How West Chicago Park District partnered with Wacky World Studios on a critical renovation to improve multi-generational engagement, functionality, and revenue.
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Introduction
West Chicago Park District caters to a community that recreates as a family. Historically, indoor programming in the district was scattered piecemeal across the city in borrowed spaces. In 2014, West Chicago Park District brought all recreational services under one roof prioritizing the inclusion of offerings for all ages including a 3,500 square-foot indoor playground for children from birth to 8 years of age. The immediate success of the indoor playground was confirmation of the critical role it plays in serving and sustaining a family-focused community. It became the beloved anchor of the facility, but manufacturer challenges became overwhelming.
Challenge
Renovate a beloved iconic 3,500 square-foot indoor playground to improve safety, reduce operating costs, and bolster revenue streams that had been hindered by many challenges:
- Overseas manufacturer offered no replacements parts or maintenance options.
- Manufacturer failed to meet ASTM standards.
- Manufacturer ceased operations.
- Legacy component sourcing was unavailable.
Solution
Engage Wacky World Studios, a PlayCore company, specializing in high-quality indoor themed playgrounds. With their 25 years of expertise, Wacky World Studios transformed the voluminous 3,500 square-foot indoor playground area into a fully immersive family experience featuring:
- Alignment to applicable ASTM standards
- 360-degree immersive wall coverings
- Animated one-story waterfall
- Animated interactive flooring
- 26-foot-tall three-dimensional tree
- Multistory treehouse
- Multistory slides
- Integrated visitor storage lockers
- Integrated caregiver sitting area
- Integrated themed check-in desk
Renovation Outcomes
- Increased inclusivity
- Enhanced engagement
- Broader intergenerational appeal
- Positive social-emotional engagement
- Improved facility visibility
- Improved facility traffic flow
- Improved flexible facility usage
- Stronger revenue streams
Indoor Playground Benefits
- Increased revenue streams with birthday rentals, family rentals, drop-and-play
- Increased programming opportunities with before- and after-school care, summer camps, drop-in childcare
Conclusion
- Indoor playgrounds drive revenue
- Indoor playgrounds drive family attendance
- Made in the USA provides sustainability
- Company reputation is critical to best practices
- Immersive environments create more inclusive experiences
- Return on investment in childhood physical recreation is substantial