Treetop Adventure Course Starts Saturday at T-Back Zoo

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced that the new Treetop Adventure Course at the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange will open to the public this Saturday, Sept. 24.

The first of its kind in New Jersey, the Treetop Adventure Course is an aerial obstacle course with rope bridges, zip lines and other climbing features built into the trees 35 feet above the ground.

"Zip lines and climbing courses are popular attractions and provide visitors with an action-packed and hands on experience. The Treetop Adventure Course will provide visitors with a different dimension to get close to nature and expand the audience for Turtle Back Zoo," DiVincenzo said. "This is an exciting attraction that we are pleased to offer the public. Our South Mountain Recreation Complex with the Zoo, Codey Arena, miniGOLF Safari and now the Treetop Adventure Course is a destination that has something every member of the family can enjoy. We invite the public to visit, spend a day and experience what Essex County has to offer," he added.

The Treetop Adventure Course has 22 stations that are elevated above the ground. Participants move from platform to platform by traversing a variety of obstacles that include rope bridges, zip lines, zigzag boards and logs, to name a few. It is estimated that the average person will take about 90 minutes to complete the course. (Participants can exit the course midway through the journey.) The course is designed to teach about treetop exploration and is geared for older children and adults. It has a separate entrance so it can remain open after Turtle Back Zoo closes.

Admission to the Treetop Adventure Course is $20. This is separate from the Turtle Back Zoo entrance fee. There are a few requirements for participants who want to experience the Treetop Adventure Course. They are as follows:
.       Participants must be at least 54 inches tall and weigh no more than 250 pounds.
.       Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
.       Children under 18 must have a consent form signed by a
parent/guardian.
.       Participants must wear appropriate shoes. Flip flops and sandals are not acceptable.
.       Other restrictions may apply.

The attraction will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to one hour before sunset through the Thanksgiving weekend, weather permitting. To make a reservation, please visitwww.turtlebackzoo.com. Group reservations are available.

See attached video of Patch staff members trying out the ziplines and obstacle course just in time for the public opening!

Turtle Back Zoo is open Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Regular Zoo admission is $7 for children and senior citizens, $10 for adults and free for children under 2 years.

For additional information, please call 973-731-5800 or visit www.essexcountynj.org.