Geauga Park District sets dates for high ropes course

For those feeling excited and maybe a little nervous to climb 32 feet and walk the Wobbly XOXO or Tarzan Stump Traverse, Geauga Park District has good news — it’s almost time to get back out there.

This year’s season for Claridon Woodlands’ high ropes course opens May 24, with weekly hours Fridays through Mondays, according to a news release. Up to eight people can go up at once for adventures starting at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. through season’s end on Sept. 7.

New this year, people can reserve a time slot ahead of time and walk up worry-free. Reservations are not required, but highly encouraged, the release stated.

Unfilled time slots will then be filled by walk-ups first come, first served. Reservations open April 20 for May 24 through July 20, then June 1 for July 20 through Sept. 7. To make your reservation, visit www. geaugaparkdistrict.org or head over to the ropes course during normal business hours.

Also new year this year, private groups can make reservations for up to 10 people on Thursdays beginning May 28. Two-hour group sessions cost $100 per time slot for Geauga County residents and $250 per time slot for out-of-county reservations.

The group session will include one or two ground team group activities, followed by time on the high ropes and, unlike regular public climbs, multiple trips on the zipline within the time frame. High ropes challenge activities may also be included.

Group adventures start at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

As for kayaks and canoes at Headwaters Park, boat borrowing begins this season on May 31, with weekly hours Thursdays through Mondays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the release stated.

As in years past, this amenity is still exclusively first come, first served, and allows for self-guided floats of up to two hours. Each day’s last boats go out at 5 p.m. through season’s end on Sept. 21.

Both ropes and boats are free to Geauga County residents. Out-of-county charges vary depending on activity: $20 for ropes, $3 to $8 for floats depending on the type of boat borrowed.