Jumping for joy at Sky Zone

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This article was published 05/04/2016 (3583 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Things were hopping at Sky Zone Trampoline Park during spring break as many families burned off some energy while bouncing around.

“It’s a fun environment. Children get to do a physical activity in a very safe environment,” said the facility’s community outreach manager Stephanie Harris.

Harris’ two-year-old daughter Vayda and seven-year-old son Dawson were among the youngsters jumping on the dozens of trampolines within the large building at 200-400 Fort Whyte Way in the RM of Macdonald.

The Winnipeg location is one of the California company’s franchises, and opened three years ago. While being situated within an industrial park means there’s lots of parking space, Harris said it does make it tougher for some families to reach, as it lies outside the City of Winnipeg transit service.

The Winnipeg Sky Zone has an hourly capacity of 145 people and includes areas for basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, a foam pit and open areas. Staff members are stationed within each area to make sure that jumpers are following safety rules.

Harris said there’s a misconception that trampolining is dangerous, but Sky Zone’s accident rate is almost at zero.

“That’s less than the rate for golf,” she said.

The trampolines are inspected daily and everyone must sign a waiver before jumping, Harris said.

Sky Zone offers activities targeted at all ages starting with morning sessions for children under age five. An aerobics class for adults allows fitness buffs to add a vertical component to their workout that’s easy on the joints. A Saturday night for those age 16 and over was recently added from 8 to 9:30 p.m. that includes pizza, and DJ Blitz on the last Saturday of the month. A similar session for preteens is offered on Sundays.

Harris said she feels this gives local teens something to do, and parents can drop off children age 12 and up.

Typically time on the trampolines is paid for in 30-minute segments, but the specific programs are priced differently. All jumpers must buy Sky Zone socks for $3 but can keep and reuse them.

A new program designed for people with autism, ADD/DHD and other sensory disorders is being run on the third Wednesday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m.

“We turn down the lights and turn down the music,” Harris said. This offers those with sensory sensitivity to feel more comfortable.

She said the first session in March had 100 spots and was sold out. The response of parents and caregivers was very positive.

“It was amazing to see,” she said, adding that the proceeds will be donated to a suitable local charity.

Autism Society Manitoba is pleased to see that Sky Zone is recognizing the sensory needs of some children – many of whom have autism.

“By providing the opportunity to enjoy the attraction in a more controlled environment, these children are able to enjoy what many others take for granted. By offering this evening with free admission, Sky Zone has taken it one step further to help families that may already be financially burdened.  This provides an evening of fun that many families just could not manage without the sensory accommodations and the cost of admission,” an Autism Manitoba spokesperson said in an email message.

For more information on Sky Zone Trampoline Park, see www.skyzone.com/ca/winnipeg

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