Skywalker Develops Integrative Concept for Next Generation Climbing Parks

TILBURG, Netherlands - Nov. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- According to Outdoor & Leisure business analysts, operators of traditional outdoor parks really feel the pressure these days. Visitors and investors alike are asking for innovative solutions when it comes to commercial outdoor sports and leisure venues, including next generation of activities and innovative and exciting team building programmes.

Family Entertainment Centres (FECs)

In Leisure & Recreation industry circles, this new trend has got a name: Family Entertainment Centres (FECs). FECs aim to offer a comprehensive and exciting fun experience by bundling different activity types and programmes into one all-inclusive outdoor recreation package. The Reuselhoeve Outdoor Centre in Moergestel (NL), has been aware of this trend, and has now teamed up with Skywalker Adventure Builders, the Netherlands-based specialist company for outdoor climbing parks. “Actually, it’s been our visitors who have made the decision. They’ve had a close look at what has been available on the market so far, and they weren’t impressed. In particular since many traditionally-operated outdoor centres lack proper catering,” explains Guus Mulders, owner and operator of Reuselhoeve Park. “And we have responded by expanding our portfolio of activities, now including additional woodlands, a 45 ft tower, a new kids nature playground, an exciting new climbing park for adults, as well as extended catering facilities. All in all, a complete package for a great family day out.”

“The new facilities blend perfectly into our existing premises. Means we are able to offer first rate services and comfort – and all this in an environment that will provide visitors with a memorable all-inclusive leisure experience. Means we offer what nowadays customers want,” adds Mulders.

Active Game Fun For All Age Groups

In the current age of digital entertainment, one of Reuselhoeve Park’s key objectives is to get the younger generations interest in playing outdoors and become more physically active. In this context, Skywalker B.V. have developed an “interactive” solution that combines fun games and opportunities to play that involve but do not overemphasise physical activity. “Interactive fun is what nowadays kids are used to,” explains Ewout van Voorst, Managing Director of Skywalker B.V. “Besides, technology and gaming is an integral part of our business model. Integrating both aspects in our design concepts is, therefore, a no-brainer. Reuselhoeve is now one of the first interactive climbing parks. And I’m sure more will follow suit.” “Many kids think that if it ain’t digital it can’t be fun,” adds van Voorst. “Reuselhoeve can show them that a feeling of adventure doesn’t necessarily require a computer screen.”

Interactive Climbing Fun

The Skywalker designs for Reuselhoeve also include less formalised layouts, allowing visitors to participate in activities that leave room for more spontaneous approaches. “We not only aim to attract the widest possible target audience, we also would like to encourage visitors to think of our premises as a one big playground,” explains Mulders. “This may on one hand mean having fun completing our climbing courses, but may at the same time also include being part of a group or team tackling various other challenges across the park. The Skywalker concept of sharing course layouts between different types of activities has increased the number of games we are able to offer to visitors significantly.”

About Reuselhoeve Park:

Reuselhoeve Park (formerly known as Reusel Canoeing Centre) is a daytime and weekend recreation centre which has undergone major development and modernising over the past years. The park started out as a canoeing venue about 20 years ago, but has now developed into a thriving outdoor leisure centre, offering a wide range of fun activities to visitors across all age groups. Reuselhoeve is very popular with day-trippers, families, schools, company days out, as well as for stag and hen dos, children birthday parties, also being the chosen venue for events organised by local clubs and associations. And anyone who loves being outdoors but doesn’t fancy too much physical activity doesn’t miss out either: the catering at Reuselhoeve Park is excellent.

About Skywalker Adventure Builders (www.skywab.com):

Creating extraordinary High-Rope Adventures: Skywalker develops up-market concepts for Family Entertainment Centers (FEC) and Outdoor activity sites and manufactures ECO forest high-wire parks, high ropes courses, adventure towers, outdoor playgrounds and adventure parks. Experience, innovative design, high quality, and the safety and durability of their products earmark Skywalker as one of the leading manufacturers of adventurous leisure facilities in Europe. The unique services portfolio, combined with ERCA (European Ropes Course Association) certified training programs, enables customers to run a safe and profitable operation with a fast ROI.