Tulare city officials are considering a new 100-acre adventure park as part of efforts to boost local tourism and create jobs. The proposal, introduced by City Manager Marc Mondell at a recent City Council study session, seeks to leverage Tulare’s central location along Highway 99 to attract visitors, sports teams, and Valley residents.
“We want to take advantage of the opportunity to offer a unique experience here in Tulare that could benefit economic development in the community,” Mondell said.
The proposed project aims to expand on existing entertainment options in the region, such as Visalia’s Adventure Park. That 7-acre facility was recently acquired by Lucky Strike Entertainment, which operates hundreds of locations nationwide including the Boomers chain on California’s Central Coast.
The concept for Tulare is larger in scale, with plans for an indoor adventure park suitable for hot weather and an outdoor area featuring water attractions. City leaders are also exploring the possibility of attracting a retail or entertainment anchor tenant like Bass Pro Shops or Dave & Buster’s.
Mondell has brought in Applied Adventures as a consultant. The company runs eight adventure parks, including Quarry Park in Rocklin—a city-owned venue developed from an old quarry that now draws up to 50,000 annual visitors with climbing areas, parkland, retail spaces and restaurants.
Applied Adventures may be involved in designing or operating the Tulare complex but other private developers could also participate. The city plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) soon; council approval is expected on October 21. The proposed site is near the International Agri-Center grounds where construction of a new freeway interchange is nearing completion.
Additionally, city officials are working on improvements at Elk Bayou nature area on Tulare’s south side. Possible additions include kayaking facilities, zip lines and ropes courses aimed at increasing both visitor numbers and recreational opportunities for locals.
Adventure parks have become increasingly common throughout the San Joaquin Valley. In Hanford, Urban Air Adventure Park operates as part of a national chain with more than 350 locations.
