THUNDER BAY -– If it were up to Merritt Morine, she would spend every day at the city’s new trampoline park.
The 11-year-old aspiring cheerleader has paid a visit to the Aerosports Trampoline Park in the SportsDome four times since it opened last weekend, having a blast each time while honing her high-flying skills.
“I would be here every day if I could,” Merritt said. “It’s so much fun.”
Merritt was one of many kids of all ages bouncing on the trampolines early Saturday afternoon.
Her mother, Laura Morine, has taken the family to other trampoline parks across the country and says Thunder Bay’s is top notch.
A day bouncing, jumping and flipping around is a great way to get kids away from the screens and having some fun while getting some exercise.
“We’ve been excited to have this,” Morine said. “It’s a great environment for the kids…I have no concerns. It’s a pretty safe environment and they have a great staff trained walking around to make sure everything is under control.”
General manager Dustin Wilson estimates the new attraction has drawn at least a few hundred jumpers every day since officially opening last Sunday.
The park features a foam pit that allows jumpers to perform flips and another manoeuvers while having video screens so they can watch their stunts. There is also a large trampoline with different sections in the middle of the park for general jumping as well as two trampoline dodge ball courts.
Wilson says the park is friendly for all ages and welcomes parents to bring their young children.
“If you can walk, you can jump. That’s our motto here,” Wilson said. “It’s really exciting to see how much fun they’re having.”
The highlight so far was Friday night, when there was a lineup out the door. The trampoline park is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings and Wilson says they try to create a party atmosphere.
“At night we turn the lights down and get the teenagers rocking on the trampolines. It’s kind of like an all ages dance party in here,” he said.
The park is open to members of the public to drop in at hourly rates. All jumpers must sign a waiver, which is available online, before getting on the trampolines.
Wilson says they expect to start dodge ball leagues and fitness classes in the near future.
He added the facility is hoping to become a birthday party hotspot for children.
Her mother said Merritt will definitely be back when she turns 12 next month, as the birthday party is already booked.
