Businesses specializing in outdoor recreation see uptick during COVID-19 pandemic

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While many businesses are shut down or struggling, others are seeing an unexpected uptick with people changing their habits during the pandemic.

With schools closed and playgrounds shut down, and gyms not allowed to open yet, Podium Creations, which specializes in building backyard ninja obstacle courses, is actually seeing an uptick in business.

“Having a backyard ninja course is almost requiring you to go out and get some exercise…and to them it’s not even exercise it’s just going out at having fun,” said Jason Kotzin, owner of Podium.

Kotzin’s business partner, Robin Lopez, is seeing it in his other business too, Summertime Deck and Dock, which specializes in building docks in Central Florida.

“It’s the best quarantine you’ll ever have. You’ll be out and with you and your family, you know you’ll be safe,” Lopez said.