Page 76 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2017

KIDS eco-tourism
G
76 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2017 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
Elevate Red Creek
5106-A Vestry Rd., Perkinston, MS 39573 601.945.2888 | www.elevateredcreek.com
e evate Red Creek
PROVIDING EXCITING THRILLS
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos by Donn Hupp
et ready for the most unique and exciting eco-tourism activity
on the Gulf Coast! Thrill seekers paradise is closer than you might think. Just over 20 miles North of D’Iberville lies the lush scenery of Elevate Red Creek, an aerial adventure park that’s nestled into the beautiful South Mississippi landscape.
“What prompted the idea of building something like this
was actually my friend Dusty’s experience at a zip line course in South America during a mission trip,” said T.J. Golson, who co-owns Elevate Red Creek with partner Dusty Watts. “Later, we were on vacation together when he brought up the subject. Basically, one
lowered to suit a smaller participant who is between 42” and 60” tall,” said Golson. “This is incredibly important because they’ll need to be able to reach the lifelines along the course.”
idea led to another and it became Elevate.”
Not only have the challenges themselves been altered to accommodate children, but the course is less than 10 feet from the ground, much less daunting than the 50-foot high Osprey course.
Upon entering the park, you’ll immediately notice the final zip line of Elevate’s Osprey course, which
is the most advanced challenge. On the property, you’ll also find two more courses, the Kingfisher and the Mockingbird.
At the very center of the Mockingbird course are gorgeous cypress and gum trees surrounding a pond, which perfectly accents
the natural surroundings of the property. Just a few yards from the course, families can also enjoy the white sand beaches along beautiful Red Creek. This is the perfect location for a picnic.
The Mockingbird is Elevate’s junior course, which is built for younger adventurers. Though the course is meant for junior explorers, it does consist of 16 fun and engaging challenges, including swinging bridges, ropes, nets, ladders and some incredibly fun zip lines.
Elevate also offers two cabins for rent, each including a bathroom, kitchen area, living space, one bedroom and a loft. Paired with the aerial challenge courses and the pavilion, the cabins
“What makes this course perfect for kids is that the height of the lifeline on each challenge has been
are an ideal location to celebrate a child’s birthday.