I had had some hopes of bringing this thread back to life, looks like somebody beat me to it. I sent them an e-mail about it. I didn't want to get into the details of parkour because I was afraid they would be opposed so I just mentioned that "jumping is part of what we do" and I asked about the equipment. Here's what I got:
Hi my name is Meghan Shaver. I am the manager at ArtSports. Mike Zapp, the owner, forwarded your message on to me. I can confirm that adults are not allowed on the equipment during the open gym times. It has nothing to do with being respectful, and everything to do with the terms of our insurance. They will not allow adults to participate by being on the equipment in anything that they deem "unstructured". Open gyms, although heavily staffed, are deemed as such. However, we do still have adults in our classes (structured). However, again, I would not recommend our teen/adult classes to you based on the information that you have given in your email. I am not sure what it is that you do when you say "jumping is part of what we do" - but the teen/adult classes right now are loaded with cheerleaders getting ready for cheer tryouts, and I'm guessing that isn't exactly the atmosphere that you are looking for. I do have a suggestion for you though. We do offer custom classes for groups of 5 or more. It sounds like you may fit that size. You would tell us what your needs and wants are, and we would find a coach available for you providing the floor isn't already spoken for at that time. Even if you don't need a coach, it is definately a stipulation with our insurance that one of our certified coaches is present if anyone is doing anything that could cause risk and possible injury. Does all that make sense? Let me know if you would like me to set anything up for you. I'm sorry this isn't the answer that you were looking for, but maybe we can create the next best thing.
Meghan Shaver
ArtSports
719-531-5867
I followed up with a "thanks anyway" type of email and included a link to the "what is parkour" section of americanparkour.com. She responded with:
"What you do" looks very cool! Sorry we couldn't help you out, and thanks for understanding the rules is rules thing. Good luck with "what you do", and I hope to speak with in person someday.
Meg
I'm not sure what the costs of setting up the "structured" custom classes, but i'm sure they are way more than open gym fees. Not to mention we'd still have to pay for the place. I was thinking though...
Assuming we get enough people to rent the place for a night (affordably). We might be able to talk them into having a group of five participate in this custom classes idea. That way, on paper—for the insurance people—we have people in a structured environment using the equipment, but since we have a coach there with us—for their peace of mind—we can all use the equipment. We might even be able to get a deal if, as Altimot said:
the owners have grown an interest in the "traceur group"
I mean, if they're actually interested there might be one of them who would, on paper, be our coach; but, de facto, learn from us* (If I were one of them I'd do it for free, all I'm saying is that it is worth looking into).
* by
us I really mean all of you.
