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There's a giant light-up Cloud Swing open to the public in downtown Vancouver

Calling all kids, and kids at heart: There's a new installation in downtown Vancouver that everyone can take a swing on. A Cloud Swing has been put out for public use at Lot 19 at 855 West Hastings.

Calling all kids, and kids at heart: There's a new installation in downtown Vancouver that everyone can take a swing on.

A Cloud Swing has been put out for public use at Lot 19 at 855 West Hastings.

 @downtownvan/Twitter

The Cloud Swing is there thanks to the Downtown Vancouver BIA, who are urging people to give it a whirl: "Sit with your loved one, read a book, take a rest, or simply swing your way into a new selfie!"

When night falls, the cloud lights up.

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Designed by Pablo Muñoz, this version of the Cloud Swing is the second seen in Vancouver. In 2017, Muñoz's first Cloud Swing was activated for public use as part of the city's Pride celebrations; riders could hear recordings of prominent historical activists from the queer community. After its run for Pride, the swing was installed at the Burning Man festival.

Muñoz explains that the Cloud Swing "uses play as a tool for empathy."

There are 18000 ping pong balls that make up the cloud which is powered by LED lights. Each ball was strung onto the cloud individually.

“The DVBIA is so excited to bring Pablo Muñoz’s cloud swing to our Perch in Lot 19. This piece brings an element of play to the space and is designed for all ages and people from all walks of life. It also helps make Lot 19 a 24/7 destination, as the light installation stays on all night," Charles Gauthier, President & CEO of the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association, told V.I.A. by e-mail.

The installation is also giving thanks to DVBIA’s ongoing partner in Lot 19, EasyPark, who provided the power to the piece. The piece is semi-permanent, which means we get to swing for a while! Wheee!

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