Economic collaborative lures adventure business to Flagstaff

Coconino County is on the verge of becoming an outdoor adventure destination with the approval of Flagstaff Extreme to construct a treetop adventure course.

Flagstaff Extreme will design, build, operate and maintain a 12-acre outdoor adventure course at Fort Tuthill County Park south of Flagstaff. The course is expected to be up and running by spring.

“Bringing Flagstaff Extreme into our community is a win-win situation for residents of northern Arizona and the company,” said Rich Bowen, NAU associate vice president for Economic Development and executive director of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona. “The Coconino County staff and the board of supervisors have been very innovative working with Flagstaff Extreme throughout the process.”

It is the first new company the collaborative has assisted in locating to northern Arizona.

The board approved the use permit Aug. 16, allowing Flagstaff Extreme to build and operate a recreational park that offers a multiple-hour, treetop experience including several zip lines, bridges, a suspended surf board and a child’s course.

Board chair Lena Fowler said she welcomes public-private partnerships that serve the community’s values. “The county’s participation in this partnership is significant because it represents more than a business collaboration,” she said. “It also shows that residents want to invest in their community.”

Flagstaff Extreme is planning a $750,000 to $1 million capital investment to design and operate the course. Over the life of the term, the use permit is structured to generate at least $1.2 million for Coconino County.