Friends of Blue Hills Look at Proposed Quincy Quarries Zip Line

Al Endriunas of Easton was looking for a site to build a ‘canopy tour’ for families and youth groups. Young and old would climb into a harness attached to a wire above them and slide through the air, enjoying great views and, as he says, learning a ‘story.’ He sought a place that people would return to each year to experience the glide and learn more about the ‘story’ — something unique about the history or nature of the site.

Mr. Endriunas found what he was looking for in the Blue Hills at the Quincy Quarries. From his perspective, potential customers would love gliding over the quarries, taking in the spectacular views of the Boston skyline, tall trees and quiet pond. One of the main attractions would be the granite cliffs that tell the age old story of the glaciers and the relatively recent story of a booming granite industry.

You won’t see design documents or even concrete proposals for the canopy tour yet, although the Friends of the Blue Hills have posted his general description on its blog.  Endriunas’s proposal is still an idea that he has been discussing with the land owners: the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the City of Quincy. Quincy officials are interested in the proposal.

If officials at the DCR consider the proposal a viable idea, they will ask the public to review and comment. If they then approve the project they will seek competitive bids from people like Endriunas and others.

How a canopy tour like the one Endriunas is proposing would affect current visitors, especially rock climbers, is uncertain.

Endriunas says his proposal is still at the conceptual stage, but says glide anchors would not interfere with current rock climbing practices. He adds that would provide amenities like bathrooms, a playground and additional parking.

Will a canopy tour in Quincy Quarries add a new attraction to the Blue Hills or an obstacle to current recreation?

“The devil is in the details,” one DCR staff member stated.

The Friends of the Blue Hills has some concerns about whether the zip lines would interfere with climbers, but we have not taken a position on it. What do you think? Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or blog.