Zip line through Runyon Canyon meets opposition from neighbors

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Zip lining through Runyon Canyon? Two local businessmen pitched the idea to the Hollywood West Hills Neighborhood Council on Wednesday.

Jeff Pruitt and Ryan Woods say the 2,900-foot zip line would start at Runyon Canyon Road just east of the power line structure. It would drop gliders 500 feet into the canyon, ending the ride north of Fuller Gate entrance to the park.

Their idea is already getting some scrutiny.

The Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department said it is not entertaining the zip line idea. Also, members of a Runyon Canyon Park booster group spoke out against the idea at the neighborhood council meeting.

"If it was allowed, it would set a precedent for other businesses to set up there. What's next? Hot dog carts? Cold drinks? Beers?" said Prentice Lennon, who opposes the zip line.

The group Friends of Runyon Canyon also spoke at the meeting. The organization told Eyewitness News that there is nothing wrong with zip lines - just not in Runyon Canyon.

"Every neighborhood association, community group surrounding the park is against it, so we're not sure as a developer where is the money coming from? Why are they still pursuing this?" said Stacy Sillins with Friends of Runyon Canyon.

Supporters say the attraction would handle about 700 customers per day at max customers and could generate as much as $8 million.

Pruitt and Woods said they hope to win over residents concerned increased traffic by running a shuttle from the Hollywood & Highland Center parking area to reduce the number of tourists using residential streets and parking along the roads.

The businessmen also said they would donate $700,000 to fix trails, add bathrooms and make other improvements at Runyon Canyon.

Pruitt and Woods say their goal is not to give Runyon Canyon an amusement-park feel.

"Zip lines all over the world in general take place in natural wildness parks that are very tranquil and don't disturb the land, which is exactly what we're going to be doing here. It's something that kind of fits into the culture of a wilderness park," Woods said.

Pruitt and Woods originally wanted to set up the zip line in Griffith Park but felt Runyon Canyon would be a better fit.

City News Service contributed to this report.