Alexander Alusheff

Lansing State Journal

LANSING – A three-story zip-line structure that will cross over the Grand River in Adado Riverfront Park could be built by next spring, pending city approval.

Both the city's Planning Commission and Park Board signed off on the proposed structure this month. It still requires approval from Lansing City Council.

“What makes it really cool is that it will go across the river,” said Jarl Brey, CEO of Portage-based Capitol Zip. “We want to attract and keep people downtown longer. This would use park space and enhance the bike trail.”

The $1.7 million zip line and rope course would be located just north of Saginaw Street along the river. The roughly 45-foot tall structure on the east bank of the river would take up roughly 780 square feet, while the smaller structure on the west bank would take up 100 square feet, according to the site plan. People could zip line 400 feet across river to the smaller structure, where they would then take a different zip line to get back, Brey said.

It would be the first zip line to stretch across a river in the state, he said. Brey approached the city of Grand Rapids with similar plans five years ago, but couldn't get those plans approved, he said. Brey has been working to bring it to Lansing for a year now.

The issue was brought before city council at its Monday meeting, but members postponed a vote until Feb. 29 in order to have more time to look over the contract, Brey said.

City council member Jessica Yorko represents the city's Fourth Ward, where district the western portion of the project would be built. She said the proposal is very innovative and that she looks forward to exploring the opportunity.

"We have so many interesting things downtown," Yorko said. "This would complement the things we have in place for families."

If the plans are approved, Brey and business partner Jane Timmer would be able negotiate a lease with the parks department, said Brett Kaschinske, the department's director.

"We don't have anything like this in Lansing," Kaschinske said. "It can bring youth and adults in. We're excited."

Brey said it would cost $10 to use the rope course, $15 for the zip line and less in combination. He also plans to host a free monthly leadership and team development workshop on the course for students in Lansing school districts.

Brey said he still needs to secure investors for the course. Realistically, he said the course could be open by spring 2017 or summer 2017.

Contact Alexander Alusheff at (517) 388-5973 or aalusheff@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexalusheff.