The City of Tulare may explore working with a private developer to develop a 100-acre adventure entertainment complex, which could include outdoor and indoor elements. Photo by Aaron Lee on unsplash.com

Tulare hopes to leverage its central Highway 99 location to attract visitors, sports teams and Valley residents with a new indoor-outdoor adventure park proposed by a private developer.

That’s according to City Manager Marc Mondell, who introduced the idea at a City Council study session this week.

“We want to take advantage of the opportunity to offer a unique experience here in Tulare that could benefit economic development in the community,” he said.

City officials hope to expand on the region’s entertainment options, which include the 7-acre Adventure Park in Visalia. That facility was recently purchased by national chain Lucky Strike Entertainment, which has 360 locations nationwide, including the recently acquired Boomers chain on the Central Coast.

Tulare could go bigger with a proposed 100-acre complex of adventure-related venues that might include a major indoor park for hot summer days, as well as a companion outdoor park with water features. City leaders also see the potential for a retail or entertainment anchor such as Bass Pro Shops or Dave & Buster’s.

Mondell has enlisted Applied Adventures, a consultant that operates eight adventure parks, including one in Rocklin, California, where Mondell previously served as city manager. By video, a representative of Applied Adventures spoke to the council this week about Tulare’s opportunities.

The Rocklin operation, Quarry Park, is located in an 1880s rock quarry that the city converted into climbing venues, parkland, retail and restaurants — a complex that continues to grow. The attraction draws up to 50,000 visitors a year and is city-owned.

Mondell said Applied Adventures may be a candidate to design or run a Tulare complex, but not necessarily. On the table in coming weeks is issuing a request for proposals from private developers interested in partnering with the city to create an entertainment district near the sprawling International Agri-Center grounds. A new freeway interchange in the area is in the final stages of construction. The RFP is scheduled for council approval on Oct. 21.

At the same time, the city is looking to enhance the Elk Bayou nature area at the south end of town to attract more visitors for strolling and outdoor recreation. Possible features could include kayaking, a zip line, a ropes course or other climbing venues. The goal, Mondell said, is to draw more visitors while also expanding recreational opportunities for Tulare residents.

Adventure and theme parks — both large and small — are increasingly popular with Valley cities. Visalia’s Adventure Park has found success off Highway 198, surrounded by hotels. Another national company, Urban Air Adventure Park, operates the Hanford complex, part of a chain with 350 locations nationwide.

Not every theme park has been a home run, however. Bay Area-based California’s Great America recently announced 184 job cuts, according to a WARN notice filed with the state Employment Development Department.