Time for a test drive!

It was another day of working under the tarps with the rain more on than off. But even so it was another high energy day for the crew. It was also a BIG milestone for the project, for today we substantially finished the application and sculpting of the fibergass reinforced concrete on the Cultus Lake Adventure Park. We have a few more rocks to sculpt in the western stream and one sign post to do as well but these small projects won't require nearly the amounts of concrete we have been applying on a daily basis for the the last months. While the finish painting had to wait for better weather the crew were busy appimg the base coats of paint and very little grey concrete is left.

With our sculpted concrete work now finally done it was time for a celebration. Rather than work overtime today we quit working a half hour early to do some test rides. Today was the first day the giant Buckin Bronco ride was operating. It had been throughly checked and run empty and our crew was privileged to give it the first workout with a full load of eager volunteers.

The crew also took a spin on the Wagon Wheel give everyone a bird's eye view of the park. Lastly we headed over to the Wave Swinger. This ride had been tested on a limited basis but this too was the first time it had a full load. This type of ride is a common site at theme parks around the world but we took it to a whole new level in this project. It is situated on an elevated island in the center of Bucky's Bumper Boats pool. After everyone is secure in their chairs the ride telescopes upwards, the railings tilt down and outwards and then the ride begins to turn, swinging riders out over the pool many feet below. As evidenced in the short video our crew enjoyed the experience in a big way.

After nine and a half months of slowly building the park from the ground up it was great fun to experience and see the park in a fashion similar to the way the guests will. We'll take the time to rest over the weekend and then hit the ground running on Monday morning to finish everything off in only two short weeks. The gates open to the public on June 28th!

Stay tuned...

-grampa dan

One more day of mud

As we approach the opening deadline the excitement is building. Everyone is affected. The pace quickens. The push is on.

Today was the second to last big day of concrete sculpting on this project. We worked on the bicycle rental area, starting with the facia and posts and working our way down to the planters. It was an ambitious undertaking but we managed to get it all done. 

Tomorrow we'll tackle the last remaining wall of the building. The concrete will cure over the weekend and then we'll power on the paint in time for the concrete crew to lay down the deck and stairs.

With the bit of sunshine we got this afternoon the painting and glazing was finished up on the false fronts of the western building. That meant I could install the last of the signs.

With the welding and wiring now finished and the concrete sculpting almost complete it leaves our entire crew to concentrate on the painting. There's lots to do but also a whole big crew to do it. There's eleven more working days to pull it off.

-grampa dan

Seventeen days and counting

It was another crazy busy day at the worksite as we drove to finish the concrete work inside the park. Our race is to stay ahead of the crew laying the concrete decks close behind. The weather was great today which allowed us to go full blast on the painting and concrete work. The Western Gate concrete sculpting is now complete. It is gigantic to allow big equipment to get into the park as needed.

As we moved out our cement mixer, other tools and supplies we could finally get a good look at the park from the Western end. It looks great!

In seventeen days our guests will walk in the gate to experience the park for the first time. By then the rest of the tools and materials will be gone, walkways will be concrete, there will be more paint and trees, and the shrubs and flowers will be growing.

Stay tuned...

-grampa dan