Nona Adventure Park is almost complete! Scheduled to open in February, get ready for all-day fun with the ultimate water sports complex located right here in Lake Nona! Featuring a floating aqua park, cable park for wakeboarding/water skiing, climbing tower and ropes course, stocked pro shop, and convenient bistro, the park will have something for all ages. Perhaps you’ll even catch a pro wakeboarder on the water.
At this time last year, Nona Adventure Park was just announced, and I met Kai Fusser, owner/operator of Nona Adventure Park at the 2017 Orlando International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Convention. Since then, Fusser has put in many early mornings and long days at the site. On the day of my recent visit, crews were installing the floating dock that will run the entire perimeter of the lake. “This way, if somebody falls, they can just swim back to the dock and walk back. It’s the quickest and safest way,” said Fusser. Already installed are the Rixen Cable Park, climbing tower, and Pro Shop. Seeing how far the park has come in 12 months shows dedication, and it is so inspirational to witness.
The Rixen Cable Park features two different tracks that can run up to 10 riders at a time. The first track is a 320-foot, two-tower system, designed for beginner and intermediate riders with an easy start and one-on-one instruction. The second track is for intermediate to more advanced riders and includes the latest wakeboard features from beginner kickers to advanced rails. With 2,500 feet of cable and reaching speeds of 36 mph, it is exactly the adventure daredevils seek. “The cables are for ages 10 and up. We will have kids’ clinics and special hours for the young ones where we have our staff ride with them and help give them private lessons,” says Fusser.
The climbing tower is perfect for almost all ages, especially for those preferring land instead of water. Standing at an impressive 60 feet high, several difficulty levels will challenge brave climbers. A wobble bridge, tilting boards, caterpillar, and jungle trail are some of the features. Prefer a climbing wall? There are two. For the little ones, a lower course has been specially designed for 3- to 8-year-olds so that parents and caregivers can help while being right by the children’s sides as they climb.
Don’t have your own equipment? Head to the Pro Shop. Equipment will be available for rent or purchase, from wakeboards (ranging from beginner to pro) to helmets and life jackets. So don’t miss out on the fun just because you don’t have gear. Nona Adventure Park has partnered with Ronix to offer the best brand in the business.
Union Aqua Park, suitable for ages seven and up, will offer a floating obstacle course with more than 1,000 feet of fun. With two identical tracks running alongside each other, it could make for a great race day with friends. And yes, you will fall off. Not to fret, though; built-in steps will offer an easy “up” back on the course.
All day outside having fun, you’re bound to get hungry. You can either pack a lunch and picnic or grab a meal at the shaded bistro. One side will be available for spectators who prefer to stay dry, while the other side will be for everyone else in suits, soaking wet.
What could be a game-changer for our area is the specialized instruction that will be available for youth near Lake Nona. Fusser says, “This concept of houses being so close and kids being within a couple miles, this really could be a breeding spot for good wakeboarders because wakeboarding is supposed to go Olympic on the cables. And, if that’s the case, we will have to open up a development center, and this could be the first one.”
Nona Adventure Park is located on Adventure Lake, adjacent to Laureate Park Elementary School within the Laureate Park community. Adventurers can drive, ride, walk or run to the park. If you decide to ditch the car, the reward is a reduced ticket price. Endless opportunities are available for the whole family, birthdays, group outings, and even team-building.
For hours, directions, park rules, FAQ’s, newsletter, and opening information, visit www.nonaadventurepark.com.
Sophia Rogers is a Lake Nona area real estate professional and founder of NonaHomeGuide.com. A wife and mom of four, family, relationships, and real estate are her passions.
