Trampoline park takes next leap

Trampoline park takes next leap

Sky Zone Kalamazoo is a trampoline center in Portage that features several types of trampoline-based athletic spaces. Photo via fb.com

An international franchise of trampoline centers is expanding in the region.

Franchisees

Sky Zone, which features several athletic courts made entirely of trampolines, is preparing to open Sky Zone Kalamazoo in Portage on Nov. 16, at 5103 Portage Rd.

The location will also host a grand-opening celebration on Nov. 22.

Sky Zone, which is based in Los Angeles, opened its first West Michigan location, Sky Zone Grand Rapids, in Kentwood in 2012.

The West Michigan locations are owned by franchisees Brent and Suzanna Breems, said Ryan Beckett, who will serve as the operations and building service manager for Sky Zone Kalamazoo.

The success of Sky Zone Grand Rapids meant it was only a matter of time before Sky Zone found its way into the Kalamazoo area, Beckett said.

“We looked at our population numbers and that is where Sky Zone recommended us to go next,” Beckett said. “We were considering Lansing next, but that didn’t pan out. This location is right by the highway, and it’s easy access.”

Sky Zone Kalamazoo

Sky Zone Kalamazoo is about 25,000 square feet and has hired about 75 employees to work at the center.

AVB Construction in Portage worked on the building.

Sky Zone Kalamazoo features a range of custom athletic spaces: two trampoline dodge ball courts; a three-lane foam pit; three trampoline basketball hoops; and a main court made from a 38-trampoline floor, with about 14 wall trampolines.

The new franchise will host trampoline dodge ball leagues and eventually offer many of Sky Zone Grand Rapids’ exercise programs, including SkyFitness, SkyDance and SkyStrength.

Beckett added that the facility, which also hosts birthday and corporate parties, is also considering starting a trampoline dunk contest and trampoline volleyball league, but Sky Zone Grand Rapids will experiment with volleyball first.

In Michigan

Sky Zone also serves Michigan locations in Canton, Shelby Township and Taylor and plans to open a location in Novi.