An Aerial Adventure

Confident. Exhilarated. Refreshed. Those are the words used to describe an experience on the flying trapeze, Westminster’s newest summer program at Irving Street Park.

Fly Mile High, co-founded by Michael Roudebush, is Colorado’s first public trapeze school located right in the heart of Historic Westminster. Roudebush is a long-tenured trapeze artist hailing from experience with some of the world’s most renowned circus entertainment groups including Cirque du Soleil, Club Med, Atelier du Trapèze, and more. “Flying trapeze is truly for anyone who is looking for something new and thrilling,” Roudebush asserts. “We welcome students from all fitness levels and athletic backgrounds.” This inclusive ethos is crucial to Fly Mile High’s mission. “At Fly Mile High, we're excited to give people a unique place to gather, create amazing memories, showcase their progress, challenge themselves, and build lifelong friendships and community through this one-of-a-kind shared experience.”

Shared experiences are exactly what Westminster’s Recreation Services Manager, Tim Lachermeier had in mind when connecting with Fly Mile High and securing space for them in

Historic Westminster. “The proximity of [Irving Street] Park to Highway 36 is appealing as the location leads toward inviting participants from the Denver and Boulder areas, as well as Westminster.” Lachermeier said, touting the park’s ideal location. “Irving Street Park is also the site of the Irving Street Library. This activity could bring attention to that library as well as the MAC and Swim & Fitness Center, which is currently undergoing an extensive $4.8 million renovation project. Introducing positive activity along this corridor helps to meet the Parks, Recreation and Libraries' mission of nature, wellness, and literacy.”

Karen Gonzalez is a former gymnast who was drawn to the trapeze installation in Westminster. After Roudebush offered her instruction on a low bar near the ground, he encouraged Gonzalez to try it at the trapeze bar’s full height, twenty feet high and twelve feet off of the safety net. Gonzalez admits agreeing to try it did not come without a healthy level of fear. “Climbing the ladder up is the scariest part,” she said. Gonzalez, encouraged by staff atop the platform, executed her first knee hang by swinging her feet in between her arms, flipping upside down, gripping the bar behind her knees, and releasing her hand grip. As she swung upside down, arms pointing to the ground, applause and cheers erupted through Irving Street Park. After her fulfilling two-hour class, Gonzalez said, “I feel like [the trapeze] is a perfect fit for Colorado people because they’re very active and they’re all about moving their body.”

For those with a fear of heights, Roudebush takes care to respect every trainee’s comfort level. “You are always harnessed and connected to one of our spotting instructors via spotting safety lines while in the air. We never force anyone to go beyond their own boundaries.” www.cityofwestminster.us/Trapeze

He assures people interested in the trapeze will feel “the sense of pride, accomplishment, and elation that flows through you when you finish your first swing,” and it may entice Westminster residents into making it a new regular activity.

Classes are now underway and weather permitting, the trapeze will be available to people 6 years and older, through October.