API Fall 2024

VOL. 10 | NO.3 |

FALL 2024

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

The “Rising Stars” Class of 2024 (clockwise from top):

Hannah Brunck, U.S. National Whitewater Center, N.C. Samantha Robinson, Boundless Adventures, N.Y. Kelton Fick, Experiential Systems, Inc. Wes Hynes, Go Ape, Texas Samantha Dreger, The Adventure Park at Heritage Museum and Gardens, Mass. Peter Berry, Miracle Heights Adventure, Crossnore Communities for Children, N.C. Florin Ulianov, Coral Crater Adventure Park, Hawaii >> 30

Agency, Challenge, Choice, and Control How to improve guest outcomes. By Rick Kahl 48 44 Park 360: Flipping the ‘Bird into Summer Snowbird in Utah continues to refine its activity mix to meet its guests’ needs. By Peter Oliver

Time to Learn from Our Mistakes A tale of tragedy, a call for change. By Rick Kahl 35

Cover design: Joerg Dressler

3 Letter from the Editors People are Paramount 6 Park Briefs News from around the outdoor adventure industry. By The Editors 10 New Products Items designed for ease and safety. By The Editors 12  Understanding Workers’ Compensation Insurance Requirements for protecting your staff and business vary by state. By Katie Stahl 16 Search Engine Optimization What you need to know about SEO. By Stephanie Sibille

22 Park Spy

The Spy asks, “Can we wear Crocs?”

24 Turn Insights Into Action How to gather and use feedback from guests and staff, and why it’s important for the long-term success of your business. By Micah Salazar 30 Rising Stars Meet seven of the industry’s up-and- coming leaders who are already making a mark and have bright futures. By Moira McCarthy 40 Builder Profile: Sky’s The Limit Bigger, longer, faster...safer. Skyline Ziplines is in the business of building massive zip lines, as well as tech to reduce the risk of

52 Standards Development:

How to Effectively Participate How to read and comment on draft standards

and help in their development. By Mandy Stewart and Keith Jacobs

WAIT, THERE’S MORE!

human error. By Bob Curley

For the latest adventure park industry news, special online reports, digital magazine archives, and more, visit www.adventureparkinsider.com.

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITORIAL OFFICE P.O. Box 1776 • McCormick, SC 29835 Tel. 203.263.0888 Website: www.adventureparkinsider.com Publisher Olivia Rowan—olivia@adventureparkinsider.com Editor Dave Meeker—dave@adventureparkinsider.com Senior Editor Katie Brinton—katie@adventureparkinsider.com Art Director Sarah Wojcik—sarahw@adventureparkinsider.com Graphic Design Consultant Joerg Dressler—joerg@dressler-design.com Production Manager Donna Jacobs—donna@adventureparkinsider.com

ADVERTISING/MARKETING OFFICE 70 Pond Street • Natick, MA 01760 Tel. 508.655.6408 / Fax 508.655.6409 Advertising Director Sharon Walsh—sharon@adventureparkinsider.com Marketing Director Karolyn Towle—karolyn@adventureparkinsider.com Digital Partnerships Director Sarah Wojcik—sarah@adventureparkinsider.com Marketing / Social Media Manager Jordyn Bremer—jordyn@adventureparkinsider.com ADVENTURE PARK INSIDER — Vol. 10, No. 3, Fall 2024, is published, by Beardsley Publishing Corp., 70 Pond Street, Natick, MA 01760-4438. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Beardsley Publishing, P.O. Box 1776, McCormick, SC 29835. Copyright 2024 Beardsley Publishing Corp. All rights reserved.

Bob Curley Keith Jacobs Moira McCarthy Peter Oliver

Micah Salazar Stephanie Sibille Katie Stahl Mandy Stewart

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR Rick Kahl

CIRCULATION / SUBSCRIPTIONS 70 Pond Street • Natick, MA 01760 Tel. 508.655.6409 / Fax 508.655.6409 subscriptions@adventureparkinsider.com Audience Development Karolyn Towle—karolyn@adventureparkinsider.com To subscribe to Adventure Park Insider magazine, visit our website: www.adventureparkinsider.com/subscribe

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