News Blog

News about CDI designed and built courses as well as the Blog from Challenge Design And our gear and equipment division - High Country Hardware!

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Nature-Based Adventure Parks Are Replacing Water Parks for Family Vacations

Islands says travelers are choosing nature-based adventure parks over busy water parks. Here’s what that means for resorts, campgrounds, parks, and aerial adventure destinations.
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Two Challenge Design Clients Named 2026 Top 10 Aerial Adventure Parks by USA TODAY 10Best

Challenge Design clients Flying Rabbit Adventures and Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures were named top 10 aerial adventure parks by USA TODAY 10Best.
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Charleston Adventure Forest Wins Best Climbing Wall in Lowcountry Parent Mom’s Choice Awards

Charleston Adventure Forest won Best Climbing Wall in the Lowcountry Parent Mom’s Choice Awards. Challenge Design Innovations built the award-winning climbing wall.
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The Gorge Zipline Featured in Travel + Leisure Guide to Saluda, North Carolina

Travel + Leisure featured The Gorge Zipline in its guide to Saluda, North Carolina. Challenge Design Innovations built this steep, fast zipline canopy tour above the Green River Gorge.
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Camp Sancta Maria Opens New High Ropes Course Built by Challenge Design Innovations

Camp Sancta Maria unveiled a new high ropes course in Gaylord, Michigan, built by Challenge Design Innovations after a 2025 ice storm damaged the camp’s original course.
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The Swamp Park Featured by WilmingtonBiz for Outdoor Adventure in Brunswick County

The Swamp Park in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, was featured by WilmingtonBiz for its zip line canopy tour, aerial adventure park, and nature-based guest experiences.
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CDI Built 3 of 18 USA TODAY 10Best Aerial Adventure Park Entries for 2026

CDI Built 3 of 18 USA TODAY 10Best Aerial Adventure Park Entries for 2026When people vote for the best aerial adventure…
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NY Post Highlights CDI-Built KidZip at Adventure Center of Asheville

The New York Post names the Adventure Center of Asheville a top escape for kids! See how Challenge Design Innovations built the featured KidZip and canopy tours.
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Why Adventure Park Management Matters After Your Course Is Built

Learn why strong adventure park management matters after construction. See how outside management partners can improve safety, training, inspections, and long-term success.
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6 Important ANSI/ACCT 03-2019 Standards for Challenge Courses and Zip Lines

Learn 6 key ANSI/ACCT 03-2019 standards every challenge course, aerial adventure park, and zip line owner should understand, including inspections, training, accreditation, and long-term safety.
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How Often Does Your Challenge Course Really Need a Professional Inspection?

How often does your challenge course really need a professional inspection? Learn the difference between daily, periodic, and annual inspection requirements.
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How to Pick A Company to Build a Ropes Course

Looking for a ropes course builder? Learn how to compare builders, ask the right questions, avoid costly mistakes, and choose a long-term partner.
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SKYWILD at Greensboro Science Center Featured by Our State

Our State featured SKYWILD at the Greensboro Science Center, an animal-inspired aerial adventure course engineered by Challenge Design Innovations.
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Third-Party Inspection Before Buying a Course, 7 Advantages You Can’t Afford to Miss

Buying an existing course? Learn the 7 advantages of a third-party inspection, reduce risk, confirm standards, plan repairs, and protect your guests, staff, and budget.
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First Flight Adventure Park Featured as a Fun Outer Banks Activity for Teens and Families

First Flight Adventure Park was featured as a fun Outer Banks activity for teens and families. The hurricane-themed course was designed by Challenge Design Innovations
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CDI and the North Carolina Aerial Adventure Association (NCAAA), why it matters

A proud founding member in our home stateWhy we helped start itChallenge Design Innovations (CDI) is proud to be a foun…
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Best of the Blue Ridge 2026

The Gorge Zipline earned Runner Up for Best Zipline in Blue Ridge Outdoors’ 2026 Best of the Blue Ridge Awards. See what makes a great zipline, plus a thank you to our client and the CDI team who designed and built it.
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7 Benefits of Building Challenge Courses for City, County, and State Parks

See 7 benefits of challenge courses for public parks, plus FAQs. CDI designs, builds, trains staff, and provides annual inspections.
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Campgrounds looking for fresh ways to keep guests on property longer

Designing or upgrading an RV park or campground adventure area? See a feature in Woodall’s Campground Magazine and learn more about how Challenge Design Innovations builds custom aerial parks that boost guest stays and revenue.
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Why You Should Not Buy Zip Line and Challenge Course Safety Gear on Amazon

Do not buy zip line or challenge course safety gear on Amazon. Learn why authorized dealers matter and where to get trusted PPE at High Country Hardware.
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2026 Travel Trends, how operators can win more business

What the new research saysBooking.com’s 2026 Travel Predictions show travelers want experiences that match personal int…
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Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education celebrates grand opening

Augusta University’s Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education held its grand opening Thursday, Sept. 25, after under…
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CDI Project Featured In Campus Recreation Magazine

The CDI designed and constructed Challenge Course and Climbing Wall at Augusta University was featured in an article in…
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Augusta University unveils new outdoor recreation center

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Students at Augusta University can now enjoy a new space for outdoor activities.A ribbon-cut…