Construction delays push Radical Ropes course opening into June

Building permit issues have pushed back the opening date of Radical Ropes Course Family Entertainment Center, but owners say they hope to open by mid June.

Developers plan on opening an attraction that features five physical components: ziplines, aerial challenges, kid zips, a low ropes course, and mini golf. The course, which has a theme of “Myrtle Beach’s natural high,” is located at 1900 S. Kings Highway between 17th and 19th avenues South.

Property owner Buddy Lindsay said the project is on track to open by June 15.

Some work on the $2.5 million project already has started, Lindsay said.

“We’ve cleared the parking lot and we’re pouring the foundation today,” he said Monday. “And the sign is already up [on Kings Highway].”

Crews also are expecting to begin installing the ropes Wednesday.

Lindsay initially proposed having “sky rider” bicycles and rowboats that would go around the course perimeter, but instead will have the kid zips.

The kid zips will feature a 50 percent scale model of a pirate ship and children 10 and under will be able to climb the ship and zipline down from either 60 feet or 40 feet high. Lindsay said developers still are working out specific details.

Ziplines will descend from 85 feet in the air. At 55 feet, participants can engage in about 30 physical activities such as walking across beams or ropes in the aerial challenges. The challenges could take about 3.5 hours, Lindsay said.

At 10 feet, there will be a low ropes course for children ages 6 and under.

And Lindsay said crews will soon begin improvements to the 36-hole mini golf course already in the southwest corner for those who prefer to stay on the ground.

Similar adventure attractions in the area include the ziplines that can be found at Adrenaline Adventures in downtown Myrtle Beach, Wonder Works at Broadway at the Beach and Go Ape Treetop Adventures in North Myrtle Beach.

“We’ll also have an observation deck, fire pit and book store for people who are looking for something to do for three-and-a-half hours while their family members are doing the aerial challenges,” Lindsay said, adding those amenities will be done in phase two. “There’s something for everybody.”

He also said that the attraction will be affiliated with the new 14-story Homewood Suites Oceanfront Resort & Conference Center planned to be built near 18th Avenue South beside Hampton Inn & Suites Oceanfront. The planned $25 million Homewood plans to open in spring 2016. Lindsay also is involved with the Homewood project.

This story was originally published April 6, 2015 at 8:01 PM with the headline "Construction delays push Radical Ropes course opening into June."