Zip Line and Aerial Park Flies into Tampa Bay

03/02/2016 13:43

OLDSMAR, Fla., Feb. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Oldsmar City Council approved plans last night by a unanimous 5-0 vote for Clearwater-based Empower Adventures Tampa Bay (EATB) to build a zip line and aerial adventure park on Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, which will cross waterways and provide open water views of Tampa Bay. Scheduled to open in May 2016, the addition of EATB to Tampa Bay bolsters Oldsmar's reputation as one of the regions most progressive sports cities with an internationally known BMX park.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160203/329329LOGO

Oldsmar Mayor Doug Bevis said, "A zip line really allows you to see beautiful areas of the woods without really impacting them. I think it's a great asset, and what better way to showcase it (the preserve) than by flying over it? And it's fun."

According to information contained in Empower Adventure Operation's proposal to City Manager Bruce Haddock, the park will feature a 55-foot-tall start tower, five zip lines of varying lengths, a 100-foot suspension bridge as well as other adventure park elements such as log bridges, catwalk bridges, steps, tires, and poles. Professional guides will lead groups through the course, which will take approximately an hour and a half to complete and will run at varying times during the day. Work on the park will start this month and take approximately 8-12 weeks to complete with an anticipated mid-May Grand Opening.

Dev Pathik, Tampa Bay Business Leader and Owner and Partner of EATB said, "We are thrilled that the city of Oldsmar shares our vision and allowed us the opportunity to develop an environmentally-friendly park that will allow people to experience the thrill and excitement of a unique zip line and aerial adventure park that will change the way they live their lives. Zip line canopy tours are the fastest growing tourist attraction in the world. The public will soon learn how stepping out of the classroom, office or the comfort of their homes will help them deal with fear, anxiety and stress --- while team coaching will create leadership and a place for strength."

No stranger to the adventure business, Pathik has owned, operated, and overseen the opening of more than 40 challenge courses, zip lines and adventure-based operations and his consulting and management companies have directed the planning and management of hundreds of community-based recreation and sports complexes in locations around the world. He has led adventure expeditions in the Amazon, Vietnam, Patagonia, the American West, Thailand and numerous other locations. He is also founder and CEO of Sports Facilities Advisory and Sports Facilities Management in Clearwater, Florida and is an Alumnus of Leadership Pinellas.

Pathik concluded that one of his best memories was meeting Empower Adventures Founder and former U.S. Army Ranger, Captain Joe DeRing. "He is the leader behind this unique experience we have created for corporations, youth organizations, families and literally any individual that wants to change the way they take on the hurdles in life."

DeRing was in the Army for eight years, and served in the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq for two tours of duty. But it was when he graduated from Ranger School in 2002 that he had his "aha moment". "I thought to myself, at that point in time, I believe because of the training, because of my experience, I can achieve anything I want. If you can do it here, you can do it in the office or classroom! I realized my military training could help civilians improve their everyday lives, so I started Empower Adventures."

Shortly after, DeRing partnered with adventure industry guru Pathik and now EATB Chief Financial Officer Jason Clement.Clement is a licensed architect and a nationally recognized sports facility finance and management expert. His consulting and management companies have directed the planning and management of hundreds of community-based recreation and sports complexes in locations around the world. Like Pathik, Clement is an Alumnus of Leadership Pinellas, and he has also been named one of Tampa Bay Business Journal's 40 under 40.

DeRing concluded, "This will be Empower Adventures' third location in the United States; we also have a 30-acre adventure center in Middletown, Connecticut and an Adventure course and zip line tour on an 80-acre nature preserve, situated on the grounds of Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia. All our facilities use life changing experiences as a catalyst to 'empower' individuals and teams to maximize their potential."

EATB's mission is to provide fun and empowering adventure experiences with exceptional customer service. They strive to provide powerful, memorable and inspirational guest experiences that awaken a spirit of adventure and bond guests through positive and uplifting adventures.

"Our Adventure Park in Oldsmar will provide unique programs for corporate team building, youth-based leadership programs and fun family outings, or if you simply want to spend a few hours igniting your inner thrill, that's fine too!" DeRing said.

For more information on Empower Adventures of Tampa Bay visit www.zipontampabay.com or call 813-852-5954.

CONTACT: Eric Polins, Agency: HCP Associates, Phone: 813-318-0565 Ext. 104, E-Mail: epolins@hcpassociates.com, URL: www.zipontampabay.com