The pirate ship in Cap’n Elias’ Shipwreck Cove at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Nebraska is now fully assembled, save for the rope rigging. Over the next couple of weeks, the ponds and landscaping around them will be installed, and the concrete under the greens will be poured. At the beginning of August, I’ll head back down to supervise the installation of the remaining features and do the final layout of the golfing areas and walkways. Stay tuned…
This is important
I love road trips where I supervise the installations. Our crew works hard for weeks or even months, creating the pieces. The process often starts months and sometimes years prior with our client consultations and design process. When I’m on-site, I realize how important our work is. It starts with the unloading of the truck as staff and contractors look over the latest additions to the farm. So many players make our projects a reality. Everyone is excited to add their important part to the magic. This project involves many different trades and disciplines. Each has to blend their skills to tell a single story. In six weeks, Valas Pumpkin Patch will open for the 2026 season. Hundreds of thousands of guests will visit and create memories with family and friends. Our work will play a small part in that joy. And that is a cool thing I’ll never take for granted.
Fence art
At home, the crew is working hard on the fence. This is the perfect place to practice the art of sculpting woodgrains. They use pictures of actual wood grains as references and, with a variety of tools, recreate them in freshly troweled concrete. Matt is a master at these techniques and is training Jay and Laura (and now Henry) to carve. Previously, I could tell who carved each board, but as they build their skills, it is getting harder to discern the artist. This is going to be a wonderful piece of art when they are done. Stay tuned…
