What is a Ropes Course? A ropes challenge course presents a unique experience where individuals and groups come together to create more effective teams. Group communication and cooperation typically show lasting results with a shared positive experience as well as personal enrichment.  Participants have a safe, supportive atmosphere to explore their personal potential and capabilities. Groups can learn the value of encouragement and working together through team building experiences. Our Facility high ropes challenge course low ropes challenge course rappelling and climbing tower Environmental Education Group Camping		Some of the High Ropes Challenge Course Elements, including Giant's Ladder, Pamper Plank, Balance Beam, and Cargo Net (click for larger image)

 

Why Our Program?

Iredell County has operated a ropes challenge course since 1984, when ropes challenge course programming was just in the beginning stages. In 1997, we developed our current facility on approximately 45 beautiful acres of mature hardwood forest in Mooresville, NC.

The Outdoor Education Center has an extensive variety of low course elements, two high courses featuring 2 zip lines, one 400' and another 500'. Our facilitators are trained and experienced professionals, who are passionate about the groups we serve and the programs we provide. Through a needs assessment each program can be custom designed to meet the goals and objectives of the clients, with focus on quality and safety. Iredell County Parks & Recreation is an institutional member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology, following standards for installation, inspection, and operations.

 

For additional adventure programming, try our 50' Rappelling/Climbing Tower!  Our 4-sided structure provides challenges for the beginner as well as the advanced, with multiple levels of climbs. The tower allows rappelling and climbing with 1 face rappel, 1 free rappel, and 6 different levels of climbs! Again, our programs are tailored to meet the goals of the group. Programs can differ in length and content from 1/2 day to full day, from bouldering instruction to belay teaching.

Camping Area (click for larger image)

Nestled in the 45-acre Outdoor Education Center, is a small primitive camping area, which accommodates approximately 24 people. This was primarily developed for use by organized groups, with the help of several Eagle Scouts from different BSA troops in Iredell County. Five 3-sided Adirondack Shelters, a picnic pavilion and fire ring are available for use. Water and a bathhouse with toilets and hot showers are available to campers. For reservations (which are required) or more information contact Michelle Hepler with Iredell County Parks and Recreation at 704-878-3103.

Explore and learn about your environment! A wide variety of educational programs are available upon request. Program length and content can be custom designed to include water quality, identification classes (trees, birds, scat, and tracks), and habitat adaptations.

Printable Pricing Information

Environmental Education Programs
Price List
(rates are per person)

Program type/length	Full Instruction Group Size minimum 15
2 hour program	$3.00
4 hour program	$5.00
Full day, 8 hour program	$10.00

 

Program type/length	With Wild Education Site Instructors in group Group size minimum 15
2 hour program	$1.50
4 hour program	$3.00
Full day, 8 hour program	$6.00

Payment is due before the start of the program or may be billed with approval of the Program Director.
New or delinquent groups may be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to book a program.
Minimum number of participants per group is 15.  Maximum group size is 75 participants.

Cancellation Policy

All groups are scheduled for Outdoor Education Programs by a written contract with the Iredell County Recreation Department. Information contained within this contract identifies all program details and requirements.

This contract is our guide and is designed to help us deliver the best possible experience. Any changes within the contract must have prior approval of the Course Director.  Breach of contract and/or non-compliance with standards will result in a cancellation.  Groups will receive no refund of deposits and the organization will be billed for the minimum group size.

Cancellations must be received at least two weeks in advance of your scheduled program, otherwise the organization will be charged for the minimum number of participants.  If the forecast is calling for light rain or possible showers, we usually go with the scheduled day.  In case of pouring rain, storms, dangerous traveling conditions, temperatures below 32o or above 96o all day for outdoor activities, the program can be rescheduled.  Sometimes decisions cannot be made until the night before or the morning of the program.  In this case, the course director will discuss what to do with the group contact person. It is then the group contact persons’ responsibility to call all of their participants.

 

Group & Pricing Information

• Printable Pricing Information
• OEC Brochure

The Basics

• Reservations required to book a program
• Minimum group size of 10 or program cost must cover 10 participants
• We offer custom programs to youth, adults, non-profit & professional groups
• Fees are based on group type, program length, and content
• We operate 12 months a year, 7 days a week, excluding Holidays
• Half day, Full day, and 2 day programs available
• Advanced notice required to book a course

NOTES:

• Cost does not include meals, however meals can be provided at an additional cost.
• Specialty programs may be coordinated at a different rate, based on program type, length, and content
• Payment is due before the start of the program or may be invoiced with approval of the Program Director.
• A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 or approved purchase order will be required to reserve for program reservation.
• Maximum group size varies on program type and content. Information and group size will be communicated and determined in program contract

Ropes Challenge Course and Climbing/Rappelling Tower

Cancellation Policies:

• All groups are scheduled for Outdoor Education Programs by a written contract with the Iredell County Parks Recreation Department. Information contained within this contract identifies all program details and requirements.
• Your Program Contract is our guide and is designed to help us deliver the best possible experience. Any changes within the contract must have prior approval of the Course Director. Breach of contract and/or non-compliance with standards will result in a cancellation. Groups will receive no refund of deposits and the organization will be billed for the minimum group size.
• Cancellations must be received at least three weeks in advance of your scheduled program, otherwise the organization will be charged for the minimum number of participants.
• In the event of extreme weather conditions rescheduling or cancellation may occur based on discussion between group leader and program director.

Participant Forms and Information

• Information and Preparation Guidelines
• Participant Agreement and Information Form

Additional off site adventure based programs, including canoeing, rock climbing, and orienteering may also be custom designed for your group. See program titles below or contact the Program Director for more information.

Mobile Initiatives (portable group challenges)

Many of the activities that are done at an actual ropes challenge course may be modified and presented in a classroom setting, gymnasium, or other open space (indoor or outdoor) areas. Our trained facilitators can customize “mobile initiatives” or portable, group challenges for your group or team development by bringing the program to you! For more information regarding content, prices, or requirements, contact the Program Director.

Canoeing

While the Outdoor Education Center does not offer on-site paddling, Iredell County Parks and Recreation Department does have eight 16' Discovery Old Town Canoes in which we use in custom-designed programs for groups of up to 14 people. Our experienced staff can provide short, beginner programs on flat water or longer day trips to bodies of moving water with class 1 or 2 rapids. For more information regarding details including prices, locations, or requirements for a canoe program for your group, contact the Program Director.