Land Sale Supports Upper Clements Expansion

Upper Clements Park is set to expand skyward with an aerial adventure park to draw more visitors and create jobs.

The non-profit organization that owns and manages the Annapolis County park plans to enhance the local economy by building the attraction on 187 acres of adjacent Crown lands being purchased from the province.

"With this land sale, the province is continuing to deliver on its commitment to support the economy, in this case, by stimulating the tourism industry and helping create jobs in Southwestern Nova Scotia," said Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources.

There are about 75,000 visits to the Upper Clements Park annually.

The new aerial park and subsequent phases of the proposed development are expected to attract 35,000 more visits per year and create about 40 new jobs.

"The feasibility study on this development supports our vision of the lands and will enhance the parks' position as an important tourism and economic generator for the region and province," said David Brown, chair of the Hanse Society, which owns the park.

"The park already employs 150 people and contributes millions of dollars in spinoffs to nearby communities, so this expansion will bring the region even greater prosperity."

Upper Clements Park won the 2010 Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia's Innovator award for enhancing the province's tourism product offering and for leadership, vision and commitment to the industry.

"Acquiring this land from the province is the critical first step in developing this multi-phase Adventure Park project," said Gregg Gaul, park general manager. "This will enable us to open the first phase this fall, the centerpiece aerial park, a network of zip lines and elevated obstacle courses that will thrill our visitors and boost the region's economy."

Other phases that open next year include cross country BMX-style biking courses, horse back riding trails, and a paint ball arena. Survival camping expeditions and camping in huts, known as yurts, will also be offered.

The province will receive $10,030 for the Crown land.

Architectural design work for the aerial park phase has begun.