Community Corner

Patch Takes a Ride on the Venice Zip Line

Crowds and parking haven't been an issue for the surprisingly mild, temporary attraction.

By Erika Maldonado

Patch editors arrived at the zip line on the Venice boardwalk just as it opened to the public at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Though the scene was calm ahead of the lunchtime rush, this reporter was anything but calm. Climbing up the winding aluminum staircase to the top of the launching tower, heart racing, everything was at a standstill at the top.

Once harnessed and in the air, the ride felt as though we were gliding over Windward Plaza, offering a bird's-eye view of the tourists taking photos below -- and the expansive ocean (see the video above!) -- which was more serene than thrilling.

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Brina Marcus, marketing director for Flightlinez, operators of the Venice zip line, told Patch fewer than 200 people turned out to the July 23 grand opening. A week later, many still don’t know the zip line is open for business, Marcus said.

Such was the case with El Monte residents Vanessa Cabrera and her 6-year-old daughter, Destiny. Cabrera said she didn't know Venice has a zip line until the duo arrived at the boardwalk, but she immediately wanted to give it a try.

Find out what's happening in Venice-Mar Vistawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“I was scared the whole time,” she said. “But my daughter wants to go on it again.”

Marcus said most of the zip line’s customers are children, so they’ve lowered the $20 ticket price to $10 for riders under 12. Vendors, locals and those who can prove they used alternative transportation to driving a car to get to the attraction also can receive discounts.

Other concerns raised during the lengthy process of approving the project continue to be addressed. Marcus said a "bird watcher" hired by Flightlinez to check the impact of the attraction on local birds returned a positive report in early July, and the company is watching for parking and congestion issues.

“I have not heard complaints at all,” added Venice Neighborhood Council President Linda Lucks. “People seem optimistic that the rides will generate enough funds to the city to greatly increase the maintenance budget for keeping the Ocean Front Walk area presentable.

Lucks said a VNC working group is monitoring the progress with Flightlinez and the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks. The next meeting is set for Friday.

Meanwhile, the artists chosen to highlight the attraction continue to work on their murals, as reported in an earlier story. Brothers Alex and Christopher Couto have collaborated on a colorful mural on the landing tower, and Lindsay Carron has created a bird-centered mural.

Flightlinez’s collaborative youth program, Soaring Heights, will perform during a party at sunset on Aug 10.

Check out Flightlinez’s website for more information.


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