Sports Arena continues development
CALN >> The Chester County Sports Arena is raising the bar on adventure activities for youngsters this spring with the addition of a new 40 foot ropes climbing complex located behind its enclosed sports rink on Lincoln Highway.
Owners Jamie Di-Domenico and Mike Jacobs are working to make their business the number one sports and child care facility in the region. Over the past few years, they have added a swimming pool, mini golf, kick ball and gaga ball pit. This is in addition to the structural improvements they took on including a new roof, new HVAC and electric systems, a new floor surface, a multi-sports enclosure, new bathrooms and lounge areas, and new lighting and siding to the former Caln Roller Rink.
The center sits on 26 acres and includes trails and fishing, but the biggest addition has been the high ropes structure which was completed late last summer.
“Kids love it,” said co-owner Michael Jacobs. “We have 6-year-olds who have no fear and want to go right to the top.”
The partners have been working on the structure for a number of years. It was engineered to withstand high winds and the weather and is approved by the state. A double harness ensures that users can’t unlatch while on the structure. One cable on the harness is always secured to the safety system.
“The kids get training before they are allowed on it,” said Jacobs. “What makes it great is they get to choose which way they want to go. There are three levels and they can choose their own adventure.”
Challenges include walking across a rope bridge, crawling through rings or pulling yourself across in a barrel. Counselors are on the course with the children to help them.
“My favorite is the telephone poles,” said Shane Patarcity, 10, of Downingtown of one of the obstacles. “I like the wind. If you fall the ropes catch you. I’m not afraid of heights.”
“It’s too scary, I’m not looking down,” said Declan Posner, 5, as he hesitated negotiating the rope walk.
“You can do it, grab on,” said counselor Ben Fastman, followed quickly by, “There you go!” as Posner conquered the obstacle.
“They love it,” said counselor and Lincoln University student, Shane DeShields. “I had a girl who refused at first, now she goes up there all the time.”
“I was pretty surprised how comfortable some of them are,” said Fastman.
“It cost $200,000 and engineers had to make sure it could withstand weather and high winds,” Jacobs said. “It can hold 40 climbers at a time, but we are limiting it to 20.”
“It’s good for all ages; it’s part of our camp program and is open weekends for the public. Penn Fusion soccer club uses it as a bonding experience and loved it.”
Jacobs said the climbing structure is part of the after school and summer camp programs, which are the company’s main thrust. The state licensed facility offers a bus which picks students up from local schools and brings them to the center. Costs for the service is $230 a month and includes early dismissal and snow day pick up.
“The first thing we do is help them with homework and give them a snack, then they do an activity — mini golf, gaga ball or the venture course. Roller skating is the most popular,” Jacobs said. “At a lot of after school programs, the kids are stuck in the same building; here they have something different.”
With summer only weeks away, the arena is geared up for camp. Children between the ages of 4 and 13 are eligible. Cost is $280 a week and is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The ropes venture course and mini golf are open every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. and for parties. The cost is $20 for the venture course, $8 for mini golf or $25 combo.