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The quick answer
- 1ASTM F2970 (current edition F2970-23) is the equipment and operational safety standard for trampoline courts. It is incorporated by reference in several state amusement ride regulations and is the industry baseline expected by all commercial liability insurers. Non-compliance creates significant tort liability exposure.
- 2Trampoline parks classify as A-3 Assembly occupancy under the IBC, triggering specific egress, fire suppression, emergency lighting, and ADA requirements. Many parks occupy converted industrial shells — verify the building can meet A-3 occupancy requirements before signing a lease.
- 3Commercial general liability insurance for trampoline parks runs $40,000–$100,000 per year — significantly more than most recreational businesses. Waivers are essential but unenforceable for minors in many states and void against public policy in Virginia, Louisiana, and some others.
- 4Many states — including California, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and Illinois — regulate trampoline parks under their state amusement ride or amusement park inspection statutes. Annual state inspection permits are required in these states before opening and each year of operation.
1. The regulatory landscape for trampoline parks
Trampoline parks are a relatively young industry — the first commercial trampoline park opened in the early 2000s, and rapid growth between 2010 and 2020 outpaced regulatory development. The result is a patchwork: a strong industry safety standard (ASTM F2970) developed by the industry itself through the ASTM consensus process, state-level regulation that varies from comprehensive to nonexistent, and a challenging insurance market that effectively mandates compliance even where the law does not.
The building code layer (IBC A-3 occupancy, fire suppression, egress) is the most consistently enforced layer because it flows through the local building department's permit and inspection process — you cannot open without a certificate of occupancy, and you cannot get a CO without meeting occupancy requirements. The state amusement ride inspection layer applies in about half of states and requires an annual operating permit from the state agency in addition to local permits.
The insurance layer effectively sets a private regulatory floor. Commercial liability insurers for trampoline parks require ASTM F2970 compliance documentation, IATP membership or equivalent safety certification, trained floor monitors, signed participant waivers, and incident reporting protocols as conditions of coverage. An operator who cannot demonstrate these safeguards will either be unable to obtain coverage or will face exclusions that eliminate coverage for injuries — which means a single serious injury claim could exceed the operator's net worth without insurance.
2. ASTM F2970: the safety standard for trampoline courts
ASTM F2970 was first published in 2012 and has been revised multiple times, most recently as F2970-23. It covers the full lifecycle of trampoline court equipment from design through installation, daily operation, maintenance, and major modification.
Equipment design and installation requirements
F2970 specifies minimum requirements for structural frame design (load ratings, material specifications, welding standards), trampoline bed properties (elasticity, tensile strength, mesh openings), spring or bungee rod specifications, and — critically — padding requirements. All metal frame components must be padded with a minimum pad thickness defined in the standard. The padding must be attached securely and cover all potential contact surfaces. Gaps between trampoline beds and between beds and walls must be minimized and padded. Foam pit foam cubes must meet specified size and density requirements — undersized or over-compressed foam increases injury risk. Installation must follow the manufacturer's published specifications, and the manufacturer must provide documentation that the equipment meets F2970 requirements. Many parks hire a third-party ASTM-certified inspector to certify compliance at installation and annually thereafter. This documentation is presented to insurers and, in regulated states, to the state amusement ride inspector.
Operational requirements: staffing, supervision, and rules
F2970 prescribes operational standards that go beyond equipment. These include: minimum staff-to-jumper ratios for floor monitors; a written operations manual addressing emergency procedures, incident reporting, and park rules enforcement; posted jump rules at every court (no double bouncing, no flips without training, one jumper per trampoline, no food or drink on courts); jumper orientation procedures — new jumpers must receive a safety briefing before entering the court area; footwear requirements (grip socks required, no street shoes); maximum weight limits for specific equipment; age or height restrictions for certain features (foam pits, wall trampolines, slam dunk zones); and procedures for removing or isolating damaged equipment from service. Staff must be trained in F2970 operational requirements and this training must be documented. Many operators use IATP's Jump Start staff training curriculum to satisfy this requirement.
Maintenance inspection and recordkeeping
F2970 requires documented inspection and maintenance at three frequencies: pre-opening daily inspection of all equipment (padding condition, spring/rod count and condition, bed tension, frame integrity, foam pit condition); periodic maintenance per manufacturer schedule (typically monthly or quarterly for fastener torque checks, structural welds, spring replacement); and annual comprehensive inspection by a qualified inspector. All inspection records must be retained and available for review by state amusement authorities and insurers. A trampoline or component that fails inspection must be taken out of service immediately and either repaired or replaced before returning to use — documented out-of-service tags and return-to-service authorization are required. Incident reports must be completed for every injury, no matter how minor, and retained with inspection records.
3. Building code: A-3 occupancy, egress, and fire suppression
The IBC and local building code requirements are enforced by your local building department through the building permit and certificate of occupancy process. You cannot open without a CO, and you cannot get a CO without satisfying these requirements.
A-3 assembly occupancy requirements
Under IBC Section 303, trampoline parks are A-3 Assembly (amusement arcade or gymnasium classification — confirm the specific A-3 sub-classification with your local building official). A-3 occupancy establishes: the minimum number and width of exits based on occupant load; exit travel distance limits; corridor and aisle widths; illuminated exit sign requirements; emergency lighting that activates upon power failure; and fire suppression requirements. IBC Table 1004.5 is used to calculate the occupant load, which determines exit requirements. For a trampoline park, the court areas are typically calculated at 15 sq ft per person (exercise room) or 50 sq ft per person for areas with fixed seating (spectator areas). A 20,000 sq ft park with 15,000 sq ft of active jump area might calculate an occupant load of 1,000 persons — triggering requirements for multiple exits, fire sprinklers, and other high-occupancy provisions.
Fire sprinkler requirements for A-3 occupancies
IBC Section 903.3 requires an automatic sprinkler system (designed to NFPA 13 standards) in all A-3 occupancies where the fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet or the occupant load exceeds 300. Most trampoline parks exceed one or both thresholds. Even if they don't, most jurisdictions have local amendments that require sprinklers in all new A-3 construction. The trampoline park's foam pit presents a specific fire loading challenge: foam cubes are classified as Group B (expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foam) plastics under NFPA 13, which requires ordinary hazard Group 2 sprinkler density in areas with foam pits. This is more demanding than the light hazard density used for open court areas. A fire protection engineer must design the system, and the local fire marshal must approve the design before installation. Budget $30,000–$100,000 for a sprinkler system retrofit. Some jurisdictions require a high-pile storage classification analysis for large foam pits — coordinate with the fire marshal early.
ADA accessibility for recreational facilities
Trampoline parks are places of public accommodation required to comply with ADA. Key requirements for recreation facilities under the 2010 ADA Standards: accessible route throughout the facility including to all attraction areas accessible to the general public; accessible parking; accessible restrooms; accessible sales and check-in counters (maximum 36" high service counter under Standards § 227); and accessible seating for spectators if provided. For the trampoline courts themselves, the ADA requires that accessible routes reach the courts, but the standard does not require every trampoline to be accessible — recreation facilities have a "limited applicability" exception for exercise equipment where the physical nature of the activity makes accessibility impossible (Standards § 206.2.4 exception 2). However, accessible changing areas, lockers, and viewing areas for participants who cannot jump must be provided. New construction and alterations must comply fully; existing facilities must make "readily achievable" modifications. Consult an ADA access consultant during the facility design phase to avoid costly retrofits.
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4. Insurance, waivers, and liability management
The injury rate at trampoline parks is high enough that liability management is as important as any other operational decision. The insurance and waiver program work together — a strong waiver reduces claim frequency; insurance covers claims that the waiver does not defeat.
Commercial liability insurance requirements
Obtaining commercial liability insurance for a trampoline park requires demonstrating to the insurer that the facility meets ASTM F2970 requirements, uses signed participant waivers, employs trained floor monitors at ASTM-required ratios, has a written incident response protocol, and maintains detailed inspection and injury records. Insurers typically require a detailed application package including: facility size and equipment list, projected annual attendance, ASTM compliance documentation, waiver form for review, staff training protocols, and incident history if the park is an existing operation. The insurance application process often begins 90–120 days before opening. Several insurers have exited the trampoline park market due to adverse loss experience — work with a broker specializing in recreation or amusement facilities.
Participant waiver requirements and enforceability
Participant waivers are the first line of defense against injury claims but must be drafted correctly for the state in which you operate. The waiver should: specifically identify the activities covered (trampoline jumping, foam pit use, wall runs, etc.); list the specific inherent risks of those activities (landing injuries, collision, falls); use clear, unambiguous language — courts strike down waivers for vague or overbroad language; be presented before participation with enough time for the participant to read it (not at the ticket counter in a rush); be signed by the participant or by a parent or guardian for minors; and be retained with a verifiable record of the signer's identity. In states where minors\' waivers are enforceable (California under limited circumstances, Colorado, Georgia, Texas), the parent's signature can protect the park from the parent's claims but typically does not bar the child's own claim after reaching majority. Electronic kiosk or app-based waiver systems must create auditable records. IATP publishes state-specific waiver guidance as a member benefit — use it. Have a local attorney review the final waiver before it goes live.
5. State amusement ride inspections and operating permits
State amusement ride inspection programs are the most variable regulatory layer — what is required in Florida differs dramatically from what is required in Nevada. Research your specific state requirements before site selection.
States with trampoline park inspection requirements
Florida: FDACS Division of Consumer Services regulates amusement rides under Florida Statutes § 616.242. Trampoline parks with "amusement rides" as broadly defined are subject to annual inspection and permit. Park owners must file an application, pay a fee, and pass inspection before opening and annually thereafter. California: Cal/OSHA's Amusement Ride Unit inspects fixed amusement rides at permanent parks; however, free-play trampoline courts may not be classified as "rides" — confirm with Cal/OSHA. Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Rides and Measurements, inspects amusement rides and devices including interactive play structures. Trampoline courts meeting the definition of an amusement device require an annual permit. New York: New York Department of Labor regulates amusement rides under NY Labor Law Article 4-A; applicability to trampoline parks depends on specific equipment. Illinois: Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act administered by Illinois Department of Labor. In states where trampoline courts are regulated, the state inspector typically evaluates compliance with ASTM F2970 as the applicable standard. Permit fees range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year.
CPSC reporting obligations
Under the Consumer Product Safety Act, manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of consumer products — including trampoline equipment manufacturers — are required to report to the CPSC if they receive information that a product creates a substantial product hazard, contains a defect that could create a substantial risk of injury, or has been associated with a serious injury or death. Trampoline park operators are not directly subject to CPSC mandatory reporting in most cases (they are service providers, not product manufacturers). However, if equipment defects are identified — for example, a manufacturer's design flaw causing consistent spring failures or frame fractures — operators should communicate this to the manufacturer and may have an obligation to notify the CPSC under Section 15(b) if the defect is in equipment they sell to customers. CPSC actively tracks amusement ride injuries through the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) and may issue safety advisories or recalls for trampoline equipment.
6. Zoning and business licensing for trampoline parks
Site selection for a trampoline park is driven by two practical constraints: high ceiling height requirements (18–24 feet clear) and the need for large floor plates (15,000–30,000 square feet). This pushes most trampoline parks toward converted warehouse or big-box retail spaces in suburban commercial or light industrial zones.
Zoning for indoor recreational amusement
Indoor recreational amusement facilities, including trampoline parks, are generally classified as recreation or amusement uses in local zoning codes. They may be permitted as of right in general commercial (C-2 or B-3) or commercial-industrial zones, or may require a conditional use permit (CUP) in some jurisdictions. Confirm with the local zoning department whether "indoor trampoline park," "amusement center," or "recreational facility" is a permitted use in your target zone. Some jurisdictions prohibit commercial entertainment uses in industrial zones even if the space is physically suitable. Parking requirements for A-3 assembly uses are more demanding than retail: IBC and most zoning codes require approximately 1 space per 4–5 occupants of maximum occupant load, which for a large trampoline park can mean 150–250 spaces. The parking calculation is a critical site selection factor — many otherwise suitable warehouse spaces fail the parking test.
Business licenses and operational permits
Beyond building and state amusement permits, a trampoline park needs: a local business license from the city or county; a certificate of occupancy (CO) after all building, fire, and mechanical inspections pass; a state sales tax permit (admission fees, equipment rental, and food/beverage sales are taxable in most states — verify with your state department of revenue); food service permits if you operate a concession stand or café; and an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. If your park serves alcohol (common in evening adult jump sessions), you need a state liquor license, which involves a separate application and often a waiting period of 60–180 days. Many parks offer birthday party packages, which are often the highest-margin revenue segment — these may require separate food handling permits if catered food is served on-site. A sound amplification permit may be required if you operate with loud music.
7. Startup cost breakdown
Here is a realistic cost picture for opening a 20,000-square-foot trampoline park in a leased industrial or big-box building with a standard mix of courts:
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Trampoline court equipment (main court, freestyle, foam pits, wall runs, dodgeball) | $200,000 | $600,000 |
| Safety padding (walls, columns, all equipment perimeters) | $30,000 | $80,000 |
| Leasehold improvements (flooring, HVAC, lighting, restrooms, party rooms) | $150,000 | $500,000 |
| Fire sprinkler system (new installation or upgrade) | $30,000 | $100,000 |
| POS, waiver management system, kiosks | $15,000 | $40,000 |
| Commercial liability insurance (first year) | $40,000 | $100,000 |
| Building permits, fire permit, state amusement permit | $5,000 | $30,000 |
| ASTM F2970 compliance inspection | $3,000 | $8,000 |
| Legal (waiver drafting, entity formation, lease review) | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Opening marketing | $20,000 | $80,000 |
| Working capital (first 3 months) | $60,000 | $150,000 |
| Total | $558,000 | $1,708,000 |
Rent for a 20,000 sq ft big-box or industrial space typically adds $10,000–$25,000/month (NNN) in additional ongoing cost. Monthly operating expenses including labor, utilities, insurance, and equipment maintenance commonly run $80,000–$150,000/month for a full-size park, requiring substantial attendance to reach profitability.
Frequently asked questions
What is ASTM F2970 and is compliance mandatory?
ASTM F2970 is the Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Inspection, and Major Modification of Trampoline Courts, developed by ASTM International's F24 Committee on Amusement Rides and Devices. It is the primary safety standard for the trampoline park industry and covers: trampoline court design specifications (frame strength, spring geometry, bed tension, padding thickness and coverage), installation requirements, operational rules (staff-to-jumper ratios, age and weight restrictions, jump rules, footwear requirements), maintenance inspection schedules, and requirements for how operators respond to and document injuries. ASTM F2970 is not a federal law — it is a voluntary consensus standard. However, it has been incorporated by reference into the laws and regulations of multiple states that regulate amusement parks or trampoline parks specifically. Even where not legally mandated, compliance with F2970 is the industry baseline expected by insurers, landlords, and courts: failure to follow F2970 will be used as evidence of negligence in personal injury litigation. The current edition is F2970-23; verify the adopted version with your state amusement ride authority. IATP recommends that all member parks achieve F2970 compliance as a condition of membership.
What are the IATP certification requirements?
The International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP) is the industry trade association founded in 2012 specifically for indoor trampoline parks. IATP offers a park certification program that involves an on-site inspection by a certified IATP inspector who evaluates compliance with ASTM F2970 and the IATP Operator Standards. Certification requires: documented compliance with ASTM F2970 for all trampoline court equipment; a written safety program including jump rules, staff training procedures, incident reporting, and emergency response plan; adequate staff training and supervision policies; appropriate signage throughout the facility; documented maintenance and inspection logs; and a participant waiver that meets the legal requirements of the state in which the park operates. IATP certification is renewed annually. It is not legally required in any state but is expected by most commercial general liability insurers writing policies for trampoline parks. Several states that regulate amusement parks have referenced ASTM F2970 in their rules and recognized IATP certification as demonstrating compliance. IATP also provides members with training resources, waiver templates, staff certification courses, and access to legal resources specific to the industry.
What insurance does a trampoline park need, and how much does it cost?
Trampoline parks carry one of the highest injury rates of any recreational venue — CPSC data indicates tens of thousands of trampoline-related emergency department visits per year. Insurers treat trampoline parks as high-risk and the insurance market is more limited than for standard retail businesses. Required and recommended coverage includes: Commercial General Liability (CGL) with a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate — most parks carry $2–5 million per occurrence; Participant Accident / Participant Liability coverage specifically endorsed for trampoline activities (standard CGL policies often exclude athletic or sporting activities — confirm with your insurer that trampoline jumping is specifically covered and not excluded); Premises liability; Products liability (if you sell or rent equipment); Workers' Compensation per your state's requirements; and Commercial Property coverage for the facility and equipment. Some insurers also require operators to carry participant accident medical coverage that pays regardless of fault (typically $25,000–$50,000 per participant injury) as a condition of obtaining the liability policy. Annual premiums for a 20,000-square-foot trampoline park typically range from $40,000 to $100,000 depending on revenue, location, state, and claims history. Insurers that historically cover trampoline parks include K&K Insurance, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, and specialized recreation insurers through Lloyd's of London syndicates.
What do waiver and release of liability requirements look like, and are they enforceable?
Participant waivers are nearly universal in the trampoline park industry and are the primary risk management tool for injury claims. However, waiver enforceability varies dramatically by state. States where waivers are generally enforceable for recreational activities include Texas, Colorado, California (with specific language requirements), Georgia, Florida, and most Southern states. States where waivers have limited or no enforceability include Virginia (pre-injury waivers void against public policy for inherently dangerous activities), Louisiana (similar), and several others. New York courts apply a strict "assumption of risk" analysis and have invalidated many recreational waivers. IATP publishes state-specific waiver guidance for members. Key elements of an enforceable waiver: clear and conspicuous language identifying the specific risks being waived (do not rely on boilerplate); must be signed before participation, not during or after; separate sections for adult participants and parents or guardians signing on behalf of minors; minors' waivers are unenforceable in many states — the parent waiver only protects against parents' claims on behalf of the child in some states, not the child's own claims upon reaching majority. Electronic waivers (kiosk or app-based) are enforceable in most states if they create a clear electronic record of the signer's identity, the content they agreed to, and the timestamp. Retain all signed waivers for at least the applicable state statute of limitations for personal injury (typically 2–6 years, but claims for minors toll until they reach majority).
What building code and occupancy requirements apply to a trampoline park?
A trampoline park is classified as an Assembly Use, Group A-3 occupancy under the International Building Code (IBC), Section 303. A-3 covers amusement arcades, dance halls, exhibition halls, gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools, and similar recreation facilities. A-3 occupancy triggers more stringent requirements than standard retail in several areas: occupant load calculation (IBC Table 1004.5 sets occupant load factors for A-3 uses); means of egress (A-3 requires two exits when occupant load exceeds 49; exits must be clearly marked with illuminated exit signs; travel distance to an exit cannot exceed 200 feet for non-sprinklered A-3, 250 feet for sprinklered); aisle and corridor widths; emergency lighting; and accessibility. Ceiling heights for trampoline courts are a practical constraint — ASTM F2970 recommends minimum 24 feet clear height for competitive trampolining; most parks use 17–22 feet for recreational jumping with foam pits. Confirm with your local building official that the proposed occupancy classification is correct for your specific use. Some jurisdictions classify trampoline parks as A-4 (indoor sporting activities) rather than A-3; the distinction affects egress and fire protection calculations. Shell industrial buildings (big-box warehouse conversions) are common trampoline park locations — verify the existing structure meets the required occupancy classification before signing a lease.
What fire suppression requirements apply to trampoline parks?
Fire suppression requirements depend on the building's occupancy classification, total square footage, occupant load, and the jurisdiction's adopted fire code. Most jurisdictions adopt NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) or the International Fire Code (IFC), both of which require automatic fire sprinkler systems (NFPA 13 systems) in A-3 occupancies over certain size thresholds. Under IFC Section 903, automatic sprinklers are required in A occupancies with an occupant load over 300 (or if the building exceeds a certain square footage in some jurisdictions). Many states and local authorities require sprinklers in all new A-3 construction regardless of size. Existing buildings undergoing a change of occupancy to A-3 may also trigger a sprinkler retrofit requirement depending on the extent of the occupancy change and the jurisdiction's adopted code provisions. Trampoline parks present a specific fire challenge: the large open floor area with foam pit materials requires a careful sprinkler density analysis. Foam in foam pits is classified as a Group B plastic hazard and may require a higher density sprinkler design than standard A-3 occupancy. The local fire marshal will review the sprinkler design and issue a fire code permit. Budget $30,000–$100,000 for a sprinkler system retrofit depending on square footage. Additionally, fire extinguisher placement (NFPA 10), emergency lighting (NFPA 101 Section 7.9), and exit signage are required throughout the facility.
Does my state regulate trampoline parks as amusement rides?
Many states regulate amusement parks and amusement rides under statutes administered by the state department of labor, department of agriculture, or a dedicated amusement ride safety division — and the question of whether trampoline parks fall within these statutes varies by state. States that clearly regulate trampoline parks or indoor interactive amusements under their amusement ride statutes include: California (DOSH Amusement Ride Unit, which inspects "amusement rides" broadly defined to include trampoline-type devices in some contexts), Florida (Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which regulates "amusement rides" defined under Florida Statutes § 616.242), Pennsylvania (Department of Agriculture, Amusement Ride Safety Division), New York (Department of Labor), and Illinois (Department of Labor, Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act). In states that do regulate trampoline parks, requirements typically include: annual permit/inspection by state inspectors; operators must submit equipment documentation (manufacturer specifications, ASTM compliance certifications); proof of insurance meeting state minimums; on-site inspection before opening; and incident reporting requirements. In states where trampoline parks are not classified as amusement rides (typically because stationary court equipment is not a "ride"), the building department and fire marshal still govern through occupancy permits and fire code inspections, but there is no separate state amusement authority involved. Verify with your state labor or agriculture department before opening.
What does it cost to open a trampoline park?
A full-size trampoline park (15,000–25,000 square feet with multiple court types) typically costs $900,000–$2.5 million to open, depending on location, trampoline equipment mix, leasehold improvements, and local construction costs. The largest cost components are: trampoline and court equipment (main court, freestyle court, foam pits, slam dunk zone, dodgeball court, angled wall runs) — $200,000–$600,000 for quality equipment from manufacturers like Jumpsport, Springfree, or Eurotramp; leasehold improvements (HVAC, sprinkler retrofit, flooring, padding installation, lighting, bathrooms, party rooms) — $300,000–$800,000; safety padding for walls, columns, and equipment perimeters — $30,000–$80,000; POS system, kiosk check-in, waiver management software — $15,000–$40,000; commercial liability insurance (first year premium) — $40,000–$100,000; building permits, fire permit, and state amusement inspections — $5,000–$30,000; legal fees (waiver drafting, entity formation, lease review) — $5,000–$20,000; and opening marketing — $20,000–$80,000. Monthly rent for an industrial or big-box space in a suburban market typically runs $8,000–$25,000 per month at $0.50–$1.25/sqft NNN. Many trampoline parks have struggled financially with the post-COVID saturation of the market — thorough competitive analysis and demographic research are essential before committing.
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Find my trampoline park permitsOfficial Sources
- ASTM International: ASTM F2970 Standard Practice for Design, Manufacture, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, Inspection, and Major Modification of Trampoline Courts
- International Association of Trampoline Parks (IATP)
- NFPA: NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
- International Code Council: International Building Code (IBC)
- ADA National Network: ADA Requirements for Recreation Facilities
- ASTM International: ASTM F24 Committee on Amusement Rides and Devices
- Consumer Product Safety Commission: Amusement Ride Safety
- SBA: Apply for Licenses and Permits