Slackline Industries, a slacklining gear brand, moved its headquarters back to Boulder, CO after a recent decision to consolidate U.S. and Canadian distribution in Seattle and a change of heart from Boulder city officials about using slacklines in public parks.
Slackline Industries was located in Boulder from 2008 to 2013.
“We couldn’t be happier that our return to our roots in Boulder coincides with this policy shift from the municipality,” said Ricardo Bottome, CEO, Slackline Industries. “It’s like starting a brewery in the 1930s or being a Cuban travel agent. All the sudden you’re not such an outlaw.”
Although slacklining itself has never been specifically banned, two Boulder city ordinances made setting one up against municipal code. Under the ordinances, those caught attaching anything to trees or city property could face a $250 fine.
With the help of Slackline Industries and local community members, city officials drew up a new set of guidelines over the last several months. The new rules would allow slacklining in six parks across Boulder. Jeff Haley, planning, design and community engagement manager at Boulder Parks and Recreation, estimates the ordinance will be in place by January or February.
“Slackline Industries has really helped push the whole initiative forward from the start,” Haley said. “They have been involved for a few years now, advocating for the ordinance change and finding creative ways to connect the city and local stakeholders.”
According to Haley, the policy will be very similar to what the University of Colorado has in place on its Boulder campus with a few amendments. Plans are in place to build a page on the Boulder City website showing the parks and trees that are slackline-friendly.
More information on the proposed guidelines can be found on the Boulder Slacklining Association Facebook page.
Photo courtesy Slackline Industries
