Participants ride the zip lines on the new adventure course at the Twin Lakes Family YMCA in Cedar Park (Daniel Schwalm/Community Impact)
The new Orr Family Sky Trail and Avery Family Pavilion opened to the public June 13 at the Twin Lakes Family YMCA in Cedar Park. YMCA officials offered a preview of the new developments at a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 12.
The overview
The Orr Family Sky Trail features zip lines, ropes courses, elevated walkways and multilevel climbing structures for both children and adults.
The neighboring Avery Family Pavilion is an 8,000-square-foot meeting place that YMCA officials envision as a space for everything from professional conferences to birthday parties to weddings. The pavilion features garage-door-like windows that can be opened to provide fresh air or closed for a climate-controlled environment. The pavilion also features a scenic overlook of the lake.
The Orr Family Sky Trail at the Twin Lakes Family YMCA in Cedar Park features climbing and ropes courses, as well as zip lines. (Daniel Schwalm/Community Impact)
What you need to know
Tickets are required for the sky trail and can be purchased online. Daily tickets are $28.99 for the main Sky Trail course, or $9.99 for small children on the Sky Tykes course. Monthly memberships are also available.
Height and weight restrictions apply, as well as requirements for proper attire, including closed-toe shoes, according to the website.
A closer look
YMCA officials were joined by community members, donors and local government officials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
"We believe the memories made on the Orr Family Adventure Course will shape lives forever," donor Jim Orr said.
Jeff Andresen, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Texas, thanked the Avery, Orr and Krischke families, who were donors and namesakes for the project.
Anderson also thanked local officials, including County Judge Steven Snell and Precinct 2 Commissioner Cynthia Long. The $12 million project, like many others at the YMCA, was made possible by a combination of funding from the YMCA, Williamson County and private donors, he said.
"With the help of our partners, we're able to keep the fees low and provide scholarships to families that need to participate by donations we collect," Andresen told Community Impact. "The goal is to never turn anybody away."
The Twin Lakes Family YMCA Campus exists through a public-private partnership in which Williamson County owns the parkland and the YMCA manages and provides programming for the community, he said.
"We have a responsibility, and we're guided by a community board to provide services in cooperation and leave that burden off of cities and counties," Andresen said.
He added that the YMCA primarily serves families with young children and seniors, and the new adventure course is a way for it to expand its appeal to a broader age range.
"This is interesting for teenagers, too. So, we're trying to connect and stay connected with those families longer," he said.
