SHEBOYGAN, Wis. (WFRV) – A trampoline park in Sheboygan has been forced to temporarily shut its doors after city officials cited multiple safety violations.
Since May 1, the city of Sheboygan says it has worked with Bounce Trampoline Park to resolve a range of code compliance and structural concerns. Officials say several issues remain unresolved and operations cannot resume until those concerns are addressed.
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“Public safety is not negotiable,” said Taylor Zeinert, Director of Planning and Development. “Our goal is not to shut down businesses, but to work collaboratively to ensure they meet the standards required to operate safely and legally.”
City staff and third-party engineers have reportedly conducted multiple evaluations of the facility. While some violations have been fixed, issues involving building modifications, permitting history, and trampoline structures are still under review.
Owners Courtney and CJ of Bounce Trampoline Park shared a lengthy post on social media, expressing frustration over what they call shifting expectations from the city.
“We wanted a positive relationship with the city government, but we need you all to know what is actually happening,” the post said.
The owners allege they were encouraged by the city to move into their current location on Blue Harbor Drive and claim they worked up to 18 hours a day to get the facility ready.
Problems reportedly began after applying for an occupancy permit in April. The city allegedly objected to discrepancies between building plans and the current structure — discrepancies the owners attribute to previous tenants.
Despite hiring an architect to update the plans and passing an inspection, the owners say they were never granted even a temporary permit. They claim they’ve been fined $691 per day since opening, totaling roughly $40,000.
While minor violations have reportedly been addressed, the city requested additional documentation on platform load capacity and railings. The owners say they passed a structural test and installed carpet bonded foam on lower platforms, which was initially approved by equipment suppliers.
But the city has since requested expert confirmation of the foam’s safety, and until those approvals and a state-level permit are granted, the park must remain closed.
“All of this, we would have done months ago if we knew our other solution was going to suddenly be unacceptable,” the owners wrote. “We are shocked and disappointed.”
The park says it will issue refunds to affected customers and hopes to reopen soon.
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Meanwhile, Zeinert reiterated the city’s position. “We understand the community needs more recreation opportunities,” she said. “But our first responsibility is to ensure those experiences are safe.”
City officials say they remain committed to working with Bounce Trampoline Park to reopen safely.
