A proposed wakeboard cable park in Albert Dyck Park has been given the green light by Abbotsford council.
The city has agreed to enter into a five-year licence for the privately run operation.
In May, council was told that at least three private groups were interested in running a cable wakeboard park. However, when a request for proposals was issued, only one application was received.
The bidder, Stu McKeown, has been working closely with the Fraser Valley Water Ski Club, which, after initially opposing the idea, said it would be able to work with the bidder.
The club will allow McKeown to share its clubhouse and use it as a rental shop for the cable park.
A cable park eliminates the need for a boat to wakeboard or water ski. An onshore motor pulls cables across the lake while riders hang on and perform tricks or stunts.
The park will be constructed at no cost to the city. McKeown estimates the city will receive about $6,000 (five per cent of revenue) a year from the venture.
After the first five years, when the capital costs have been paid for, staff are suggesting the profit sharing be increased to 50/50.
While council agreed to allow the park, Coun. Henry Braun said he was concerned that the amount of space for public swimming is being reduced.
However, staff explained that while the structure eliminates about 40 feet of swimming area at the south part of the lake, it opens up a potential new swimming area on the opposite side of the lake because there will be no boats on it.
The new park will consist of two separate cable tower systems, starting docks and waiting area for riders.
McKeown has also agreed to provide 50 additional paved parking spots (bringing the total to 110), and offer other rentals including kayaks, canoes and paddle boards.
