The Adventure Park at West Bloomfield is one of only about 60 of its kind in The United States and the second in the State of Michigan, following last year's opening of Outdoor Ventures' The Adventure Park at Frankenmuth. Both parks feature tree platforms at different heights positioned throughout the forest and connected by "crossings" that may be either challenge bridges or zip lines that climbers navigate, going from platform to platform. A series of crossings is known as a "treetop trail." Each park features a number of these color-coded trails of different challenge levels-much like a ski resort-ranging from beginner through advanced. The Adventure Park at West Bloomfield has 10 trails to choose from.
Customers, known as "climbers," wear harnesses, doubly secured to safety cables throughout their time in the trees. The harnesses employ an "always locked on" climbing system of interlocking carabineers (coupling links). Climbers receive a thorough orientation session before going on the trails, which are designed for self-discovery, making lessons otherwise unnecessary. Park Monitors are always available for questions or assistance. There are suitable climbing challenges for climbers as young as five as well as more advanced trails for teens and adults. The Adventure Park will be open day and night.
Eco-Friendly, Outdoor Fun for Kids, Teens, Adults, GroupsThe Adventure Park is an eco-friendly attraction that encourages appreciation of nature and enjoyment of healthy play in the outdoors. Tree-friendly construction techniques are used employing cables and wedges to secure the platforms, rather than bolts or nails, helping the trees to remain healthy. Professional arborists maintain the trees and overall forest property along with The Adventure Park's staff.
Aside from a small amount of electricity for the thousands of tiny twinkling, low voltage LED lights strung above the crossings for nighttime climbing, the trails use no other electricity, motors or fuel for the activities, just gravity and each climber's own effort.
The Adventure Park concept originated in Europe about 20 years ago. Hugely popular, there are now around 2,000 such parks throughout Europe. However, in the United States, it is still a relatively new thing and there are currently only around 60 nationally. Bahman Azarm, president of Outdoor Ventures, pioneered introducing adventure parks to the United States beginning in 2008 and the company is now a leading designer, builder and operator of them.
Open For Climbing – Day & NightHOURS: -Spring & fall: The Adventure Park at West Bloomfield will be open to the public day and night on weekends and selected holidays. - Summer: Open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. - Reserved groups of 10 or more climbers can be arranged in advance any day of the week all seasons the park is open. - The Adventure Park is expected to operate during weather-appropriate months from spring through fall. For details, special or extended hours or other updates visit WestBloomfieldTrees.org.
The Adventure Park at West Bloomfield is located on the campus of the Jewish Community Center, 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322. It may be reached directly by email at: Info@WestBloomfieldTrees.org. Telephone (248) 419-1550.
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