Destination Augusta sought a formal endorsement from the Augusta Historic Preservation Commission on Thursday as it moves federal and state permitting for an outdoor urban adventure center that would bring zip lines, an eight‑story climbing tower and a challenge course to the Riverwalk.

Jennifer Bowen, chief strategy officer for Destination Augusta, said the project is a city initiative funded through SPLOST 8 (voter‑approved special‑purpose sales tax) and that Destination Augusta is acting as project manager. She told commissioners the city allocated $1,750,000 in the SPLOST 8 package for zip‑line attractions downtown and that a contract with the selected operator, The Forge, is in place. Bowen said the operator will be responsible for maintenance once the attraction opens and estimated a six‑month construction period after necessary federal and city approvals are secured.

The project team described the planned elements: an eight‑story climbing tower at the former office foundation beside Freedom Bridge, a bridge‑mounted two‑story challenge course that would be removable, multiple zip lines crossing the Savannah River, two observation decks available for private rental, and several motorized "donut" boats for river recreation. Bowen also said a grant from the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute is supporting accessibility features so people of varied mobility can use the attraction.

Bowen told the commission that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State Historic Preservation Division are reviewing the project and that the state had raised an "adverse effect" concern about the challenge course on the bridge through the Corps' process. "The State Historic Preservation Division has actually written a letter that they believe the challenge course on the bridge may impact the historical significance of the bridge," Bowen said during her presentation. She said mitigation measures are being pursued through the Army Corps and that a local letter from the HPC—an approval, endorsement or acknowledgment—would carry weight in the state and federal review.

After questions from commissioners about parking, pedestrian access and coordination with river‑based businesses, the commission voted to authorize the chair to sign a letter in support of the project (motion by Commissioner Matson; second by Commissioner Vick). The vote was recorded as seven in favor, zero opposed.

What happens next: Destination Augusta and city staff will work with the commission and the city's attorney to draft the endorsement letter for the chair to sign. The Army Corps and State Historic Preservation Division will continue their review under the federal permitting process.