Frequently Asked Questions
Considering an aerial adventure facility is a major decision. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions we hear from park administrators, municipal leaders, and resort developers. Don’t see your question here? Our team would be happy to walk through your specific project during a free consultation.
General
How much does it cost to build an aerial adventure facility?
Most aerial adventure facilities range from $500,000 to $2 million, depending on the type (obstacle courses, ziplines, Treewalks, etc.), site complexity, and custom features. Apex provides detailed cost estimates during the design phase to align with your financial and community goals.
How long does it take from concept to opening day?
The full project timeline typically takes 6–12 months:
- Training & Opening Support: ~1 month
- Concept & Feasibility: 1–2 months
- Design & Engineering: 2–4 months
- Permitting & Approvals: 3–6 months
- Construction & Installation: 2–4 months
Who typically funds these projects?
Project funding is usually led by the park or resort partner. Apex helps structure models that align with financial sustainability and community impact, often supporting grant applications and external funding cases.
Design & Build
Does Apex actually build the courses, or just design them?
Apex does both. We are one of the only U.S.-based firms that design, manage, and physically build adventure facilities with our in-house construction team. This ensures quality, efficiency, and seamless alignment between design and execution.
What safety standards do you follow?
All designs and builds are fully compliant with ACCT standards (Association for Challenge Course Technology). We also integrate Go Ape USA’s proven operational protocols, which have been refined across 16+ active courses nationwide.
Can you customize designs for my location?
Yes. Every project is site-specific and can be customized. They can also include custom elements such as themed treehouses, educational play features, or nighttime lighting for seasonal events.
Operations & ROI
What kind of ROI can we expect?
Adventure facilities typically deliver strong ROI through guest admissions, group bookings, and community engagement. Apex courses are designed to maximize throughput (100–200 guests/hour) while keeping staffing models efficient.
Do you provide operational support after installation?
Yes. Apex offers multiple options:
Full turnkey operations under Go Ape licensing, where we handle everything from staffing to marketing
Consulting services and training to optimize your in-house operations
Annual training, inspections, and maintenance
Can these facilities attract group sales and events?
Absolutely. Our courses are designed with group capacity in mind, ideal for schools, corporate team building, youth camps, birthday parties, and special events. Group sales are often a key driver of weekday revenue.
Community & Economic Impact
How do these facilities benefit local communities?
Beyond direct revenue, adventure facilities:
- Encourage outdoor activity, wellness, and resilience for all ages
- Strengthen local economies by boosting tourism and real-estate performance
- Improve quality of life and community engagement
- Support grant opportunities and park funding cases