- A calendar of special events, races, and regularly programmed outdoor activities
- Full accessibility for people with disabilities, Bowen said
- 25 parking spaces at the marina and others in works
