Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Girres.
Hi Katy , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story with Trinity Forest Adventure Park and The Southern Cross really began when I was a child. My parents, Brad and Judy Lee, are the founders and owners of both businesses. They started out as event planners and talent agents when I was a newborn, and over the years, as their companies grew, they decided they wanted to create a venue of their own.
In 1999, construction began on The Southern Cross event venue. My parents took everything they had learned from hosting events all over the metroplex and poured that experience into creating a place where companies, organizations, and families could gather and celebrate.
Then, in 2014, they opened Trinity Forest Adventure Park — an aerial adventure park built within one of the largest urban hardwood forests in the country.
Growing up, I worked on and off for both businesses in many different roles, which is actually what led me into face painting. I was originally hired to paint faces at company and family picnics, and over time, that grew into its own successful business. From there, I eventually stepped into an event manager role and spent a lot of time helping with operations at the adventure park as well.
In 2016, I left to focus on my face painting business full time. The last time you reached out for an interview, I was still working professionally as a face and body painter. Unfortunately, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the business took a major downturn. During lockdowns, I retired from painting and eventually decided to step away from it completely in 2021, when my parents asked me to return as a full-time event manager.
As the world slowly adjusted to a new normal, my husband — whose career had also been affected by the pandemic — joined me in operations. Since then, the two of us have been working together to continue growing Trinity Forest Adventure Park and The Southern Cross while helping my parents transition toward retirement.
Today, even our two sons work alongside us, which makes our business truly family-owned and operated.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, to say the least, but I’ve had tremendous support along the way. I cannot imagine doing this without my best friend (husband) by my side. He’s my biggest supporter and cheerleader. When I ran my own face painting business, I was only in charge of myself. Here, I have a pretty large team who counts on me to make decisions and lead. Becoming a manager has been the biggest challenge-running events was something I knew how to do from watching my parents all these years. Being an effective leader is still something I work towards daily. Working for and with family also poses some unique challenges. You have to work really hard to compartmentalize and not take feedback personally, even when it’s from your own parent or child!
Learning to take on new endeavors has been both exciting and nerve-wracking. We were chosen as the location for Astra Lumina Dallas in 2023 and successfully partnered with Moment Factory and Fever to produce this event for two years. When we were first approached, I wasn’t sure whether or not to accept. This was unlike anything we’d done before. But we did it, and I think we did it well, in large part to the beautiful facility my parents have built, as well as our incredibly strong team. It was an amazing opportunity to see our venue in a new light, and welcome tens of thousands of guests through our gates in the process.
We’ve been impressed with Trinity Forest Adventure Park & The Southern Cross, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
This is going to take a while! We are one business, but operate almost like two distinct ones. First, I’ll start with our event center, The Southern Cross.
Our event center is located just off I-20 and Dowdy Ferry Rd. in Dallas, roughly 13 minutes south of downtown Dallas. We have been in operation since 2000 and have hosted a variety of events over the last 26 years. We have a multitude of outdoor activities, and a 16,500 sq. ft. climate-controlled pavilion. Activities include:
-Rock Climbing Wall
-Pedal Boats
-Petting Zoo
-Swimming Pool
-280′ Zip Line
-Outdoor, Tactical Laser Tag
-Sand Volleyball, Fishing Ponds, Basketball Courts, and more
We primarily specialize in corporate events, but also offer family reunion packages for large groups (125+) in the summer. Our events range from company picnics to holiday parties, and we also offer field trips and senior picnics for many of the local high schools. Some of our clients have been with us for 20+ years. Our event center is currently only open for private events, but we have opened it up to the public in the past for special events.
Trinity Forest Adventure Park is located on the same 40 acres, but is open to the public. Our park boasts:
-9 Different Courses
-3 Levels
-4 Jumps
-100+ elements
-Over 30 Zip Lines
Our platforms are built on a combination of poles and trees. My parents went zip lining in Costa Rica many years ago, and that is what inspired them to build the park in 2013. Our park is different from many of our local competitors in a lot of ways- we have some courses that are great for beginners (ages 6+), and some that require a bit of strength to complete. It is a great place for families but isn’t ONLY for kids. Since it is built in an actual forest, it is pretty sensory-friendly as well, and most of the time, quite peaceful aside from the excited yells from guests.
I am most proud of the fact that our business is centered around entertaining and creating lasting memories. Getting paid to help people find their joy is a privilege. I am also proud that many of our staff, both full-time and part-time, have worked for us in some capacity for 10 years or more. Hopefully, that means we’re doing something right.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My parents, obviously, have been a great help, and although they’re “retired” they never hesitate to help when I’m in a bind-whether it is assisting with an event if someone called in, or just listening to me rant about a problem, they are there for me.
My husband is also extremely helpful in so many ways. I’m not naturally a super organized person, and he really helps me stay on track. He also keeps me from spiraling out in times of stress. More recently, my oldest son has taken more of an assistant role to me, and he has been more helpful than he probably realizes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trinitytreetops.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/trinityforestadventurepark
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/trinityforestadventurepark
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@trinityforestadventurepark9207
