To visually tell a big story well, one needs to include many small details. These may be insignificant to many, but even those who don’t ‘see’ them will feel the difference, because they are there. Today we began pouring the sidewalks between the ‘greens’ of the mini golf. These paths feature no straight lines, but instead wander around various features, just as a path would in the real world. The theme is nautical, and so we asked for a light tan colouring with fine aggregate. The stones in the mix were fine to mimic a sandy beach. The railings, of course, will be netting and rope. We also scattered small seashells into the concrete. As a special touch, we also judiciously placed dollar shells that the Vala grandchildren had gathered on a recent visit to the seaside. Once the concrete had set, the top surface of the concrete was gently pressure-washed to reveal the seaside treasures. The result was pure magic that will help transport guests to a pirate isle.
Crowning touch
The days of my being in the high lifts doing the strenuous tasks are long behind me. My job these days is to supervise and advise as required. The Vala’s Pumpkin Patch crew did the heavy lifting as I stayed on the ground and made sure the weathervane pointed in the optimal direction for guests to appreciate as they approach the new twisting coaster named the Pony Express. The water tower sign already looks like it has been there forever in its new home. As I left the farm this afternoon, the landscaping crew were busy planting flowers underneath it to make it perfect for Vala’s opening, which happens in less than four weeks.
Quick progress
A little more than three years ago, I worked on the first concepts for a pirate-themed mini-golf at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Nebraska. Over the next year, those concepts were revised and polished. We made great progress on the plans. Last summer, I spent one of my days at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch tromping through the fields and measuring out the layout. The Vala’s team flew a drone over those spray marks on the ground to record it for me. I used that information to draw up the final concepts. In the fall of 2025, we began prefabricating the features and delivered the first semi-load to the farm. In spring, we picked up where we left off and fabricated a second large semi load. I was back on the farm in July to do a final layout and help establish the final grades. This week I returned once more to help locate the final features, rig the ship and start the planning for next year’s projects. As I was up in the ship today sorting out the rigging, I grabbed this picture of the progress. The brick edges should be finished tomorrow, as well as the forming for the walkways that connect the holes. Thursday morning, they will be poured. Friday, the first of the carpets will be laid. It is exciting to watch this project come together so quickly after working on it for so long. Stay tuned for more progress…
