Renae Baker (left) and Stephen Thompson are set to open NewZealand's first Flip Out Trampoline Arena on Ti St. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Renae Baker (left) and Stephen Thompson are set to open NewZealand's first Flip Out Trampoline Arena on Ti St. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Everyone will be able to 'flip out'
Rotorua residents will be literally bouncing off the walls when the country's first Flip Out Trampoline Arena opens in the city.
It's been a busy nine months for Rotorua couple Renae Baker and Stephen Thompson who both recently left their full-time jobs to concentrate on their new business, Flip Out Rotorua, which they hope to have open on Ti St by the end of November.
It follows news another trampoline park, Dialled Indoor Tramp Parks, will open next year as part of the new Lynmore Junction development.
Flip Out Rotorua will feature a main adult arena, under-8 "lil flippers tramps", a large foam pit, two wall runners and two jump basketball hoops. There will also be three party rooms for hire, a cafe and a viewing platform.
Flip Out is an Australia-based franchise with about 35 arenas world-wide.
The couple said once they were up and running, they would introduce special rates for "mums 'n bubs" sessions and start "lil ninja" and adult agility classes, with slam dunk and dodgeball competitions. They hope to employ at least 15 staff at the 1000sq/m site.
TRAMPOLINE ARENA: Flip Out is an Australian-based franchise with 35 arenas worldwide. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
"We come across the idea after hearing about it from friends who were holidaying in Sydney and they said the best part about their holiday was Flip Out Trampoline Arena in Penrith," Ms Baker said. "Out of curiosity we went to a similar park in Auckland and, sure enough, the kids' smiles and laughter pretty much said it all.
"We thought 'wow', Rotorua could do with one of these."
Flip Out New Zealand franchisor Adam Hetherington said the company was excited to have Rotorua as the location for New Zealand's first Flip Out franchise.
"The city is known for adventure and excitement and Flip Out will contribute to that.
"We are fortunate to have sold the franchise to a local couple who have a strong passion for the business, the people and the area."
The couple said they were well aware of Dialled Indoor Tramp Parks but felt there would be room for two trampoline attractions in Rotorua.
"But we are really just focusing on what we are doing. We have a really great product with fantastic back-up from the team at Flip Out," Ms Baker said. "We are just making sure we will do a first-class job," Mr Thompson said. "It's family-orientated, the motels are close by and we're on a bus route. The excitment we have already generated is awesome and we think the people of Rotorua will love it."
The couple created a Facebook page for the business and already have more than 2200 "likes".
"We are overwhelmed by everyone's support and encouragement. We also have a talented local mural artist Shannon Wright, who has some tricks up his sleeve to make the arena unique to our local heritage and attractions," Ms Baker said.-Check them out on Facebook at Flip Out Rotorua.
Flip Out Rotorua
- Opening planned for the end of November
- Features a main adult arena, under-8 "lil flippers tramps", a large foam pit, two wall runners and two jump basketball hoops
