Indoor trampoline park bounces into Bristol

BRISTOL, Tenn. – An indoor trampoline park has opened in the Twin City for those who want to dive into a massive pit of foam cubes, somersault across the room or jump to a basketball rim like Michael Jordan.

The second Tri-Cities location of Just Jump Trampoline Park is at The Pinnacle off Interstate 81’s Exit 74 in Bristol, Tennessee. The trampoline park offers 25,000 square feet of spongy, cushioned fun, according to co-owner Beth Hutton.

“It’s amazing to finally be open,” Hutton said. “We’ve been open in Johnson City for two years and have been able to take everything we’ve learned and apply it here. People have been begging us to come and since opening on Friday, the Bristol community has been so very supportive,” she said.

Just Jump features nine unique attractions. The main area offers more than a dozen trampoline pads where guests can bounce, attempt flips and get major air at their own pace.

The facility also has a station with basketball hoops to dunk on – if you’ve waited your whole life to dunk – but just aren’t tall enough. Next, there are two oversized dodge ball courts where you the classic elementary school game can be played.

“The dodge ball courts are one of our most popular things,” Hutton said. “High school and middle school kids enjoy them and we are hoping to start some tournaments in about a month.”

Guests can also go head to head on the Gladiator Beam, where they must stay balanced on a narrow beam while trying to knock off opponents. The park also features a laser maze, rock-climbing wall, giant air bag, and an obstacle course that compares to TV show, “American Ninja Warrior.” The course pushes boundaries as participants swing, jump, and climb across it.

Hutton, a native of Bristol, Virginia, said the trampoline park was at maximum capacity of 160 jumpers for several hours on Saturday and business has been great.

“One of the best tips for those folks who have never been to a trampoline park before would be to come on a week night when it’s not so busy,” Hutton said. “Plan ahead and have fun as well.”

All guests are required to sign waivers before jumping and wear special footwear with “grip pad” soles, which help feet grab more tightly to trampoline mats. Hutton sells the footwear for $1.75 at the check-in desk.

“We take the safety of our guests very seriously,” Hutton said. “We have over 60 workers who are all trained on key safety measures.”

Just Jump also offers a variety of birthday party packages and several field trips have been booked by schools in the region, Hutton said.

But it’s not just kids who are enjoying Just Jump. Adults, like Bristol, Virginia resident Caitlyn Pennington, are bouncing into the business ready to have some fun.

“I went to the one in Johnson City with my youth group and fell in love with it,” Pennington said Monday. “As soon as I heard about it opening here, I begged my boyfriend to bring me.”

All photos courtesy of David Crigger/Bristol Herald Courier

Story courtesy of Zach Irby/Bristol Herald Courier: Link

• Category: 2017, Archive, Pinnacle