University of Michigan Recreational Sports Adventure Education Center High Ropes Course

University of Michigan Recreational Sports Adventure Education Center High Ropes Course

Unique campus amenities help universities attract and develop students and contribute to the greater community. The University of Michigan (UM) in Ann Arbor offers an Adventure Leadership program at their Adventure Education Center at Radrick Property. This 150-acre site gives students and community groups the chance to tackle physical challenges rooted in strategy and collaboration. Among its features, the high ropes course was upgraded to expand the course and welcome participants of all abilities. Wade Trim provided site development, design, performance specifications, permitting, and bid/construction services for the project.

Working with UM’s Environment, Health, and Safety Department, we completed a survey and determined the necessary permitting and environmental protections related to tree trimming, site drainage and grading, and foundations. Located within the Fleming Creek Floodplain, we designed a balanced cut/fill for the site to meet Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy requirements. An accessible limestone pedestrian pathway, extending from the Center’s main building to the new high ropes course, was designed with swales and subsurface drainage that winds along a border of woods and over a hilly lawn. We also prepared a unique performance specification for design of the ropes course, which incorporated all state and national safety guidelines, following industry standards, and the latest Association for Challenge Course Technology standards for demolition, design, and construction. The performance specifications included options such as an accessible lifting device for differently abled participants, a group platform for photo opportunities, stand-alone challenges for optional course exits (such as a zip line), and a creative layout embodying the shape of the iconic Michigan block “M.”

Our team also assisted with project bidding, contractor and ropes course design vendor selections, project award, and construction oversight. During construction, field staff fostered close communication and prompt changes needed to tackle difficult groundwater conditions and other weather-related delays, without delaying installation of the course elements. University staff and clients are enjoying the experiences the new high ropes course and accessible path bring to the Adventure Education Center.

Industrial/Commercial

Client
University of Michigan
Location
Ann Arbor, MI
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