Take The Challenge

May 30, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Central Washington University's new Challenge Course is open for business. If you're looking for a challenge or team building activity, you'll definitely want to check out the new CWU Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals (OPR) Challenge Course. OPR is currently taking reservations for groups to participate in the newly constructed Challenge Course near the community fields on 18th Avenue. Two courses are offered at Central, the Odyssey II and Alpine Tower II, both of which include high and low rope elements spanning 120,000 square feet and will be open exclusively for groups beginning Sunday, June 17, 2008. "Every organization can benefit from this course," says Ryan Hopkins, OPR coordinator. "Whether it's a day to enjoy something new and exciting together or a series of days to work on communication, leadership and group dynamics, there is something for every group."

The Odyssey II course focuses on teamwork and allows small teams of between four and eight people to work on trust, communication and problem solving skills. Teams start by climbing an inclined cargo net to the first tree house and then, by working together, they must traverse across the horizontal course events. Once at the finish, teams repel down the 100-foot zip-line. The high course is approximately 30 feet above ground and the lower level is at about 18 feet. Teams can choose to do the upper or lower level events.

The Alpine Tower II course offers more of an individual challenge. Hopkins worked directly with Disability Support Services at Central to identify needs and accessibility requirements in the design of the course, making the course one that can be used by everyone. Alpine Tower II is 50 feet tall and features a giant swing extending 110 feet from the center of the course.

Organized into class sessions taught by student employees, the Challenge Course requires registration to participate. Teams must register at least two weeks in advance and must have at least eight participants. Teams can also meet with a course coordinator prior to their scheduled session to go over paperwork requirements and help tailor the challenge to the goals of each group.

For more information about Central's new Challenge Course, or to make reservations, contact OPR at 509-963-3536, outdoorpursuits@cwu.edu or visit www.cwu.edu/~rec/summer2008/challengecourse.html. For more information, or to make arrangements for disability accommodations, please call OPR at 509-963-3537 or (for hearing impaired) TDD 509-963-2143.

Contact: Ryan Hopkins, CWU Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals, 509-963-3536, hopkinry@cwu.edu
Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, olint@cwu.edu, 509-963-1416

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.