On December 9, at 8 a.m., a new adventure park will open on sleepy Cedar Lane in Brooksville. This heavily forested area of the Nature Coast was impacted by Hurricane Irma, and the TreeUmph! Adventure Park’s original opening had to pushed back to Saturday because of the storm’s wrath.

“We had so much help from our family, friends and community to make this happen, it has been inspiring,” said Kathy Corr, one of the park’s owners, on December 6, when members of the media and several community members were allowed to christen what is sure to become one of the best-loved family activities and community partners in the area.

Mermaid Ziplines through the Trees

A historic event occurred that day, with a live mermaid flying through the park on its 450-foot Triumph Zip Line. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Mermaid Kelley bravely demonstrated how much fun conquering fear can be!

Watch a mermaid fly through the trees below and share with your friends. Who’d a thunk?

Elevated Obstacle Course for Amateurs

The experience of conquering obstacles in the trees is challenging and uplifting at the same time. While on Course 1 (the Beginner Course), adventurers meet ladders to climb up twenty feet (or so) to a platform and then work their way across aerial bridges to the next platform attached to a husky tree. The obstacles are above the ground with no net underneath! Along the course, there were many more obstacles, increasing in difficulty, and then letting off challenge, with a zip line thrown in for sheer enjoyment now and again.

Obstacle Course 1 was a great way to try this new adventure sport.

The view from the course platforms was magical to experience. Many trees on this property are several feet in girth and the energy of the environment is both timeless and present.

After completing Course 1, several visitors continued on to the next course which increases in difficulty and height. Others chose to visit the Triumph Zipline to complete their day.

On the fourth or fifth course is the “Leap of Faith.” It is in the 40-50 foot off the ground range. Here is a member of the TreeUmph! team demonstrating how much fun this is.

What about Safety?

The safety level helped many overcome their fear of trying obstacle courses, including the writer. We began our adventure with personal attention from one of the enthusiastic team members that make up TreeUmph!’s staff. Jessica assisted me with choosing my harness, stepping into it, pulling it up and over my shoulders and then fitting it to my size and shape. She was polite and educating.

After I was fit in the harness, we went into a smaller open-air room to watch a short safety video and practiced calling for help in case anyone got stuck on the course or had their fear demand they stop now.

We walked to the Demo Area, where we learned to use our state-of-the-art CLiC-iT® smart belay technology, which prevents guests from unhooking from the course safety cables. While it took a bit to get used to clicking into each part of the course, it was well worth it to know that the worst drop I could experience was from the cable to my harness.

We also learned how each zip line was marked and how to hook up safely to the zip lines and ride them without turning too much.

Each member of our party was able to try out the harness, CLiC-iT®s, and receive individual instruction should they need it.

We were accompanied to Obstacle Course 1 by our Demo trainer and taught to hook into the safety ropes for harnessing to go up to platforms and exit them.

The rules of only one person on an obstacle or zip line at a time and only 3 persons on a platform at a time were reiterated to us.

TreeUmph! Offers a Lot

A 40-acre park with over 130 tree-top obstacles and zip lines, the Brooksville park offers plenty of fun for family members age 7 and up. Those who choose to stay on the ground can watch the adventures from walking trails and observation areas. The environment is magical.

For adventurers in the 5- to 8-year age range, the “Little Ninja” course was developed. This unique course offers 30 ground-based obstacles that tests the ninja skills of younger adventurers. With adult supervision, children can explore and grow their confidence on-site.

“What I love about this new park is the integration of our obstacles in the huge trees and jungle-like setting of the adventure coast. This place is absolutely amazing. Every day when we step foot on the property we are overwhelmed with just how beautiful and unique it is,” said Aaron Corr, co-owner of TreeUmph! Adventure Course.

How Did an Adventure Park end up on Cedar Lane?

Several years ago, members of Hernando County Government became aware of TreeUmph!’s original park in Bradenton. A field trip of sorts was scheduled and members from tourism, business development and the Hernando County commission visited the original location.

After meeting with the Corr’s and negotiations, an agreement was made, whereby the County would retain ownership of the land and TreeUmph! would build the improvements to make such an amenity available to residents and visitors.

The Grand Opening

After nearly 3 years, TreeUmph! Brooksville’s grand opening will be Saturday, December 9. Guests attending will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for annual passes as well as other exclusive discounts and prizes.

These include a ticket giveaway for December 9, available for entry on TreeUmph!’s Facebook and Instagram profiles: @TreeUmphBrooksville or @TreeUmph_Brooksville; free, limited-edition grand opening t-shirts for the first 50 guests who book for December 9 at http://www.TreeUmph.com/Brooksville;  20% off all tickets for grand opening on December 9 with promo code NOWOPEN (valid online at http://www.TreeUmph.com/Brooksville; and discounted annual and platinum passes available for purchase at the park.

What does the Future Hold?

This exciting, new Adventure park is projected to bring approximately $3.8 million in local economic impact to Brooksville, and create up to 30 full- and part-time jobs in its first year!

TreeUmph! has worked closely with Hernando County Economic Development and the Tourism Development Bureau to make this treetop park a favorite destination for adventurous visitors and residents alike.

Feelings I Experienced

First, let me state that I am a rebuilt human being. That said, I am more cautious than I used to be. I have been afraid to try ziplining… and other obstacles in the sky. My friend, Carole Knudson, modeled my feelings before I got started.

The Jessica took the time to go over all the safety equipment with me and I was still apprehensive, but calmer.

Then I went through the Safety Video and training.

This is how I felt when doing the Triumph Zip Line.

And while the video isn’t too good, you can enjoy the sound of zip lining by watching this video of my Triumph Zip.

Now get out there and have a blast: TreeUmph! Brooksville, 6445 Cedar Lane, Brooksville, FL  34601. Tel: 941-322-2130.