The
City of Wichita Park & Recreation department will sponsor the North
American Open Masters tree climbing championship beginning Friday at Oak Park, 1100 W. 11th St. N. The competition runs
from 3 – 11 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. – 2
p.m. on Sunday.
The
competition features 40 of the best climbers from Canada, Sweden, France, and
the United States including two climbers from Wichita and last year’s defending
champion, Bryan Brock
Friday
will start off with Aerial Rescue Training from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the
public is encouraged to attend the demonstration. Friday’s main event will be
an intense head-to-head race to the top of a tree while being surrounded by a
laser light show. Saturday’s events will be comprised of two master level
challenges, a throw line challenge followed by an aerial rescue challenge.
Sunday will be the highlight event with the master’s challenge – a concluding
match-up between the top five high scorers.
On Friday and Saturday, the competition will
include a local disc jockey, activities for kids and food trucks. During the
three-day event, 11th street will be closed to thru traffic from Oak
Park Drive to Forest. Motorists are encouraged to use Oak Park Drive as a
detour.
