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Building a net adventure during lockdown: we made it possible

Is it possible to build a brand-new net adventure in the United Kingdom, during Brexit and COVID-19 lockdowns? We asked Stuart Langmead, owner and director of the Rustington Golf Centre,  and Out of Bounds recreation center in West Sussex, United Kingdom. Stuart and Kees-Jan met in March 2020 and their story turned out to be truly inspiring.  

Young entrepreneur 
Stuart opened the Rustington Golf Centre when he was still young. “When I bought the land, it had been operating as a family farm. Initially, I developed the golf course, which I opened on my 21st birthday. After that, I expanded the facility by opening a gym, a golf store and later on, Out of Bounds was built. Everything here is designed and built by me.” 

Closed with no income 
Today, the location provides activities for both young and old, making it a widely popular place to visit for the English. “But then the COVID lockdowns started. During the first lockdown, we had to close our doors for 11 months, leaving us with no income. That was a terrible time, but we bounced back well. Given the fact that we have a big property, I started to think about COVID-proof outdoor activities. I had heard about net adventures before, so I searched online and came across Funcha!.” 

Mutual trust 
Starting a new business venture during a pandemic can be tricky, for both vendor and customer. “After I first shared a few ideas with the Funcha! team, Kees-Jan stepped in and took over,” Stuart says jokingly. “We just clicked. There was instant mutual trust, we knew we would both stick to our agreements. Endless calls, discussions, and schedule changes followed to ensure that everything would work during the lockdowns. In the end, Kees-Jan and I made it work. I knew I picked the right person to get the job done.”

Cooking for the team
Eventually, Stuart and the Funcha! team managed to create a concept for an outdoor net adventure. “On the first day of construction, all the lorries and equipment arrived. After only four days, the complete steel frame was erected. It was impressive to watch.” The Funcha! team managed to set up the complete adventure in a mere six weeks – during the second lockdown in England. “The team stayed at a local hotel but since all restaurants in the country were closed, I decided to cook for the team myself. I brought the food over in pans, still warm, so we could have dinner outside at the picnic table. Luckily, the weather was fantastic!” 

Working with Funcha!
“It was such an amazing project to complete together. There was so much uncertainty at the time, with both Brexit and COVID happening. However, we still managed to create our outdoor experience.” There is now a wonderful outdoor net adventure on the Out of Bounds site, that can fit up to 120 people. “We opened the net adventure to the public in May 2021, right when the lockdown ended. It has been popular ever since.”  

Stuart researched some other vendors in the United Kingdom, but they were nowhere as unique as Funcha!. “Nothing appealed more to me than the colorful and engaging website of Funcha!. I would definitely recommend anyone to work with them!” 

Do you also want to build an awesome adventure concept? Give us a call!  

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How Tije has created a tree top adventure in his hometown Zeist

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This week we have started the construction of the tree top adventure with nets elements in Zeist. A special project when you take a look at the first stages. Tije, a young boy from Zeist, came up with the idea after participating in a competition where kids were able to pitch their idea in front of a jury.

After pitching the idea, the jury and residents of Zeist voted. Tije heard that his idea had won and that it would be realized within the counsil of Zeist. The counsil set out to find an appropriate location and eventually decided the tree top adventure was going to be built at Zwembad Dijnselburg (swimming pool). Now, a few years after the pitch, the idea is being realized!

Design of the tree top adventure

After obtaining the final approval, we started with the design of the adventure. Many options were viewed and we have come up with a climbing route between the trees with a large adventure tower and bounce net. The adventure will be built at a local swimming pool in Zeist where the outside area will be used, located next to the outdoor pool.

The objective of the adventure is to provide a unique experience for residents in Zeist and surrounding towns and villages. This is the first time an adventure concept like this will be built in the center of the Netherlands and we are proud to be part of the realization.

Tije even visited our office and workshop to get a taste of what it takes to design and build a tree top adventure! We showed him all the materials our own sawmill. It was a great day!

tree top adventure zeist

Progress of the tree top adventure

The concrete has been placed and in the next five weeks we will construct the elements, platforms, nets and tower. The opening of the park will be in April and together with Tije and the Council of Zeist, it is going to be a great success!

Would you like to know more about the adventure? Take a look at www.klimboszeist.com for more information.

 

 

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What we learnt from MAPIC 2018

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This year we brought a visit to the exhibition MAPIC in Cannes, France. The show took place in the Palais des Festivals and, again, a high number of visitors were present. Of course, we visited the Leisure Zone and also spoke with different operators to find out more about retailtainment.

What to find at MAPIC?

MAPIC is the international retail property exhibition which has multiple events per year. You can find developers, landlords, investors and many more. Many large companies in the retail market are present at the show and the show consists of different ‘zones’, with one of these being the Leisure Zone.

Leisure and retailtainment

So what it different compared to a year ago? The Leisure Zone has decreased in capacity. There were more leisure companies exhibiting in the previous edition. However, the talks and presentations given at the Leisure Zone always provide useful insights:

– Leisure is still increasing in lots of retail properties such as shopping malls

– Just providing the leisure concept is not enough. Millenials are becoming less materialistic and prefer a mind-blowing experience

– Lots of leisure suppliers promote the same story, but not many promote the emotional response they can give to visitors

– It’s all about the thematic experience. Theme your product or add a story to it

– Data is becoming more important. Knowing where visitors come from, what they want, and how long they want it, is essential

– Leisure in retail is not only well-known in the US or UAE. It is becoming a worldwide trend

Adventure products

Last year we saw that ninja courses and indoor skydiving were popular concepts. This year, it seemed as if the growth of these courses did not go as fast as last year. Although we thought that traditional products such as bowling and go karts would slowly disappear, this is not the case. They are still present and being developed, only given extra experiences or, again, a theme or story line.

Virtual Reality remains popular. However, it is hard to separate the different suppliers based on other aspects than quality. There are many suppliers, and we expect that the market will take a decrease in a few years time.

So..

It is clear that retailtainment is increasing and is becoming a worldwide trend. However, we found that that differentiation between leisure concepts is minimal and the need for a range of new activities could be more attractive. Some concepts such as bowling and go karts are still present. We are curious to see what 2019 has to bring!

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Developing a family entertainment center

Family entertainment centers have been developing in a rapid pace the last decade. The family entertainment center has evolved into a global concept where families, groups and friends can participate in different entertainment activities. Are you thinking of developing a family entertainment center? Looking for ideas and innovations? Read about it in our blog.

What are family entertainment centers?

Family entertainment centers are seen as a center which offers multiple entertainment activities. Of course, this is a broad term and many companies will be able to meet these specifics. However, visitor demands are increasing and a family entertainment center will have trouble attracting visitors with only a few activities. A new type of family entertainment center has emerged and depends on far more activities and ‘side-activities’ than the traditional centers.

The traditional family entertainment center

The traditional family entertainment center often has the same activities to offer. Go karts, bowling, laser tag and playgrounds are well-known activities. Family entertainment centers, however, have evolved and meeting the demands of the visitors is something to carefully take into account. Many visitors expect more than the usual, and will plan their visit according to this. How can a family entertainment center be different than others?

Family entertainment center 2.0 

The family entertainment center 2.0 is different than others. It is not just about offering a set of standard activities but more of choosing the right combination of novel activities. We defined a set of new and original activities which can help family entertainment centers to differentiate from others.

– Ninja and obstacle courses: these courses have become really popular, partly because of the tv-show based on ninja courses

– Adventure activities: still not seen too much. A net adventure, high ropes course or zip line can be a great addition to an indoor family entertainment center

– The right food & beverage: really important. Offering a high-quality dinner to your visitors can make the difference

– Telling a story: add a theme or story line to your center. It can really be memorizing and attract different target groups

– Sky diving simulators: an adrenaline rush for your visitors. Again, a new form of adventure.

What we do not know yet? Virtual reality. It has exploded but it is yet to be seen how far this will go and if family entertainment centers will adopt this growth.

family entertainment center zip line

So..

Are you looking to invest in a family entertainment center? Or are you looking into adding a new activity? Then be aware of the common activities which are at the end of their life cycle. Try and find new and original activities such as a ninja course, high ropes course or sky diving simulator. Never forget the importance of the right food & beverage, because the demand for high-quality food is increasing. Try and add a theme or story line to really provide something extra’s.

For more information about our net adventures, high ropes courses and zip lines, click here.

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Extra dimensions for park visitors

Are you owner of a high ropes course, treetop adventure or adventure park? Would you like to give your visitors something extra’s and let their visit be a lasting memory? Read about the possibilities which are applicable to every park.

Motivated staff

Your staff is really important and the success of the park depends for a great deal on enthusiastic and motivated staff. It can make a big difference in the way people talk about their visit when your staff is enthusiastic and can deliver this to the visitors. Enthusiastic staff can make people happy, motivate them and give them a safe feeling. Do you notice this is not the case? Then there is high chance that your visitors are less happy and potential word-of-mouth slips away.

Theming

Theming or storytelling in a park can help a lot. It takes visitors on a trip which can be valuable for kids and adults. Is a story alone enough? No. The theming should connect with the park and how spectacular it is. If this is not the case, you are probably not doing the right thing. Theming can also offer unique collaborations and ensure a win-win situation for parties. Take a look at large theme parks such as Disneyland; with every activity you are taken into a unique story!

Interaction with visitors

These days it is not always enough to only entertain your visitors. Interaction with visitors is a great opportunity for a better experience. Recently we attended the opening of Moon Trees, an interactive game which can be played in treetop adventures. Teams must conquer trees (Moon Trees) and keep them by providing the trees ‘energy’ through a coin system. A game like this can stimulate climbing and give visitors a competitive game.

Variety

Finally, it is important to provide visitors with a variety of activities. One activity is not enough and visitors often want to experience more. Make sure you have the right combination of activities. A good example is Go Ape!, who also offers segway tours and zipline tours next to their treetop adventures. By doing this, visitors stay longer and it can generate more income. So are you looking for a way to give your visitors an extra dimension? Would you like to stimulate word-of-mouth? Then think about:

– Motivated and enthusiastic staff

– Theming or storytelling in your park

– An interactive game or activity

– Enough variation for extra experience and income

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5 steps to an adventure concept

Are you thinking about investing in a net adventure, high ropes course, treetop adventure or other outdoor project? Ever wondered what you have to think of? Read the 5 steps below to find out what it takes to realize an adventure concept.

1 – Research and discover

Investing in an adventure concept is a large investment and every entrepreneur should gather information about the possibilities and consequences of different concepts. By doing research and broadening your knowledge, a lot of insights can be found. This can have a positive effect on your final choice and gives a better understanding of the investment. For instance, have a look at safety aspects and maintenance. You can also compare some suppliers to see if your own wishes match the supplier. Comparing some suppliers will also provide you with a view of the market you’re looking into. Another option is to visit some parks so you know what the experience feels like. It’s essential to gather the information above to prevent any surprises in a later phase.

2 – Design

Have you found a supplier that feels right and who you trust? Then the design process will begin. A sketch design will be provided in most cases which provides an indicative overview of the adventure concept. For example, with a treetop adventure the trees will have to be examined to see if it is even possible to create a concept at the location. You will probably make adjustments to the sketch design seeing as this is often the case with large adventure concepts. If you agree on the sketch design, a technical design will be made depending on the type of concept. This includes construction calculations and a detailed plan for the construction.

3 – Development

When the technical design is finished, the building can begin. How long this takes if very dependent of the type of concept and can vary from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. As an entrepreneur, it is important to stay involved during the construction. Keep up-to-date about the developments and make sure you are able to communicate with the supplier. By doing so, you keep involved in the process and are able to adjust details if needed. Again, you won’t be caught off guard by any unexpected issues.

4 – Completion

The adventure concept needs to be inspected when it is finished. This needs to be done by a certified organization. It is important to certify the park according to the European safety norm. This way you can guarantee safety to your visitors, which is essential. When the park is inspected, you will receive a certificate. The staff must also be trained to let visitors climb as safe as possible. There are also various companies that are licensed to do this.

5 – Maintenance and exploitation

It doesn’t just end after completion. You should take maintenance on the concept into account which happens periodically. This also has to do with safety but will also contribute to the life cycle of the park. Maintenance contracts exist which help you and your supplier in doing the maintenance. Besides maintenance, you should also invest in a successful exploitation model. Visitors won’t come on their own; you should stimulate them by having an appropriate marketing approach. Do not only think about external communication but also about the presentation of your company to your current visitors. Make sure you have motivated and helpful staff members which can ‘upgrade’ an experience for visitors from an ‘8’ to a ’10’. Think about how current visitors will return or how you can attract visitors with certain campaigns or collaborations. The success of the park depends for a great deal on how you market it.

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Safety of high ropes courses

When entrepreneurs are thinking about the construction of a ropes course or treetop adventure, it’s wise to think about safety. What standards and systems are there? How often does a park need to be inspected? We noted all the aspects in a brief summary.

Safety standards

The types of standards, safety systems and suppliers are of high importance. A European Safety Standard has been developed for high ropes courses: the EN 15567. High ropes courses must be certified according to this standard and may not be in use before they are certified.

To let participants climb safely in a ropes course or treetop adventure, different securing systems are available. There simply is no ‘best’ system. This all depends completely on the wishes and possibilities of the owner because the choice for a system can have consequences for the necessary supervision in a park. There are three types of safety systems:

– Self-belay: participants can detach themselves from the lifeline

– Continuous belay: participants aren’t able to detach themselves

– Collective belay: a new method where surrounding nets serve as safety system

Net adventures

Since 2015, we at Active Constructions have been developing net adventures which are nets courses where families can play in. People can jump in large Bounce Nets, slide down the Tubing Net Slide or climb the Treehouse Track. With these adventures, the nets function as safety system: if participants fall, their fall is broken by the nets. This offers the great advantage of a low supervision level with the adventures having a higher capacity than high ropes courses or treetop adventures.

Before a park is completed, an inaugural inspection has to be done by a type A-inspector who is accredited. Such an inspection contains a visual inspection, functional test and inspection of the design calculations. There are also daily inspections which have to be performed by the staff of the park. A periodic inspection usually happens every 1-3 months and is more extensive than the daily inspections. Finally, an annual inspection has to be performed which again has to be done by an accredited person (type A-, B-, C-inspector). The results of the inspections may lead to maintenance that is needed based on the inspection. This way, the safety of the park is guaranteed.

So..

Consider the safety aspects of an investment in a high ropes course, treetop adventure or net adventure. Try and gather information regarding the different standards and systems. Also take the inspections and maintenance into account. Collective belay could offer a lot of advantages regarding staff costs, turnover and eventually your successful exploitation. Also, the net adventures can offer families a unique, active and fun experience.

Would you like more information on the safety of ropes courses, treetop adventures and net adventures? Look at all our adventures.

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