When planning out a new course, or performing maintenance on an existing course, there are many considerations that a challenge course owner and the builder must think about. For starters, as in any new business endeavor, a plan should be created. This plan should include the following:

I.   Type of Course

1. Pole
   1. Considerations include:   esthetics, price and availability of poles, availability of natural elements (trees). The industry seems to be shifting in the direction of poles. There is more control over the design of the course. It is best to plant poles in dry ground to avoid resetting later. In soft clay, sand or in thawing ground in the springtime, the poles will probably need to be dug deeper. Many poles are treated with CCA which is the standard preservative chemical in the industry. A controversial issue exists regarding the unknown long term effects of humans climbing on the poles; or for that matter, climbing on walls that utilize pressure treated lumber (chemicals). Note- when drilling, cutting or sanding the poles, wear a mask as there are carcinogens in the wood fibers/dust.
2. Tree
   1. Determine which species are in good condition and which are in stressed condition.
   2. The age of the tree is vital. An ideal tree is a young one "on the way up". This tree is more resistant to stressors than are older trees. A little dieback on the crown is one indicator of a young tree.
   3. Observe the branching pattern;   U-shaped branching patterns are stronger than V-shaped branching patterns.
   4. Know the species you're dealing with;   some trees such as tuliptrees and poplar grow too fast as well as the fact that they're softer woods. Consult a local arborist.
   5. . Look for hollow areas near the trunk. This could be a sign of disease or animal infestation. If the tree oozes around a through bolt, it means that the tree is rejecting the hardware.
   6. Slow growing/shallow rooted trees are a big red flag for a ropes course. If you have to deal with this type of tree, it's recommended to feed and aerate the root area and soil to counterattack the potential weakness at the base of the tree.
   7. . Plan a path through the course for client foot traffic as well as a path for belaying. These paths should be lined with wood chips. Get large cuts to avoid having dust in the chips, which in many cases is a result of chemical residue from leftover pressure treated limber. Mulching helps prevent erosion and soil compaction while providing a cushion for low falls - this may help the liability issue. If soil is already compacted, then aerate before chipping. Make sure chips don't come from a diseased tree!!
   8. Consider the presence of poison ivy/oak in the path areas, especially if the program goals include keeping the area looking environmentally natural.
   9. Consider lightning storms when constructing. Smooth barked trees are more susceptible to lightning hits than rough barked trees. The reason is because a smooth sheet of water is a good conductor for electricity. Get history of the site from somebody who is familiar with the area. Mother nature hits some sites regularly with lightning.
   10. . If pruning is necessary, don't prune too closely to the trunk as you may damage the cambium layer and the branch will not heal itself to regenerate.
   11. Use hoses around cable to minimize impact on the tree trunk.
   12. Use round washers instead of square ones in the construction process. A tree can regenerate itself easier around a round object.
3. Alpine and Specialized types of Challenge Courses.
   
   A lot depends on budget and aesthetic look desired.

II.   Ecology and Land Use

1. The program goals in relation to the site and environmental factors (i.e. how is the physical environment affecting the client's experience)
2. The impact and site sustainability
   1. Land use plan based on the number of people expected to use the course on a regular basis. Stressing out the terrain will be expensive later. Be aware of the possible stress caused by through bolts and staples in trees.

III.   Micro-Environment and Terrain

1. Slopes
   1. A southern facing slope will be warmer in the summer.
   2. A northern facing slope will yield more snow and mud in the winter
   3. Steep slopes can be more work for the staff while belaying and supervising others. In this event, the terrain will be worn out quicker than on level terrain.

IV.   Location of the Course

1. Will the course be accessible by all client markets...young, old, disabled.
2. Consider the distance from the staging area and logistics for rescue aid, refreshments and bathrooms.
3. Personal preference of owner.
4. Liability issues...will the insurance company pose limitations on the location.
5. The site selection criteria should consider the impact while building or maintaining a course   (ie heavy trucks, 4 wheel drive vehicles - especially in wet or muddy conditions, as well as tools dropped repeatedly in the same location can cause soil compaction).
6. If there is a major concern over insects or lyme disease (ticks) for example, then the owner may be better served to install a pole course on a clean, open field rather than consider a tree course in a forested area.

This article appeared in Parallel Lines, the Newsletter of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT)
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