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Show 8B Moab Happenings www.moabhappenings.com July 2000 SKYWAY "DREAM" ENJOYED BY THOUSANDS When "Moab's Skyway" opened for business on April 9th, 1999, it was the beginning of an exciting new era of sight seeing and entertainment in Canyonlards country, and the culmination of a dream for Moab resident and businessman Emmett Mays. In 1974 Mays purchased a 160-acportion of what is known as the Moab Rim on the West side of town near the the Colorado River. With the property just one mile from Moab's main street, Mays had visions of a scenic chair lift carrying passengers to the remote, incredible beauty some 1,000 feet above the town. That vision has become reality as a half-mil- e long quad (four people to a seat)chair lift now stands poised ride to gently carry visitors on an enjoyable to what the owners claim is "a world of scenic views of Moab, the Colorado splendor". National Park, and LaSal Mountains River, Arches await those who climb aboard. A viewing deck, trail network and lookout points enhance the experience. ir The system will carry up to 500 hour and is equipped with racks for passengers per mountain bikes. Several chairs are specifically designed for easy wheel chair loading and unloading. Emmett, a retired manager of the local telephone company, and his family set their sites on this goal many years ago and have never looked back. Emmett and his son Van, who is an accounting manager in Price, Utah, have worked persistently over the last twenty years to put the right package together. In 1995, a development agreement was reached with Moab City after a series of public hearings. And then in October 1998, financing was finally secured when three 25-ye- re ar financial institutions joined the Mays family and 40 other private investors from mostly the Moab and Price, Utah areas to bring the project to fruition. The $2.3 million dollar project is planned in two phases with a gift shop, snack bar and 300-seamphitheater being built on the summit during the next few years. Just as was done with the chair lift towers, which are banded in canyon camouflage colors, great attention will go toward the best blending of construction into the environment. at 12-min- i. i One-of-a-ki- Y ''! h vai The owners have formed Portal Vistas, L.L.C. (named after the "portal" where the Colorado River exits the valley) to operate all phases of the recreation area. Their goal is to provide a quality experience for all guests while maintaining the beauty of the area, and to become a significant contributor to the citizens and economy of Southeastern Utah. 34-cha- Ly liirr r We Are Easy To 1.3 MILES FROM . rr MCDONALDS OR 1.8 MILES FROM DENNYS Center Street Slocbs moabskylasal.net www.moab-utah.comskywa- N SLyvray y McDonalc FREE Moab Swim Center VISITOR POSTCARD 1 Walker Drug 259-822- 6 SHOWERS AVAILABLE Lap Swim ....Monday through Saturday 12:00- - 1:30 p.m. & 5:00 6:30 p.m. -- Health & Beauty Aids Explore Canyon 35mm FilmCameras Housewares Hardware Picnic Supplies Camping Supplies Sporting Goods GoodiesCold Drinks CASTLE Country JEEP ROCK $79.95 150 Daily-Weekly-Mon- in Style RENTALS FREE MILES thly CASTLE ROCK CHEVROLET Greeting Cards Swimming Suits Baby Supplies Batteries 481 S. MAIN Bicycle Accessories MOAB OUT OF TOWN PRES CRIPTION SERVICE Extended Hours for Public Swimming Beginning in June Day IceCoolers 259-595- 9 400 North (in Swanny City Park) 290 South Main Your headquarters in Moab for: Cosmetics Stationary Toys 8 1 West FEES: Single Admission - General Public Ages: 18 to 64 ...$3.00 65 & over ... $2.00 under 18 ... $2.00 3 and under ... Free Season Passes available 259-543- 2 www.moab-utah.comcastlero- EZEUYTuI -T ck Chevrolet Pontiac Oldsmobile Buick L.C. p. Q Q |