This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2006, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Dean Potter ignited a firestorm of criticism in May when he free-climbed Utah's famous Delicate Arch.
Now, everyone can scale the icon without reproof - well, a scaled-down version of the original. The Boondocks Fun Center in Draper sports a stunning replica of the arch, replete with hand- and footholds and a harness.
Since its opening in March 2005, Boondocks has become the site for many students, families and couples in search of more-engaging entertainment than the usual dinner and a movie. A walk through the 7-acre complex is accompanied by the ringing of arcade games, revving of go-cart engines and the crack of bats making contact with 75 mph baseballs.
Jaron Jones, on his second visit to the fun center, says the go-carts and the Delicate Arch rock wall are his favorites.
"I'm going to try to make it all the way to the top today," he said about the arch.
Jamison Tarrant, who has worked at Boondocks for seven months, also cottons to the go-carts that he says are the center's most-popular attraction. The center features three race tracks, including a slick track for daring drivers and a "rookie" track for children. It is the ideal setting for healthy competition between friends, family - and even strangers.
During the summer, visitors can take a splash on the Bumper Boats - floating versions of bumper cars that are armed with squirt guns. Suzie and Karie Salisbury, both at the Boondocks with dates, emerged from the Bumper Boats dripping with water. Still, they insist they will definitely recommend the boats when it is hot outside.
Boondocks also sports batting cages for practice at slow- and fast-pitch softball and baseball. Most entertainment packages at the center include unlimited miniature golf, in which players may encounter a fire-breathing Tiki temple. A snack bar - for regular patrons as well as group parties and birthdays - provides refreshment for hard-playing visitors.
Plenty of indoor fun abounds for those who want a break from the sun. Children can play in Kiddie Cove, a four-story play land built for climbing, sliding and other "soft" play. Friends and family can engage in congenial combat while playing laser tag. Prizes purchasable with tickets await the best players of Skee Ball and Whack-A-Mole.
Students also receive free game tokens for each "A" and "B" they have received on their report cards, which must be shown to center workers for verification purposes.
If you go
* Boondocks is located at 75 E. South Fork Drive in Draper. Pricing and other information is available online at http://www.boondocksfuncenter.com.