Designing for the open-plan, something-for-everyone vision

The 70,000 square foot newly constructed building houses 22 different attractions. CEO Nick Edwards explains the vision for the attraction mix. “We wanted to have many areas in the park designed for all age groups – kids, teens, and parents. We talked to Fun Spot pretty early in the process, visited other Fun Spot parks, and knew that we wanted Fun Spot to partner on our project.”

Fun Spot designers worked with Nick and his team to select both classic and cutting-edge attractions and position them strategically in the layout. The result is high density fun and optimized flow in a unique open-plan layout.

Trusted install team

The installation phase can make any park owner nervous – even a veteran like Edwards. Construction is underway, contractors are everywhere, new attractions are arriving, and the details can be overwhelming.

Nick credited the Fun Spot Install Team with easing his mind during this stressful time. “The [Fun Spot Install] crew was here busting out every single day and very dedicated to their craft. They were very good about checking in on what they're doing for the day and their goals for the week. It was just a great partnership and reassured me every day that things were moving along the way they needed to.”

Community Reaction - off the charts!

“Overwhelmingly positive” That’s how Nick describes community reaction to the new park. Weekly updates during construction got the buzz about the new location going. Now that it’s open “When guests walk in, they’re in awe. There’s just so much to do and see in one facility” says Edwards.

Guests get to stay all day, experience everything in the park for 1 price, and memberships encourage repeat visits at all 3 Edwards Entertainment locations. The Fun Station has become a repeat visit destination for families across eastern Iowa and first year membership sales have far exceeded expectations.

Nurturing a dedicated staff

Adventure parks are a people business. They exist to serve, challenge, and delight people, and it takes a great staff to deliver on this promise. Edwards invests in his company’s leaders and 200 front line team members and credits them with the success of the new Cedar Rapids location. “We try to take good care of our team members. We provide a lot of training and structure that develops skills they’ll use throughout their entire lives. We have a great team of young adults that work for us. I think that's a testament to our overall management team.”

Committed to long term success

Nick and his team know that everything at their new park starts out shiny and new, but wear and tear can take its toll at a property as busy as theirs. “We were impressed by the cool designs Fun Spot came up with and the range of attractions they offer. Plus, we know we can call or go online and get quality parts quickly. Choosing Fun Spot was just a no-brainer at the end of the day.”

In hindsight…bigger is better

Two years of design, followed by one year of construction and installation has paid off big. When we asked Nick if he would’ve done anything different, his only reply was “I actually would’ve gone bigger.”