Camp Long
Ropes Challenge Course
Project Information

Location: 5200 35th Ave SW, Seattle WA 98126

Project Status

October 2012
Installation is complete of the Hub and Spoke High Course! This is an addition to the existing Challenge Course. Staff training on the course is being completed at this time. Please contact Ken Turner about use of the course. A formal grand opening will be in the spring.

The "Hub and Spoke" consists of high platforms, interconnected activities, routes on slim beams, wobbly steps as well as swings and ropes to clutch onto or walk upon. It challenges the individual, always harnessed into safety equipment, requiring physical and mental cooperation.  Hub and Spoke Courses are built like a wheel: Activities radiate from a center hub with a large platform to the outside poles or trees, which are then connected together by other activities. Here is the scoop: The WHOLE team, should they choose to do so, may be on the course at the same time without waiting lines or traffic jams.

This project is funded by both the Department of Neighborhoods Large Matching Fund and the King County Youth Sports Facility Grant.

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Project Description

In 2010, Seattle Parks and Washington State University 4-H entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to bring a ropes challenge course to Camp Long and in September 2011 Parks hosted the opening celebration for the low rope Challenge Course.

“We are very excited to expand the opportunities that Camp Long has to offer the community,” said David Kipnis, President Camp Long Advisory Council. 

Ten elements of a low course has been integrated into  Camp Long providing  team building activities and experiences integrated with environmental education knowledge. There are also two high elements built within the forest. 

WSU 4–H, through 30 years of adventure education experience, has created student focused curriculum that use activities to strengthen critical life skills including decision making, self confidence, positive risk taking, self esteem, teamwork and leadership.

Camp Long has joined an extensive system of WSU 4–H Adventure Education Programs and Courses. Funding for this project is provided by Washington State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program.

For more information please contact: Ken Turner, Challenge Course Manager, Seattle Parks and Recreation keno.turner@seattle.gov or 206-399-2205.

Community Participation

Donations for Challenge Course Scholarships and Challenge Course development joyfully accepted.  Make donations to the Camp Long Advisory Council, an affiliate of the Associated Recreation Council.

Call 206-684-7434 for more information.

On January 27, 2011 Seattle Parks and Recreation hosted a public meeting at Camp Long to introduce the Challenge Course and take questions from citizens.  Locations and course descriptions were presented and discussed. 

The presentation included this handout and the meeting was reported on by the West Seattle Blog.

Important Links

• Seattle Parks & Recreation
• Camp Long
• West Seattle Blog
• Department of Neighborhoods Large Projects Fund
• King County Youth Sports Facility Grant (YSFG)
• Washington State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development Program

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