Stir-crazy kids are allowed and encouraged to bounce off the walls at a new, indoor trampoline park that opens today in North Austin.
Adults, too.
Jumpoline Park, carved out of a former Albertson's at 13801 Burnet Road near MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1), features a specially made trampoline that spans almost 10,000 square feet half the facility's size.
"Our goal is to help kids get healthier," said Jumpoline Park President and CEO John Roh. "This is so much better than spending the entire day in front of a computer."
Roh said research shows an hour on a trampoline can burn 400 to 600 calories, making the park an option for gym-weary adults, as well.
Admission is $9 for the first hour and $6 for each additional hour. Reduced "happy hour" prices should be rolled out soon on weekdays.
Hours are initially 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Jumpoline Park's other features include an area for dodgeball, party rooms and a snack bar, and arcade games should join the mix soon. An adjacent Pizza Hut restaurant will make deliveries, as well.
A second location is scheduled to open this year in a former Target store at 6405 S. Interstate 35, near William Cannon Drive.
"These are both very good spots," said real estate agent Will Davis. "There are lots of young families in both areas."
While the concept is new to Austin, a similar facility in San Antonio under different ownership, but with the same equipment helped breathe life into a shopping center vacated by a Walmart.
"That business has been a jackpot," said Jason Kim, who invented the Jumpoline. "They make a lot of money over there."
Dallas and Houston are next on Kim's list.
Kim said he has incorporated a number of safety measures into his product to reduce the risk of injuries.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that most trampoline mishaps happen at private homes, typically when people collide or land improperly.
The Jumpoline is enclosed on all sides, and springs are covered with shock-absorbing pads. Rules prohibit running and require parents to watch their children at all times.
And children ages 7 and younger use a separate, smaller Jumpoline to keep them away from teens and adults.
"It's a lot of fun seeing smiles on everyone's faces, young and old," said Sean Roh, the park's general manager.
Poster Comment:
ummm...looks like fun, but I'm thinking accidents and lawsuits waiting to happen....