FOX19 Investigates: Trampoline park dangers

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - Indoor trampoline parks are bouncing into cities across the country.

Here in the Tri-State, Sky Zone opened in Springdale last spring. With trampolines as far as the eye can see, jumpers can literally bounce off the walls.

While kids may love it, the scene at Sky Zone makes doctors cringe.

"An orthopedic surgeon's nightmare. They look crazy. I would be very hesitant about letting my children partake in those," said pediatrician Dr. Chuck Kelly.

Since Sky Zone opened in April, our FOX19 investigation has found there have been fifteen calls for an ambulance for bleeding, arm injuries, leg injuries, ankle injuries, even head injuries.

In 2012, a 30-year-old man died at a Phoenix trampoline park when investigators say he landed wrong in a foam pit. Last year in Florida, a teen was killed at a trampoline park when he was doing flips and landed on his head.

"The ones we really worry about are the neurological injuries—concussions, spinal cord injuries, things like that," said Kelly.

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns against recreational use of trampolines. In its most recent report regarding trampolines, the Academy says that while data is insufficient regarding safety at trampoline parks, it does warn that "jumpers may be at increased risk for suffering an injury, potentially catastrophic.

"Basically, there's too much energy and kids land wrong and it's just begging for injuries," said Kelly.

The kind of injuries one mom hopes to avoid by keeping her kids off of trampolines. Her youngest has already lost three teeth in two different accidents on trampolines.

"There's a lot of blood when you lose teeth, especially when they come out prematurely. Kind of scared him a bit," said Karen Brandstetter about her son.

So for now, Karen says her kids' feet will remain planted firmly on the ground rather than bouncing at indoor trampoline parks.

"It is hard to put my foot down, but I have to reassure them it's safety. It's for their safety," Brandstetter said.

FOX19 contacted Sky Zone about the dangers of jumping there. We received this statement from CEO Jeff Platt:

"As with any recreational activity, there is a potential for injury, so Sky Zone has posted warning signs and guidelines to educate guests on how to fly safe.  Additionally, we have safety videos playing throughout the park and have court monitors that strictly enforce our rules on each trampoline court. We encourage all guests to have fun and fly safe."

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