Spirit of the Salmon: Cornell TPEG Design Contest 2020

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Team 12, University of Notre Dame

Top 15 Finalist in the 2020 Cornell TPEG Theme Park Design Competition

THE CHALLENGE: Design a flagship ride experience for an aquarium in Vancouver, BC, situated along the banks of the Fraser River, that utilizes innovative systems and a clear story to educate riders about the river's wildlife and its relationship to the city.

OUR PROJECT:

"Spirit of the Salmon" takes guests on an exciting interactive journey down the Fraser River, inspired by the swims of conservationist and former Canadian MP Fin Donnelly. Riders will become researchers on a mission to help migrating salmon and collect photos for the aquarium as they board our ScubaSuit ride vehicle, a never-before-seen flying powered coaster model designed to simulate an authentic swimming experience, and travel from the top of tranquil Mount Robson all the way down to Vancouver and the sea. Guided by Fin the swimmer, riders will experience the exciting highs and lows of the river from the fish-filled depths to the rapids of Fraser Canyon, learn about the long history between the Fraser and the humans of Vancouver, and take plenty of snapshots along the way. They'll even get to help clear the way for a school of native salmon (including their new friend Sammy the sockeye) to complete their incredible migration journey. And with the scenery changing to reflect real-time weather and seasons, it's never the same ride twice.