Cable ski park moves step closer to realityBy Anne Krueger |
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The project was approved unanimously Friday by the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, which operates Santee Lakes. It still must be approved by the Santee City Council. The ski park, in which wakeboarders glide along the water pulled by cables from above, would be in one of the seven lakes at the park. It would be built by a private company that would pay at least $100,000 a year in a lease with the water district.
The water at Santee Lakes is reclaimed, meaning it is treated sewage water. The water meets cleanliness standards for recreational use, although it is not intended for drinking. Opponents of the project said it didn't belong in a residential neighborhood. Although studies said the cables would not be noisy, neighbors said they feared being disturbed by crowds of people visiting the park.
Trevor Sudweeks, owner of the company that would build the park, presented a petition to the board signed by 3,300 people who support the ski park. Tony Finn, who makes wakeboards, said he has visited cable ski parks worldwide.
Water board members said the ski park would revitalize Santee Lakes and be used by school groups and members of the military. “We need to give this thing a chance,” board member James Maletic said.
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SANTEE – An East County water board approved building a cable ski park at Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve last week after some speakers hailed a new water sport for the park and others said the project will bring noise and traffic.
More than 100 cable ski parks exist around the world, including four in the United States: two in Florida, one in Texas and one in Kansas City, Kan.
“I do think a cable ski park would be a good idea – not in a neighborhood,” Santee resident Raenel Peterson said. “Santee Lakes is a tranquil place for families to come – not an amusement park.”
“It's an amazingly positive experience for the kids who go to them, and their families,” Finn said.
How can you help?
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Santee Lakes Cable Park article on Wake World
Free Ride Passes For Santee Cable Park
Support the cause and you could be one of the first on the water!
Date: 10/5/07
Author: Santee Cable Park Press Release
Santee Lakes Cable Board Park could soon become a reality for Southern California. With the support of the water sports community, you will soon be able to ride around Lake 1 in Santee Lakes, hitting kickers and sliders at your leisure.
Along with a state-of-the-art cable system, unbelievable obstacles and the latest equipment in wakeboarding and water skiing, Santee Lakes Cable Park will feature approximately 5000 square feet of observation decking for spectators, an outdoor seasonal BBQ and a 2700-square-foot restaurant. A pro shop to buy and rent the best equipment, spacious changing rooms and lockers will also be on hand. There's even a rumor of a Jacuzzi. Santee Lakes Cable Park will be a place you can spend the day with your family, enjoying all Santee Lakes has to offer.
Please join us for a "Supporters Meeting" on Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 at Jimmy's Restaurant in Santee at 6:00 pm. Receive a free ride pass just for showing up! Learn more about the proposed park, ask questions, watch great videos, and learn how to further support Santee Lakes Cable Park.
Jimmy's of Santee is located at 9635 Mission Gorge Road, Santee CA 92071. For further details, please feel free to contact info@santeelakescableboardpark.com
Additional Information
What is a Cable Ski Park?
Cable-skiing allows people to water-ski and wake board without a boat. A horizontal cable is suspended on towers positioned around the shore of the lake. A cable powered by a quiet, solar powered electric motor, pulls water-skiers and wake-boarders around a lake. The cableway can hold up to 8 riders at a time. Patrons can wake board, water ski, slalom ski, wake skate, kneeboard, or even surf around the lake, with obstacles and corners to challenge beginners and pros alike.
Which Lake is being proposed?
Lake 1 has been identified as the most appropriate lake for this use. Lake 2 through 7 will remain as is without modification.
What amenities will be included in the Santee Lakes Cable Ski Park?
Along with a state-of-the-art cable system, unbelievable obstacles and the latest equipment in wake boarding and water skiing will be 5000 square feet of observation decking for spectators, an outdoor seasonal bbq, and 2700 square foot restaurant! A Pro Shop to buy and rent the best equipment, changing rooms and lockers will also be available. There’s even a rumor of a Jacuzzi! This will a place you can spend the day with your family, enjoying all Santee Lakes has to offer.
Will there benefits to a Cable Ski Park in Santee?
- A cable ski park in Santee Lakes will provide active recreation to the residents and patrons of Santee
- Additional revenue generated for the City of Santee from the cable, restaurant, pro shop and local business surrounding the Santee Lakes
- A cable ski park will put Santee “on the map” in the water sports community, making Santee Lakes Cable Park the ONLY cable ski park on the west coast!
- Hosted community programs to the youth of Santee, promoting a healthy lifestyle through recreation, including: YCA, Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother/ Sister programs, Local high school PE classes
Is cable skiing safe for the environment?
Yes! Cable skiing is an environmentally friendly sport producing NO NOISE, NO WAVES to cause erosion control, NO EMMISSIONS, and NO OIL or FUEL CONSUMTION OR CONTAMINATION! None of the environmental issues caused by a boat are present with cable skiing. The quiet electric motor will be powered by solar power. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and water sports, while leaving a gentle footprint on the environment.
What about the Parking Impact on the neighborhood?
An agreement with the City of Santee has been negotiated and a permit will be issued to install 20 free parking spaces just inside the entrance to Santee Lakes. “Resident Parking Only” signs will be installed on Calle de Lago to deter any individuals who would park on the street. Additionally, patrons of the ski park can show their receipt for parking to the ticket booth and receive a $2 discount off the ride pass.
Will this increase traffic?
A traffic study was conducted by RK Engineering Group, Inc. of Newport Beach. The study concluded that when the project is completed, “all study intersections are projected to perform at satisfactory levels pf service. Therefore, Santee Lakes Cable Park can be accommodated within the City of Santee.” What does this mean? In simple terms, several intersections were studied and monitored at different times of the day. For example, on 8-31-06, during the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 am, a total of 2090 cars traveled past the intersection of Fanita Parkway and Carlton Oaks Drive. From the hours of 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, 1706 vehicles passed the same intersection. The proposed cable park will only generate approximately 248 additional vehicles a day, so you can see the insignificant impact here!
What about the noise?
A noise study was prepared by ABC Acoustics of San Diego, CA. The results concluded that the electric motor used to power the cable will not generate any more noise than the average household air conditioner. Below is the Conclusion from ABC Acoustics:
“The anticipated cumulative (i.e., motor plus people) noise levels from operations at Santee Lakes Water Sports Park are not anticipated to exceed 50 dB-A Leqh at the existing residential units located west of the site. Similarly, the cumulative noise levels from the operations would not be audible at the existing residential units located along Fanita Parkway, east of the park, because they would be masked by the existing traffic-related ambient noise levels.”
Just for comparison purposes, the noise level of the spray park located near lake 1 was measured at 70 dB-A with 5 kids. You can see the noise impact is not significant and will not negatively impact the surrounding neighbors. Additionally, per ABC Acoustics, “no significant project-related noise impacts are identified; no noise treatment measures are recommended.”
Will it be crowded?
Santee Lakes Cable Park will be a “recreational hot-spot” for the City of Santee. However, only 8 riders are able to ride the cable at any given time. We will sell passes online and at the ticket booth in 1-hour, 2-hour, half-day and full-day incriminates with reservation times available.
Is the water safe?
Padre Dam Municipal Water District has conducted extensive water quality testing in all seven lakes. During most months of the year, the water levels are actually superior to fresh water and salt water locations in San Diego County where full body water contact sports are permitted. Regardless of this favorable comparison, our plan is to use well water to fill Lake 1, add an aeration system and continue to monitor the water quality on a weekly basis.
When will the cable park be built?
We need your support! If you are a PDMWD customer, you will be receiving a detailed flyer in your mailbox shortly. Please complete the Resident Survey and return to PDMWD no later than October 29th. The postage is already paid for so it won’t cost but a minute of your time! If you would like to see this cable ski park in Santee, please ask your friends to do the same! Want to help even more? Please contact info@santeelakescableboardpark.com and offer your positive support and comments. We are looking for active individuals to assist in gathering supporters to promote this cable ski park! You could even earn free ride passes! Contact us today to see how you can help!