0513 Beanstalk forest
The leaf walk and forest ladder are part of the new Beanstalk Forest at Red Mountain Park.
Zip-lining isn’t the only adventure awaiting guests in the treetops at Red Mountain Park now. The Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest, which opens May 1, includes 20 different obstacles and elements in the topography of the park.
“It’s a playground in the trees,” said Katie Sullivan, public relations coordinator for the park. “You go up and you stay up, and as many as 20 people can go at the same time, making it great for groups, families and events.”
Some elements will be easy, while others will be more challenging. Visitors can choose their own route through the trees, and at the end, there’s a zip-line to get down.
Guests will be able to move freely from element to element, swapping their own harness. Safety isn’t an issue, Sullivan said. Each harness has two guide clips that are a part of a new mechanism, the lobster claw. The claw is designed for only one clip to be open at a time.
“You’re never not secure,” Sullivan said. “There’s no forgetting to clip in or clip out because the lobster claw won’t let you move. One is always clipped in.”
Guides will still be present for emergency situations but will mainly help guests get through obstacles and add encouragement, Sullivan said.
For more or to make reservations, visit redmountainpark.org or call 202-6043.
