Ropes Course Debuts At MOSI In July

Next month, visitors of the will be able to experience an adrenaline rush at the new "Sky Trail" ropes course.

The course will offer a way for visitors to conquer their fear of heights and participate in physical activity while learning communication and team building skills.

According to Adrienne Drew, MOSI’s media relations specialist, Sky Trail is a unique exhibit.

“Ropes courses offer a lot more than just physical benefits,” Drew said. “There’s also the added mental benefit as well because you really have to concentrate on what you are doing out on the course.”

The Sky Trail ropes course consists of 36 high and low elements on a multi-level structure. Participants can work anywhere from 12 to 36 feet above ground while learning decision-making and problem solving skills. According to Drew, courses are designed like this so anyone at any level can enjoy them.

“Some people might be afraid of heights and they might want to stay on the lower elements,” Drew said. “But when they go through the other elements, they gain a higher level of confidence.”

The course is designed for all ages and will be located in a covered outdoor play area. According to a museum press release, this is one of many future steps to enhance the museums outdoor play area. The course was built by Ropes Courses Inc., and according to Drew, will arrive sometime this week or early next week.

“We are waiting on the course to be delivered to us, and then a local contractor will assist us in setting it up,” she said.

MOSI’s Sky Trail ropes course differs from others in the area because it does not require a minimum amount of people in order to participate. Most locations offer their courses to larger groups of people like school groups or birthday parties, but MOSI’s course is open to individuals or groups of any size.

“People who are visiting MOSI on a daily basis (individuals, families or both) can enjoy the team building exercises the course offers,” said Drew. “The Sky Trail course is individualized, and someone can even come participate by themselves if they want to.”

The course will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. There are also extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 8 p.m. Closed-toe shoes are required in order to participate.