Former Homestead church, now an agility course, is still a place to reach a higher power
When you’re 17 feet in the air about to take a step onto a tight rope, you might need some inner strength.
That fortitude is something that can be brought out of you at the Dragon’s Den. Housed in the former historic St. Mary Magdalene Church in Homestead, this ropes course is more than an agility exercise. It’s a challenge for the mind as well.
“It doesn’t look that high from down here, but your perspective is different when you are up there,” said Giulia Lozza Petrucci, of Shadyside, executive director and co-founder of Dragon’s Den with husband, Bill Petrucci. “We believe this ropes course is therapeutic, and that you have to dig deep inside yourself and trust in yourself, challenge yourself.”
An upper course has 18 elements, among them the tight rope, a skateboard and pogo stick. The lower course has 25 elements that are similar — just closer to the ground.
A 160-foot zip line called “The Dragon’s Leap” connects the choir loft to the former altar.
Most people start on the lower course to get used to a harness and a helmet.
“It’s great for team building and self-esteem and self-advocacy,” said Giulia Lozza Petrucci, who has completed every element on the course.
The mission of the non-profit is to “promote the physical, emotional, social, intellectual and cultural development of youth.” It’s a perfect activity for children from kindergarten to seniors in high school, including those at-risk and with disabilities, she said.
Adults also can try it.
Weekly free demonstrations are held every Friday at 3:30 p.m.
The public can schedule sessions on Thursday and Friday evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday. Prices start at $15.
The rest of the week is reserved for places they are partnering with, as well as schools, organizations and local children.
The Petruccis’ idea to create a special place for children was kindled about 14 years ago, during their honeymoon in Comodoro Rivadavia, a city in the Patagonia region of southern Argentina. They connected with a mission dedicated to children’s education and well-being. On the streets, there were little kids living in boxes. But in a nearby school that was being built, the Petruccis noticed a beautiful bathroom with the best porcelain and ceramic fixtures.
They wondered, why such a stunning bathroom?
The mission was led by the Rev. Juan Corti, who taught the couple how important it is to surround children with beauty to inspire them to dream of possibilities above and beyond what they see in their everyday life. At Dragon’s Den, everyone has “the opportunity to enjoy stunning architectural details up close,” said Giulia Lozza Petrucci.
The idea for a ropes and agility course was inspired after their children visited such a place in Italy, where Giulia Lozza Petrucci was born.
They bought the church, built in 1896, for $77,000. They invested more money into a yearlong refurbishing project, which included a new roof, heating, electric, gas, and water systems. The original light fixtures hang from the ceiling, which is 52 feet high at its peak.
They’ve preserved the integrity of the architecture of the Italianate Renaissance church, certified as a historic building by the National Register of Historic Buildings, including the confessionals.
The name “Dragon’s Den” represents the mascot from the former grade school at Mary Magdelene an was chosen by two members of the community.
The rope course has received all required certifications. It has been endorsed by inspector Char Fetterolf from Adventure Network as “a one-of-a-kind, incredibly fun challenge course.”
Matt Needles, challenge course manager, said he joined the Dragon’s Den because of its mission. He said there was a time he was afraid of heights.
“I believe you grow inside by getting outside,” he said. “Even though this is inside, it’s an outdoor activity. You can start on the lower course and work your way up.”
It took a village (and then some)
The course was designed for free by Lucio Longhi and Patrizia Corti, who own the course in that the Petrucci children visited in Northern Italy, Parco Avventura Resinelli. The wood used to create the elements is Southern pine from Texas.
More than 80 volunteers worked to construct the course.
Past Dragon’s Den chairperson Lisa Olszak Zumstein helped the organization standardize its procedures. Current chairperson Georgiana Riley and her husband Bob, a Munhall native, helped lead a fundraising campaign.
They’ve received funding from Jefferson Regional Foundation, Heinz Endowments, the state Department of Human Services and Awesome Pittsburgh.
Robert Levin, of Levin Furniture, and wife Dr. Kerry Bron gave a substantial donation, Giulia Lozza Petrucci said. Sister Melanie DiPietro, an attorney and a Sister of Charity at Seton Hill University in Greensburg, donated her legal expertise.
“We’ve had so much support from so many people,” Giulia Lozza Petrucci said. “So many people believe in this ropes course. There are therapeutic benefits of the use of rope courses for the holistic development of all children. They can learn self-confidence, control, development of hand-eye coordination, and self-awareness. The Dragon’s Den has the ability to inspire hope and create success.”
By taking that first step onto the tight rope.
The Dragon’s Den is located at 1008 Amity St. in Homestead.
Details: dragonsdenpgh.org and 412-461-3336
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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