Last Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, the long-awaited TreeUmph! opened its doors, well ropes in Brooksville. The TreeUmph! Adventure Course first opened in Bradenton in 2013, and has seen great success.
Before the grand opening, TreeUmph! hosted a special preview event for government officials, media and members of the local business community. The Rising Sun Bistro and Market provided an assortment of light fare to satisfy and replenish the energy of attendees who took on the TreeUmph! challenge. A Weeki Wachee mermaid even came by to show off her zip-line skills.
“We think it’s perfect that Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Florida’s oldest roadside attraction, is helping welcome Florida’s newest attraction to the area,” said co-owner Alex Scholten.
“What I love about this course is the integration of our obstacles in the huge trees and jungle-like setting of The Adventure Coast. This place is absolutely amazing. Everyday when we step foot on the property we are overwhelmed with just how beautiful and unique it is,” said co-owner Aaron Coor.
Director of Operations Jason Pitsas answered questions about the construction of the course, explaining that its platforms, ropes and bridges between trees was done with conservation in mind. “We try never to drill into the trees … a lot of it’s done with compression,” he said. Pitsas mentioned that many of the people involved in the construction are arborist students and those having experience with the National Forest Service.
It was Pitsas who led the preview group on a walking tour of a portion the 40-acre grounds. The course features 5 courses of 130 obstacles and zip-lines, with points such as “Summit” and “Leap of Faith.” Completion of the adult course is expected to take 2-5 hours.
There are walking trails and observation areas for those who wish to keep their feet on the ground. For the little ones, there is a 30-obstacle “Little Ninja” course geared toward kids ages 5-8.
Park Manager Andrew Wahlin said the course requirements are based on height and reach requirements as well as age. Kids 9-12 can experience higher elevations in the first three courses, and anyone 12 and up can complete the entire course.
Wahlin, who moved from Bradenton hopes to see a group of “regulars” form locally, engaging in the same camaraderie he enjoyed at the southern Treeumph! park.
Before hitting the trail, TreeUmph! participants undergo a training session, which involves a safety video, and instruction from guides, with special focus on the safety harness each adventurer wears. Guides are at the ready throughout the course for assistance, and the occasional encouraging words.
TreeUmph! is projected to bring approximately $3.8 million in local economic impact and create up to 30 full- and part-time jobs in its first year. The owners have been working closely with Hernando County Economic Development and the tourism development bureau to make the Treetop Park a favorite destination for adventurous tourists and locals alike.
When planning your adventure, you can choose a time in advance and purchase tickets online at: https://www.treeumph.com/book-now-brooksville/
The course is located at 6440 Cedar Lane, Brooksville 34601. For more information, call (941) 322-2130.
Little Ninja Course:
1 hr Adventure ($12.95)
2 hr Adventure ($17.95).
Junior /
Regular Course:
Adult Ticket $54.95
Junior Ticket $36.95
FL College Ticket $35.95
Senior Ticket $42.95