Adventure Parks

StoneCreek Partners is updating its list of Recreation Adventure Parks & Resorts, a global directory.   Recreation “adventure parks” and overnight resorts is our reference for facilities that offer outdoor recreation activities under common management at a specific location.

We use the term “recreation adventure parks” and not simply “adventure parks” to  keep the definition broad and not indicative of just the ropes course venues that are often used as the examples for adventure parks.   We see a multi-faceted activity offering at the best of these places and we believe that is the future for this kind of outdoor recreation.

What these facilities can include is largely dependent upon the host facility’s acreage, natural setting, and visitor demographics.

We expect the interest in these active recreation venues to increased significantly over the long-term, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic leaves a lasting effect.   Consumers will partake to enjoy the natural social distancing and family health protection of these leisure offerings.  These same consumers will return for the camaraderie, family bonding, and easy fun of these more simple pursuits.

Proposed Recreation Adventure Park, Sheridan (Wyoming)

What is a Recreation Adventure Park?

The kinds of facilities that can be included in this definition is varied.   There are some recreation adventure parks that have been purpose-built to offer an array of these outdoor activities.   The are some facilities with overnight accommodations that offer the same kinds of activities but in a destination resort setting.   There are also some predecessor concepts such as guest (dude) ranches that are similar in operation to these outdoor recreation adventure parks.

Some of the typical activities offered at these facilities include overhead hiking trails, ropes courses, disc golf, off-road vehicle driving, zip-lines, and go-kart racing.   Other recreation activities can include horseback riding, archery and shooting ranges, obstacle challenge (running) courses, even downhill coasters.