How Boundless Adventures Is Creating A Unique Aerial Experience

Boundless Adventures is an aerial adventure park located in Berlin, Massachusetts near the city of Worcester. The fun-filled park consists of almost 100 platforms installed in the trees, which are connected by various configurations of cable, wood and rope to form bridges and zip lines.

Lorrie Funtleyder, owner of Boundless Adventures, takes pride in giving guests a unique experience full of family fun, self-empowerment and smiles. And with nine different zip-lining trails ranging from beginner to expert, there is fun to be had by all ages and skill-levels!

Learn more about how Funtleyder got started and how you can visit her exciting park in this exclusive Patch one-on-one:

Patch: What is the mission of Boundless Adventures?

Funtleyder: Our mission is to empower and inspire people to challenge themselves both mentally and physically, and to enable them to step out of their comfort zones in a safe, controlled environment.

Patch: How did you decide to go from working on Wall Street to owning and operating a chain of aerial adventure parks?

Funtleyder: We had always prioritized giving our children unique and life-enriching experiences. For example, we took them rock climbing when they were just 6 and 8 years old. We visited an adventure park in West Virginia during 2012. The experience had such a positive impact on our entire family, that we set out on a journey to bring this experience closer to home because we wanted to have that same positive impact on our local community. We built our first park with a partner in 2014, but ventured out on our own soon thereafter.

Patch: What motivated you to take the risk of being on your own? How do you build a business plan for something so unique?

Funtleyder: After having spent 17 years analyzing and evaluating other businesses, we were highly motivated to put what we had learned to use for our own business. We were also excited to grow a brand that is value added to society by giving our guests the gift of self-confidence, empowerment, camaraderie, and challenge. As with most businesses, there are certain key variables which are the most important levers for profitability. We have highlighted those levers internally, and have the entire organization focusing on them.

Patch: Who is your target customer?

Funtleyder: That is one of the hardest questions for us to answer because our target market is very broad. Due to the varying terrain, the park is great for young families as well as athletic adventure junkies (not that those two groups are mutually exclusive) and everyone in between. The easy courses are great for 7 to 9 year olds, but they are also great for adults that have a fear of heights. The green and blue courses are great for challenging the teenagers as well as adults who have an interest in adventure. The black courses are available to “test the mettle” for the most ardent athlete.

In addition to being appropriate for anyone 7 through 97, we are a great destination for many different types of groups. I can’t think of a better place to take a family for a day of togetherness, but we are also a great place for corporate groups to do some team building. We also cater to schools, camps, or any other group looking to do something out of the ordinary. We are also a great place for birthday parties.

Patch: What should a customer expect at Boundless Adventures?

Funtleyder: The experience really is unique to the customer. Everyone goes through a harnessing and safety briefing, and then practices on our practice lines. Once the customer masters the equipment (which is not too difficult), they are directed to the starting platform. You are given a 3 hour “lift ticket”, just like at a ski resort, to complete as many courses as you would like. Each course takes 30-60 minutes to complete.

Upon completion, you return to the starting platform for more. Every course has 1-2 zip lines and then there are 10-12 other challenges. A challenge can be walking across a wobbly bridge or swinging like Tarzan into a cargo net. We even have one challenge where you zip between tree platforms on a snow board. The courses are all creatively designed to provide an appropriate mix between pure enjoyment and mental/physical challenge.

Patch: What is the most satisfying part of your job?

Funtleyder: I love seeing the transformation that takes place for many of our customers. This is often seen by big smiles and obvious pride. But I didn’t want to leave it there. I have actively sought out people for whom Boundless Adventures would have a profound effect, including people with learning disabilities, at-risk youth, and other underserved communities. Climbing with a non-verbal child with autism was an experience that I can’t even begin to put into words.

Patch: Are there guides provided?

Funtleyder: The best part about this business is that it is self-directed. We give you the tools to succeed (safe equipment, instruction, trained oversight), and have staff members stationed throughout the park to assist on an as-needed basis. But we don’t do it for you. And it is your effort that provides the satisfaction at the end of the day.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your business?

Funtleyder: Visit our website, Facebook or Instagram.

This Patch article is sponsored by Boundless Adventures

Image Credit: Boundless Adventures