New trampoline park jumps into Dalton’s recreation scene
DALTON, Ga. — House of Pain urged people to “Jump Around” in the group’s Grammy Award-nominated 1992 song, and Dalton’s families now have the opportunity to do just that at a new trampoline park in the city.
Just Jump Trampoline Park, at 1515 W. Walnut Avenue next to Planet Fitness, opened earlier this month and features not only trampolines but a ninja course, a playground for young children and virtual reality gaming.
“We know kids like a lot of activities, not just trampolines, so we keep adding more,” said Beth Hutton, one of Just Jump’s co-owners. Just Jump also has several televisions for adults to watch while children are playing, ample seating to accommodate parties and snacks and beverages.
This is Just Jump’s fourth location, joining existing parks in Johnson City and Bristol, Tennessee, and Panama City Beach, Florida, Hutton said. “Every time we build one, we try to do it a little bit better.”
The ninja course at Dalton’s Just Jump is “the largest and the toughest of any of our four locations,” she said. It’s ideal not only for youth, but for “team-building” exercises for church groups, businesses and sports teams.
In addition to the headsets, players in the virtual reality area wear vests on their chests, which vibrate to add sensation to their gaming experience, said Travis Hutton, Beth’s husband and another co-owner. “It’s a trip.”
Dodgeball, with the aid of trampolines, remains a popular favorite at all Just Jump parks, including in Dalton, Beth Hutton said. “Dodgeball is always one of the most popular things at every location.”
Dalton’s Just Jump also boasts airbags under much of the layout, including the ninja course, which makes for “a great landing,” she said. “It’s soft, and you don’t lose the change out of your pockets.”
Children ages 6 and under have the front area of Just Jump, which includes personal-sized trampolines and a playground, to use, while older children and adults have full access, she said. However, from 9 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday and Saturday, Just Jump is open to those 6-and-under only, so they can have the facility to themselves.
Individuals are welcome to bring their own “grip socks” to Just Jump, which, as one might expect, provide better footing on trampolines, Travis Hutton said. Just Jump also sells grip socks.
At Just Jump, “safety is the most important thing,” Beth Hutton said. “It’s safe, first; fun, second; and clean, third.”
Dalton was attractive as a fourth location for Just Jump because of its demographics, which “were great,” she said. In addition, “this community is full of super-nice and welcoming people.”
Dalton’s Just Jump staff is “all local,” she said. “We have more than 30 employees from this area, and we’re still hiring.”
Hutton and her family routinely drove 90 miles from their Johnson City home to the nearest trampoline park, and they often noticed other Johnson City families there, too, she said. Naturally, “we thought it would be good to have one in Johnson City,” and the first Just Jump opened in 2015.
“We’re family owned,” she said. “We’re just a family trying to entertain other families.”
Jillian Baker brought her daughter, Isley, age 5, to Just Jump on Columbus Day, and both mother and daughter were impressed enough they plan to return.
Because the closest similar park is in Chattanooga, having a Just Jump in Dalton is “very convenient,” Baker said. “It gives us something to do on a rainy day, or when it’s too hot, and it’s a new place for birthday parties.”
Just Jump can host various parties and private events, Beth Hutton said. “We do a lot of birthday parties, and we can have any size party, from 10 to 100.”
Hours at Just Jump are 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Individuals can learn more about Just Jump on the park’s Facebook page and Instagram feed, or they can call (844) 344-JUMP.
Monday night is Family Night, Thursday night is Student Night, and on Friday and Saturday nights “we do black lights, (so) everything in here glows,” Beth Hutton said. “We want kids to be active, but we want adults to be active, too, and we love for them to be active with their kids, because that’s important.”
Since the opening earlier this month, “the community has been so positive,” she added. “We’re excited to offer something new in Dalton.”