Adventure Play at Jordan Creek Park is now open
By Mimi Vanderhaven
Video games will just have to take a seat in the corner this summer, because Lake Metroparks has recently unveiled the perfect outlet for kids to explore highs and lows, thrills and chills, and a dashing dose of swashbuckling feats—all in a natural setting through Adventure Play at Jordan Creek Park.
Aimed at children over seven years of age, Adventure Play serves up an engaging maze of obstacles for them to tackle, including climbing walls, a suspension bridge, a traverse wall and even a zipline.
“This project has been in the planning stages for the past two years,” says Seth Begeman, chief of outdoor education. “Unfortunately, Covid put a damper on construction plans last year. It took about four months to construct it from natural materials. Seeing so many families having the time of their lives here now makes it all worth it.”
Seth reports that one of the most popular parts of Adventure Play is the zipline, which careens kiddos down a 40-foot-long run while holding onto the cable via a hand-pulley.
“Other features within the half-acre maze include lookout towers connected by a 30-foot rope bridge and the impressive Noble Wall, named in memory of former executive director Dave Noble,” says Seth. “It stands 15 feet tall and you can traverse it with handholds and footholds, interspersed by challenging cargo netting to get across. It’s great for building agility, balance and climbing skills.”
With a backdrop of the 233-acre Jordan Creek Park, you can make a day of it, cooling off by creek walking, exploring miles of hiking trails or taking a scenic bike ride along the Greenway Corridor.
He says you can also make a visit to the Environmental Learning Center at the Park, which features interactive nature exhibits, classrooms, labs and a conservatory.
Open from sunrise to sunset, Lake Metroparks Adventure Play at Jordan Creek is sponsored by Ganley Subaru East. It’s located at 7250 Alexander Road in Concord Township. Please avoid flip-flops or open-toe shoes. Visit LakeMetroparks.com for more information.