Levitate Adventure Park offers therapeutic fit for family, activities for all.
The family-owned, 24,000-square-foot facility is a giant fun machine that offers an assortment of patented SHOCK built trampolines, a full café and food court, the largest arcade in Flagstaff and an area for hosting parties and events. The fun includes dunk-hoop basketball, a zipline, an inflatable jump house for ages 6 and under, a dodgeball court and more.
“Levitate is an answer to prayers for our community,” said Cecilia Limones, a Flagstaff mom. “We now have an awesome place to take our littles so they can burn off energy. The food is great and the arcade adds for more fun. Adding the membership feature is perfect for our family, especially since my boys can’t seem to get enough.”
Levitate Adventure Park owners John and Joy Dillon believe it is an answer to their prayers as well. Their daughter, Jessica, has a very rare genetic disorder called COACH Syndrome, which affects her balance, coordination, motor skills and movement.
In their quest for therapy, the Dillons determined a trampoline would be beneficial to help with balance and coordination. After visiting several trampoline parks and doing extensive research, they found it was a great solution and decided to open Levitate Adventure Park.
“There was an eight-month delay due to Jessica’s health,” said John. “She was finally going to receive a life-saving organ transplant in Phoenix, [which] put the entire project on hold.”
“Jessica was born on Valentine’s Day, and she is so sweet. We decided that she would fill the position of Chief Happiness Officer (CHO),” said Joy. “She is in charge of sharing happiness here at Levitate Adventure Park and her job is to hand out t-shirts, wristbands as well as her business card that offers one free hour of jumping. We do not refer to Jessica as handicapped but [say she has] ‘special features.’”
Bubbly and charming, with a warm smile, Jessica loves her job. “I love playing and interacting with the kids and our employees are really great,” she said. “It’s so fun coming to work every day. Most of all, I love making people happy.”
Jessica has her own executive office where she can take breaks and refuel throughout the day.
Next to the glitzy arcade is a food court that features pizza and several flavors of Thrifty Old Time Ice Cream. “Our pizza is legit and getting great reviews,” said John. “One weekend we made about 200 pizzas, most of which were for birthday parties that were held here.”
Other meal items include chicken tenders, mini corn dogs, mac n’ cheese bites, fries, nachos and more.
April Williamson, a Levitate Adventure Park party manager, says that her job doesn’t seem like work. “John and Joy are wonderful and Jessica makes me laugh, gives me hugs and she’s so fun to hang out with. We really have a good time. We call ourselves the ‘funky bunch.’ I’ve lived in Flagstaff my whole life and when it gets cold outside there’s nothing to do, so this will be a great asset to the community.”
While there is something for all ages, during “Lil’ Levitator Time,” 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the entire park is dedicated to children 6 years old and under. “The littles can jump for $14 and their parents can jump for free,” said Joy. “We are also planning to have adult classes such as Zumba, high fitness and aerial silk classes.”
Mariposa Healing with Faith Founder and Clinical Supervisor Nevitta Mason, LPC, says that trampoline jumping can help alleviate stress for adults and children. “Creating an atmosphere of fun and laughter releases feel-good hormones like endorphins, which can help combat depression and anxiety. In addition, trampoline play and/or workouts can help with sensory regulation because it provides us with proprioceptive (skin muscles and joints) and vestibular (head movement) input for our brains and body.”
Additionally, “our high-performance trick trampoline and professional airbags are a great way for snowboarders to come and safely try out their snowboard tricks,” said Joy. “We’re especially proud to bring this entirely new family-focused business to Northern Arizona. We’re really grateful for the amazing reception and kindness we’ve received.”
Along with providing more activities in the Northland, Levitate Adventure Park has created 45 new jobs.
The Dillons also co-own Timberline Short Nine Golf and Events. Joy serves as general manager of Levitate Adventure Park and John is executive director of the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association (GCROA). FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
To find out more about Levitate Adventure Park or for party and event reservations, visit www.levitate.fun or call 928-900-JUMP (5867).
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney: John and Joy Dillon with inspiration from their daughter, Jessica, opened Levitate Adventure Park this fall after seeking activities that promote balance, coordination and fun.