The apparent and relative optimism of the present days, in which we are witnessing the progressive resumption of economic activity and social interaction in several countries around the world, follows a time of many doubts and concerns. Despite the odds, Aerial Attractions managed to complete, at the beginning of May, the assembly of its most recent Ropes Course, located inside the Flying Squirrel of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. It is the first of its kind, mounted inside a trampoline park. The process, however, did not take into account an epidemic outbreak of global proportions taking place halfway through.
Flying Squirrel's Owner and Operations Manager, Alex Campbell saw the project to expand the attractions of his venture being severely threatened by the gloomy scenery that unfolded in front of him in early 2020:
We were looking for new attractions to diversify our audience while driving a new revenue stream. With higher than average ceilings we would be able to capitalize the air above our lobby and party tables. This could increase our customer volume by 45 guests per hour in peak times without adding any further strain on the rest of the business.
However, the social restraint measures imposed almost everywhere in the world compromised much of the operational logistics that had been outlined in 2019. Due to the closure of American airports to Europeans, the original assembly team, partly from the old continent, had to be improvised with 100% local labor and, during the 7 days it took them to complete the park, they got used to working following the latest good hygiene practices in the workplace, in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19:
Aerial Attractions did a phenomenal job of keeping the installation safe, fast, and genuinely enjoyable throughout. It was very enjoyable working with such a courteous and respectful team. I was left with little to no concern about the installation. The experience was fantastic. I could not ask for a more concise and effective setup
Being the first of the Air Park class assembled in Canada, the design was completely customized to fit the space that had been made available inside the trampoline park, passing over the check-in counter. The addition of the structure to the Flying Squirrel's set of entertainment options aims to attract a different type of audience since it offers fun for all ages from 6 years old on and is another fantastic option for those who, by chance, are not in the mood to jump on the trampolines.
With a capacity of up to 300 people a day, the 25 challenges on a non-linear route supported by the steel and burnt wood look two-story structure is able to entertain climbers for an hour in a closed safety system thanks to CLiC-iT, a communicating, dual-leg lanyard for aerial adventure courses that provides peace of mind to those who climb and those who run the course.
The Park doesn’t require foundations and has a total cost of less than 200,000 CAD, which makes it the most cost-efficient ropes course of its kind manufactured for North America. With low maintenance costs and staffing requirements, high durability and capacity, proven track record, and commercial results, it is a turn-key business with a very fast return on investment.
Asked why he chose Aerial Attractions to build the ropes course, Alex Campbell stated:
They had a great reputation and were located in Squamish B.C. We wanted to keep this project as local as we possibly could and we are very glad we did. Covid would have made the installation far more complex if the team were not BC locals.
Now it’s time to work with a focus on the reopening of the market and the gradual resumption of economic activity. Life as we knew it before the pandemic, most likely will never see the return of many of its old paradigms. New hygiene measures, new habits, and the new “normal” will start to be incorporated in everyone's daily life, towards a remodeled future adapted to the new times. And Flying Squirrel will not be left out of this remodeling:
We are working on these scenarios now but we are optimistic that we will be able to get a decent amount of buzz generated for our Grand Re-opening.
Aerial Attractions and Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park invite you and your family to come and experience Victoria BC's newest and most fun attraction: North America's newest indoor Ropes Course.