“McLaren Park has been an important neighborhood space for both children and adults for generations. We are always looking for new ways for our public spaces to better serve our community and the new ropes course will be a welcome addition.” - San Francisco Mayor London Breed
Parent Testimonial
"OBCA provided the challenge, collaboration, and inclusion that helped my son transition from teen to young adult. He came home with a sense of confidence and openness that was brand new."
We're thrilled to announce that the ropes challenge course is complete in San Francisco's John McLaren Park built in conjunction with San Francisco Parks and Recreation. This is a huge step toward our mission of increasing equitable access to all of the benefits of meaningful outdoor experiences and programming, providing students from District 10 and beyond an opportunity to become stewards of nature.
About the Ropes Course:
The ropes course consists of nine "high" climbing activities in which participants embark on a series of challenges several feet off of the ground while safely secured in harnesses, with several of these elements involving multiple participants at once. These elements encourage participants to trust in themselves and their teammates. These elements are complemented by our “low” elements where teams tackle challenges low to the ground to develop confidence, team cohesion, and leadership.
Each program is highly customized to meet the goals of the group attending and will not include every element in the course, but rather include an intentional progression of skills and elements that will best suit the needs of the group.
We have been approved by the Health and Safety department of San Francisco Recreation and Parks to operate with small teams on the Challenge Course beginning in November.
Who Can Attend the Challenge Course:
Schools and non-profit groups:
OBCA partners with schools and organizations serving students from low-income communities who will receive up to 75 percent scholarship for a day on the course, with students themselves typically attending free of charge. To learn more about group programs, contact Eli Fox at [email protected] or use the contact form below.
One Saturday each month from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the course is open and free to the community, led by skilled Outward Bound instructors. The number of participants will be limited and spots must be reserved by signing up online. Participants on community days should plan to attend the entire program (9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.).
More dates will be available in January. To get on the waitlist for upcoming Community Days, fill out a Contact Us form directed to "Ropes Challenge Course."
Interested in booking a program for your group, or want more information on our costs and availability? Use the contact form to let us know about your group and get in touch!
Support students on the Ropes Challenge Course
If you would like to support students on the ropes course, please consider giving to the Challenge Course scholarship fund.