Challenge Course

The Ironwoods Challenge Course is a state-of-the-art team development and recreation facility in the 115-acre Ironwoods Park, located in southern Leawood. The course is open for programs April through October. Programs range from 2-hour recreation climbs to day-long team building programs.

Recreation programs range from 2-hour to multiple-hour programs. Birthday parties, scouting events, organized sport teams and group rentals can all utilize one of the three 50-foot tall climbing structures. Trained facilitators will provide all necessary equipment and instruction for a fun, adventurous climb.

We encourage you to book your group well in advance to insure a day is available. Weekends are especially busy, so plan on registering at least one or two months in advance. Programs can be arranged through our Outdoor Recreation Specialist at the Prairie Oak Nature Center: To reserve your program, payment and reservation form must be received within 10 working days after making your reservation. If registration is less than 20 days from program date, payment and forms must be turned in 3 days after reservation is made.

While perceived risk is one of the key elements in any adventure activity, the Ironwoods Challenge Course is always focused on safety. Knowledge of the activity, careful planning and good judgment are exercised by our well trained facilitators.

Participants’ commitment to listening to instructions and being mindful of safety during the program is important. Our structures are inspected each month during detailed maintenance as well as a yearly inspection by a professional, certified by the ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology)

Ironwoods Challenge Course Components

Ironwoods Challenge Course is comprised of low and high elements. Low elements (Lows) are activities that take place on or low to the ground. High elements (Highs) consist of activities that occur at a height where harnesses, ropes and other specialty equipment is needed.

High Challenge Course:

Composed of three structures; the Alpine Tower, the Carolina T-wall, and the Caribbean Course. Each structure is 50 feet tall and utilizes a belay system for safety. They are all unique and offer different opportunities to experience excitement, build teamwork, and increase confidence. The Alpine Tower is conducive to team work, while the Wall and Caribbean are more focused on individual challenges aided by group support.

Rock Wall – Standing 50-feet tall and with over 12 routes ranging from beginner to expert, come experience one of the tallest climbing structures in the Midwest. Your group will be belayed by our trained and professional staff as you summit the wall.
Alpine Tower – 50-foot tall triangular structure that can accommodate up to six climbers at one time. The tower is made of an assortment of utility poles, rock-climbing holds, swinging logs, rope ladders, nets, a high-flying teeter totter, balance beams and more. Experience a new level of challenge with the Alpine Tower.
Caribbean Course – Comprised of three tree-house structures, your group will have the opportunity to traverse between each structure via three-high-flying initiatives. Your group will be offered two-ways down; the 35-foot Giant Swing or a more subdued climb down the cargo net – the challenge is yours.
Giant Swing – This exciting activity can be added to most programs. Participants will have the opportunity to ascend the 35-foot platform, where our facilitators will secure them onto a series of rope and cable attachments, preparing them for a thrilling swing ride!

Low Challenge Course:

Composed of games, initiatives and challenges all done on or close to the ground. Some challenges utilize structures and/or props. Low Course can be designed to be non-physical, low impact or medium to highly physical.

Ironwoods Challenge Course
Ironwoods Park
14701 Mission Road
(913) 696-7772

Course Registration

The Challenge Course is open April – October. We encourage you to book your group well in advance to insure a day is available. Weekends are especially busy, so plan on registering at least one to two months in advance. Programs can be arranged through our Outdoor Recreation Specialist at the Prairie Oak Nature Center. To reserve your program, payment and registration form must be received within 10 working days after making your reservation. If registration is less than 20 days from program date, payment and forms must be turned in 3 days after reservation is made. For more information or to register call (913) 681-0902.

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