Urban Air looking for space to open trampoline park in Arlington – ARLnow

Report on Proposed Recreational Facilities in Arlington County and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report details the proposed establishment of two new indoor adventure parks in Arlington County by Urban Air Adventure Park and SkyZone. The development of these facilities presents a significant opportunity to advance several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Project Status and Timeline

The current status of each proposed facility is as follows:

1. Urban Air Adventure Park: A franchise agreement has been recently signed for an Arlington location. The specific site has not yet been secured, and therefore, an opening date remains unconfirmed. The company is also planning expansions in Sterling, VA, and Washington, D.C.
2. SkyZone: Following an announcement in March 2024, the company is actively seeking suitable real estate within Arlington. The project is officially listed as “coming soon,” but a definitive timeline is contingent on site acquisition.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

The proposed adventure parks directly support SDG 3 by promoting active lifestyles and providing accessible venues for physical recreation.

• Promotion of Physical Activity: The facilities offer a range of activities, including trampolining, obstacle courses, and ropes courses, which encourage vigorous physical exercise for youth and families, helping to combat sedentary behaviors.
• Holistic Well-being: By creating destinations for family entertainment and memory-making, as stated by Urban Air’s Brand President, these parks contribute to the social and mental well-being of the community.
• Diverse Recreational Options: Offerings such as dodgeball, laser tag, and indoor ziplines provide varied and engaging forms of exercise that appeal to a broad demographic.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The establishment of these commercial enterprises will contribute to local economic vitality and job creation, in line with the objectives of SDG 8.

• Job Creation: The development and operation of two large-scale facilities will generate numerous employment opportunities in construction, management, customer service, and food service.
• Local Investment: The search for and development of commercial real estate represents a significant investment in the local economy.
• Economic Stimulation: As family destinations, the parks will attract local and regional visitors, potentially increasing revenue for surrounding businesses.

Advancing Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

These projects align with SDG 11 by enhancing community infrastructure and providing safe, inclusive recreational spaces.

• Development of Community Spaces: The parks will function as key community assets, offering safe and supervised environments for youth and family recreation.
• Enhancing Social Infrastructure: By providing positive outlets for social interaction and physical activity, the facilities strengthen the social fabric of the community.
• Inclusive Access: The creation of modern, accessible recreational facilities contributes to making Arlington a more inclusive and desirable place for families to live.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article, while focused on the opening of new entertainment venues, connects to several Sustainable Development Goals through its implications for community well-being, economic activity, and urban development.

   • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article highlights that the proposed parks are not just “average trampoline park[s]” but also feature “dodgeball courts, bumper cars, laser tag, obstacle and ropes courses and indoor ziplines.” These facilities promote physical activity and active recreation, which are essential components of a healthy lifestyle, particularly for children and families.
   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The announcement that two companies, Urban Air and SkyZone, are planning to open new locations signifies local economic investment and growth. The signing of a “franchise deal” and the search for “real estate in the market” are direct indicators of business development that will lead to job creation and contribute to the local economy.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The article discusses the creation of new recreational spaces within Arlington county. The stated focus on creating “destinations where more families throughout Virginia can celebrate major milestones and make lasting memories” aligns with the goal of making cities and communities more inclusive and providing access to safe recreational facilities for residents.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   Based on the connections identified, the following specific SDG targets are relevant:

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article relates to the “prevention” and “promote well-being” aspects of this target by describing new venues that encourage physical activity, a key factor in preventing many non-communicable diseases.
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors. The introduction of new entertainment businesses like Urban Air and SkyZone contributes to the diversification of the local service and entertainment economy in Arlington.
   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities. The article directly addresses this by detailing plans for new “kid-centric” recreational parks that serve as public spaces for families and children to engage in leisure and social activities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   The article does not provide explicit quantitative data but implies several indicators that could be used to measure progress:

   • Indicator for Target 3.4 & 11.7 (Implied): The number and availability of public recreational facilities. The article explicitly states that two new parks are planned for Arlington (“Urban Air Adventure Park has announced plans to open” and “SkyZone, is still looking for a place to open”). An increase in the number of such venues serves as an indicator of greater access to spaces for physical activity and recreation.
   • Indicator for Target 8.2 (Implied): The number of new businesses established in the local area. The article’s focus on two separate companies seeking to open new locations is a direct measure of new enterprise development within the county’s entertainment sector.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: arlnow.com