inEKU Logo

Resources & Information for EKU Faculty, Staff, and Students

EKU Logo
EKU Logo
eku.edu OneLogin Search

Challenge Course

Quick Links

The EKU Challenge Course is a state-of-the-art facility where groups are given learning opportunities anchored in experiential education and the opportunity to move outside their comfort zone. We offer a variety of programs and workshops to help you: Learn effective communication, build confidence, form relationships, understand the power of team, try new things, be adventurous, improve problem solving skills, gain trust, and most importantly have fun!

Courses Offered

All of EKU’s Challenge Courses are designed to promote communication, trust, and problem solving. Group members gain confidence and build relationships as they gradually discover the intrinsic power of teamwork. Our clients include:

  • EKU Student Organizations and Departments
  • Church Youth Groups and Military Groups
  • Small Business and Corporate Employees
  • Sports Teams
  • Youth Service Organizations

Our course offers something for people of all fitness levels and a majority of our elements can be adaptable to accommodate certain physical limitations. Our facilitators are focused on safety and enjoyment of all our participants and encourage participation through a “Challenge by Choice” approach. Participants are encouraged to participate in all activities but neither our facilitators nor the group will force participants to do something that they are not comfortable doing.

If you are interested in any of our facilities please feel free to give us a call and we will be happy to speak with you about our courses and tailor fit a challenge course program specifically for your group.

For all other inquiries regarding the challenge course please contact Alexis Davis by email, or by phone at 859-539-5935.

The Aerial Team Course (ATC) is the newest addition to EKU’s course and is an amazing addition. This course allows groups to collectively conquer their fears, support each other and work cohesively as a unit to get through these new specifically designed elements. This course features two levels and at its highest is about 30 feet tall. The ATC also offers 3 unique exit points: a 600 ft. zipline across the lake, the breath taker swing, and a Trueblue auto belay device. If you are looking for adventure and want to create a strong team this is the course for you.

  • Approximate Time: 4-8 hours
  • Max Number of Participants: 40
  • Participant Age Requirement: 12+
  • Participant Weight Requirement: 90-250 lbs.

The Low Ropes Course which is designed with team building and group cohesion in mind. This course features 13 unique elements that are close to the ground and require groups to effectively communicate and problem solve to complete the tasks.

  • Approximate Time: 2-4 hours
  • Max Number of Participants: 50
  • Participant Age Requirement: 12+

The Tango Tower is a self-contained high ropes course that has pair and individual free hanging elements, a rappelling area and one climbing walls. The Tower allows participants to conquer their fears and reach the top. The Tower is approximately 40 feet tall and can have up 6 people climbing at once. This course allows for groups to support each other from a distance and for certain groups the opportunity to metaphorically “put your life in someone else’s hands”.

  • Approximate Time: 3-6 hours
  • Max Number of Participants: 50
  • Participant Age Requirement: 12+

Challenge Course Location

The EKU Challenge Course is located on EKU’s Richmond campus, just off Lancaster Rd, behind the Stratton Building.

Image Challenge Course Directions
Image Challenge Course Directions

Directions from I-75

  • From I-75, take Exit 87 and head toward Eastern Kentucky University, away from the Richmond Centre shopping complex.
  • At the first major intersection (Lancaster Avenue/Road), turn right onto Lancaster Road.
    Continue through the traffic light and turn left onto a new construction road, located just past the chain-link fence.
  • Follow Construction Road until you reach the pond, then turn right into the parking area. You will see the EKU High Ropes Course and a dirt road leading toward the Challenge Course facilities.
  • Continue to the large gravel parking lot adjacent to the covered pavilion and park there.

Parking & Drop-Off Information

  • Participant Parking: Please park in the large gravel lot next to the covered pavilion.
  • Alternative Drop-Off: If your vehicle is unable to travel across the gravel road, participants may be dropped off in the parking lot behind the Stratton Building, which is accessible via the small access road located just past the building.
  • Important: The Stratton parking area is designated for drop-off only. Please do not leave vehicles parked there.
  • If you choose to drop participants off at Stratton, you may park in the Perkins Building parking lot and walk across the road to meet your group.
  • If you have any questions or experience difficulty locating the Challenge Course, please contact EKU Adventure Programs prior to your arrival.

If you have additional questions please contact Dakota McClendon by email, or by phone at 859-622-5251.

FAQs

Submit your request by completing a reservation request.

Program fees are based on the nature and size of your group, as well as the length of the desired program. For a personalized quote, please fill out one of our reservation requests.

Wear what you are okay getting dirty in. Some activities may require you to be on the ground. If your program is in the summer, you will sweat!

  • Comfortable, close-toed shoes
  • Long Shorts or pants – the harness is prone to chafe with direct skin contact
  • Rain gear (jacket, slicker, etc.) if rain is in the forecast
  • No dangling jewelry or ring (this includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or anything that could be broken)
  • 1-2 Liters of water
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat, baseball cap, or some sort of sun protection

Being outside and interacting with nature comes with all sorts of interactions with various flora and fauna. Listed below are possible occurrences:

  • Poison Ivy: Leaves of three, let them be! The leaves of poison ivy plants release urushiol when they’re bumped, torn, or brushed against. (When the resin is released, the leaves may appear shiny or you may see black spots of resin on them) Once released, urushiol can easily get on skin and provide irritation.
  • Fire ants, redbugs, wasps, etc.: We will be outdoors and with that comes the critters. Our staff makes it a point to do a course inspection for every program to minimize potential incidents.

Cellphones, headphones, or anything that might be distracting to the group, or get lost or broken.

No, but your group is welcome to bring a bagged lunch. We recommend eating before or after your scheduled program time as time spent eating during your scheduled program time will not be rescheduled or added onto the program.