Expedition Island Closing by February 20
Owner Ian Inman said debts incurred prior to opening, summer slowdown made continued operation challenging
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Since it opened in fall of 2010, Petaluma parents have fallen in love with Expedition Island.
Where else could kids run across rope bridges, zip line and clamber up the side of a wall—all for about $20? There were also birthday parties, overnight camps and teen events as owner Ian Inman sought to create a space for children and teenagers to have fun, get exercise and build confidence.
But on Friday, the 24-year-old Inman announced that he was closing the 12,000 square foot indoor adventure center, a decision made necessary by debt accumulated before the business opened in September 2010.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the last day of operation for Expedition Island (will be) February 20,” Inman wrote in an online message to his supporters Friday. “The entire Expedition team has been amazing at providing a magical and fun-loving environment for so many kids who have entered our doors…It has been a pleasure to serve you.”
A phone and email message left Friday morning were not immediately returned.
Prior to opening Expedition Island, located at 755 Southpoint Boulevard, Inman was in negotiations with Jungle Quest, a Colorado-based company that franchises recreational gyms all over the country.
The partnership lasted about a year, but was eventually disbanded due to mutual differences. In the process, Inman incurred unexpected costs that wiped out the cushion he had been preparing for the launch.
“By the time we finally opened, we had $0 in the bank, owed thousands to our landlord, and I was already starting to get burnt out,” Inman said.
Despite that, the company managed to cover all of their monthly financial commitments until the spring 2011. Then, the summer came, and the flow of customers to the tropical-themed gym turned into a mere trickle.
Inman announced that he was seeking a majority shareholder to take over partial ownership of the gym, but in the end could not find anyone to do so.
And summer was brutal.
“We knew that there would be a seasonal decline in business, but it was much greater than we expected and we had no "cash cushion" to rely on,” Inman said. “Had we had a cash cushion to create additional revenue streams then we would have been fine, but we didn't and so a downward spiral began to form as we fought to come up with a viable solution to our lack of capitalization and resources.”
In the end, Inman decided that he had no choice but to close his company, which had grown to more than 25 employees. The business is for sale, but cannot be operated at the same location and would have to be revived under a new name. For more information, contact Inman at ian.inman@gmail.com.
The news shocked Petaluma parents who are now mourning the impending closure of another local business that catered to children.
"We are very sad to hear about the closure," said Sheri Chlebowski, a mom of three. "Our kids absolutely loved it and we loved that it engaged them in a form of exercise and sport."
Patricia Steiding is a parent whose daughter works at the gym and says the the news means there is no other business in Petaluma where parents can drop off their children for a couple of hours exercise and socializing.
"There really is nothing like this place and it is sad to see it going away so fast," Steiding said. "I truly wish there was some sort of investment banker or a financially secure entrepreneur that could help Ian Inman to keep this establishment open and running."
Did you love Expedition Island? Share your memories of the place with other readers in the comments below.
Gisele Rue
10:01 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
I am so sad that Expedition Island is closing, my 11 year old and her friends love to go there. This business has given so much back to the community including but not limited to having our local boys and girls club and other children centers visit on a discounted rate, having a special trained staff assist with special needs children so they can have the wonderful experience. If someone in our community can help them stay open for our children please help.
Bubba Smith
10:14 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Oh, you want a comment? Sure. I'm sorry the person is losing his business and his employees will be jobless. What I don't understand is why a business like this was considered necessary in the first place. When I was a kid we played in vacant lots, climbed trees, rode bikes, and played sports and games outside. What the hell happened that this is no longer enough?
AyurvedicMama
10:27 am on Saturday, February 11, 2012
Thank you Bubba! It's not that difficult to find an adventure in your own backyard. I always take my children bike riding, rollerblading, nature walks, to the park, etc. Everytime we go hiking, we usually make a game and pretend we are on a special mission or adventure. They love it! I am pretty sure my kiddos don't feel as if they are missing out on anything in life :)
John.Maher
6:26 am on Monday, February 13, 2012
Here's an inside look at how well this place was run. Hope someone can pick up the ball on this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzbeHyK-1Wo - Best of luck Ian. You ROCK!
Ian Inman
12:16 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Thanks John. We do have a possible acquisition/ merger in the works; involving a move to a new location. I'll keep you in the loop as things progress.
@ Bubba - The goal of Expedition Island has always been to provide a safe place for kids to be active and build confidence. This has been achieved through participation in varying levels of supervised ropes course and rock climbing activities. Now, it's true that kids are much too sheltered today and need to get outside more to explore their world, so I'm definitely not going to argue that point. I've taken groups of kids on camping trips and on endurance runs out in the wilderness - it's an amazing experience for all involved. However, Expedition Island can reach kids who are disabled, who need to let out some energy on a rainy day, or who simply enjoy the satisfaction of conquering a fear, learning a new skill, or challenging themselves with a little encouragement from our safari guide staff. Many parents today are busy and stressed, and this gets passed down to their kids who do not participate in enough active or self-confidence building activities. Expedition Island is one way to provide an outlet for this. There are some other great options as well.. it all depends on the kid.
Adorabelle
12:06 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Bubba - No one ever said that all that you mentioned wasn't enough I totally agree, I use to do the same things as a kid, however times have changed, population has grown, less places to be play outside, more wreckless, unlicensed &uninsured drivers on the road, not as many empty lots, fields or trees left, etc. Heck it's even dangerous riding a bike down my own street which once was a 25mph residential zone, the City of Petaluma for whatever whacked out reason increased it to 30mph even though everyone speeds on my street & runs the 2 way stop & average speed that people drive is between 40 to 50mph in a 30mph residential zone. Expedition Island is/was a nice alternative to add to the activities that kids do nowadays & keeps them from being sedentary inside their homes watching tv and/or playing video games, it's an active place which means they are getting exercise.
And your comment about why a business like this was considered necessary in the first place, well it's no different from the now obsolete Tube Town that was in Rohnert Park for many, many years, Vertex Climbing Center in Santa Rosa, Chuck E. Cheese's or Scandia in Rohnert Park, etc. And as Ian pointed out, it's great for disabled children & for those rainy days where kids, even active kids are more than likely to be sedentary this way they are up & being active but not getting drenched. It's a very safe environment & another alternative to keep kids (and some parents) active.
Kevin Harrigan
4:46 pm on Thursday, February 16, 2012
Bubba, I think your reply is a little callous. I bet you dont have kids. I have been to this place many times, with my kids and others. it is truly a wonderful place for kids. My daughter crie3d for hours when I told her they were closing. ian please keep us in the loop, I am feeling a glimmer of hope by your comment above. Kids should get out and do outdoor activities absolutely. But the unique experience provided by your company is not matched by anything they could find in "vacant lot". There is no team of skilled courteous staff watching your kid ina vacant lot and no safety equipment. good luck Ian