The Treehouse Adventure Centre is jumping into a new era by re-branding as Flip Out, creating an all-ages trampoline play centre.
The inflatables and pedal cars will be replaced by the new development, however the playground and rock climbing activities will remain.
More than 40 trampolines will be divided into three arenas for junior, parkour and main activities, while there will also be a ‘secret’ that is yet to be unveiled.
The facility has been in its current Penola Road location for three years, having previously relocated from Herriot Street in the heart of the city.
Treehouse Adventure Centre owner David Walker said the plan was always to have space to potentially expand.
“We always wanted to put trampolines in, but it has just been one of those things with COVID and everything we have not been able to because of the cost of it,” he said.
“We started making enquires early last year and we spoke to different places like Bounce, Latitude, Flip Out and in the end Flip Out was the one that was the most interested in coming to a regional area.
“We wanted to do it on our own without a group but unfortunately insurance will not insure (the addition) because it is high risk.
“Flip Out was open to the idea of having a regional location, so we will probably be the first regional spot they have done.”
Mr Walker said the centre would be ‘fun for the whole family’.
“The whole plan was to include everyone and to be a facility that can cater for everybody,” he said.
“It will cater from the juniors right through to adults and we were always about trying to get the adults to be included.
“It’s a big project because it’s all cut and built on site, so we are hoping (it is finished by) early May.”
Mr Walker said the project was investing money back into the local community.
“One big thing is the contractor we have got that has been all around the world building these trampolines – all the products he uses like steel, timber and everything, it is all locally sourced,” he said.
“We are proud that we have been able to continue to invest in the region.
“We probably have to look for another 10-15 (staff members) so that is a good thing too for the community.”
Mr Walker commended the support of the Mount Gambier community for allowing the business to expand and bring new experiences and support the region.
“We are huge sponsors of sporting clubs and stuff so we try to do our bit for the community but none of it is possible without the support of them and the support of our families and our staff; they have all been amazing.
“Thankfully we have been able to keep the playground open, so we have had a lot of support from the community about that.
“If they can just support and ride through this next six weeks with us, there will be something really big for the community and I think they will be extremely pleased with what they see.
“We are taking huge risks this year and we are hoping the community can get behind us and support us because we are just trying to give them (something to do).”
