TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The Four Oaks Golf Course at Lincoln Park in the City of Pittsburg, Kansas, opened a new 18-hole ADA compliant miniature golf course this summer. The course was designed and built by Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) using their Modular Advantage Mini Golf System. It replaced a traditional style concrete course that had been rebuilt in 1996, but had poor drainage. “It had affected playability enough that our numbers were decreasing,” says Toby Book, Director of Parks & Recreation for the city. “It was not economically repairable… With the Modular Advantage …you get good subsurface drainage to take the water away so it’s not pooling. That appealed to me …because we knew the traditional (concrete) style was going to present some challenges financially, drainage-wise and maintenance-wise.”

According to Book, a 28-year veteran of the City of Pittsburg Parks & Recreation Department, the drainage issue has been solved. “We had a couple rains that were like four or five inches overnight. There might have been one or two spots where we had to take a blower and blow some water out of a (hole) cup, but it proved without a doubt that it was a very much improved drainage system and took the water away. It was playable the next day.

“…We didn’t build what I call the ‘Branson style’ course with the 40-foot volcano or the big laughing clown and we’ve got some community members that want to come back and put some theming in there to give it some more eye appeal. I’m not against it as long as we can do it within the guidelines of ADA acceptability…

“…I think from hole one to the sixth hole there’s almost a three-foot elevation change and not noticeable because they (AGS) kept it in all within the ratios for ADA. But the holes themselves have contour; they have cup placement so that it’s not just a straight shot. It’s not 18-holes of playing billiards. There’s some strategy. There’s some challenge to it.”

The Modular Advantage system AGS used to build the course consists of interlocking, flexible, patented panels that provide the look and feel of a concrete course, can be shaped to  resemble a variety of topography and are 100% permeable for water drainage.

To create natural obstacles on the course, “AGS used different types of synthetic turf,” says Book. “So you have your ‘fairway-type’ putting green surface and then you have the rough and then you have sand traps. They did re-use our (old course) cannon for an obstacle and our local college athletic teams are the Pittsburg State Gorillas so we have a gorilla.

“In my opinion anybody can design a miniature golf hole with a dinosaur or anything on it, but I like the fact they (AGS) came in and treated it like a golf course green where it has slope, has contour, has some challenges that are naturally born into the hole…”

To prepare for the new course build, the City of Pittsburg removed the existing concrete-built course. “AGS actually designed in the same footprint of our old miniature golf course,” says Book. “We got rid of everything there so we gave them basically a fresh piece of earth to contour and build back. The only thing we left was our existing light system because we knew we could save some money by re-using those light poles and they designed around those. The only criteria I gave them was we wanted a nice, playable course that was 100 percent ADA compliant…. They (AGS) came in and did all the micro-grading, all the subsurface work. They had a lot to do but they were proficient at what they did.”

Book believes the Modular Advantage build was less expensive to install compared to a typical concrete course. “And the build was a lot faster, too,” says Book. “AGS came in and they worked hard. There was no time wasted. They brought in a crew of four or five guys and they were all approachable; all easy to work with… The whole experience was pretty positive.

“We did make some in-the-field design changes…they would adjust on site. I wanted to make sure we got 18 quality holes. Then we could go back and add some flavor to it… We have built shade structures out there. And we will probably go back and put some shrubbery or greenery in there but not a lot. We want to keep it maintainable because honestly what we’re hiring to maintain it are 17-, 18-, 19-year-old kids.”

While Book says the new miniature golf course is appealing to all ages, he adds, “It doesn’t play as fast and hard as the old traditional style putt-putt golf course where everything’s a par-2. There’s par-3s, par-4s. So there are challenges out there for real golfers, too.

“We charge for play…16 and over is $6 a round, ages 4 – 15 are $4 a round and toddlers 3 and under are $2 a round. We’re still working on family passes, senior discounts, all of that…

“We ran a special this Fourth of July where for $5 you get a wrist band and you can play as many rounds as you want from ten-to-four, plus we’ll throw in an admission to the pool and the first 50 get a free ice cream cone. We’ll continue to run specials like that.”

Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) is a global leader in the design and installation of fun, interactive, cost-effective entertainment attractions like Miniature Golf, Pickleball,

Shuffleboard, Bocce Ball, Duck Pin Bowling and other recreational courts. Besides traditional concrete-poured installations, AGS has long term experience installing interlocking panel system versions like the environmentally-friendly Modular Advantage Mini Golf system and Bunkers & Bumps for a variety of  indoor and outdoor applications for municipalities, businesses, family entertainment centers, amusement parks, campgrounds, retail centers, hotels and resorts, as well as installations on rooftops, piers and cruise ship decks.

It is with deep sadness that the family of Carlo Guglielmi announces his passing on October 13, 2024 in Nashville, TN, at the age of 73, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Carlo was born on July 1, 1951, in the charming city of Vicenza, Italy, to Mildred and Dante Guglielmi, who preceded him in death, along with his beloved brother, Roberto Guglielmi. 

Carlo led a life rich in love, adventure, and accomplishment. From a young age, his larger-than-life personality and energetic spirit captivated all who met him. Known for his ability to speak five languages — Italian, English, Spanish, French, and German — Carlo had a unique gift for connecting with people from all walks of life.

His journey took him from serving in the Alpini, the Italian mountain infantry, to pursuing higher education at the University of Padua, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In the 1970s, Carlo ventured to the United States as a sales representative for Zamperla Group. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career in the amusement industry that would see him become the president and founder of Ital International and Bertazzon America, a renowned amusement ride brokerage firm. Carlo’s expertise as a new and used rides salesman brought exceptional attractions to traveling carnivals and amusement parks around the world. He is well known in the amusement industry as proficient, hard working and loyal. 

Carlo’s life was filled with the love of family and friends. In March 2009, he married the love of his life, Cindy, with whom he shared countless cherished moments. Carlo has three wonderful daughters Giuliana (Avery), Nicoletta, and Logan, who survive him and carry forward his legacy of love, warmth, integrity, and adventure. Additionally, he is survived by his beloved nieces, Anna (Luigi) and Laura (Pier Antonio), nephew Andrea (Emanuela), his cousin Mario who he loved like a brother, and wife Luana, as well as innumerable cugini, zie, zii e amici. 

Carlo’s passions extended beyond his professional achievements. He found joy in hiking, swimming, watching sports, and traveling. His ability to inspire and uplift those around him was a testament to his character, and he was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s general medicine and palliative care teams, as well as the friends and family who offered unwavering support during this difficult time.

In accordance with Carlo’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held in Nashville on November 9 at a location to be announced. He will be laid to rest in the Guglielmi Family mausoleum in Asiago, Italy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carlo’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause close to the family’s heart. https://act.alz.org/donate

Carlo Guglielmi’s legacy will forever be one of love, laughter, and boundless energy. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace, knowing his spirit continues to guide and inspire those he loves.

WOW! Entertainment, a premier music and live theatrical show production company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dewey Joe Beene Jr. asVice President of Development & Production. With over three decades of experience in the live entertainment and theme park industries, Beene will play a pivotal role in both shaping WOW!’s future creative projects and spearheading the company’s expansion into providing full-scale production services for its clients. His addition is a key move as WOW! builds its reputation not just for delivering high-quality family entertainment, but also for comprehensive production solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.

“With his expertise in both theme parks and live event productions, Dewey is an excellent addition to the WOW! team,” comments WOW! Entertainment founder Mark Brymer. “As we expand our focus to include more production services work, Dewey’s leadership and deep understanding of large-scale event logistics will enhance our ability to offer an even higher level of service to all our existing and future clients.”

Beene’s journey into the entertainment world began at the age of 15 when he took his first job as a magician’s assistant at Frontier City Theme Park in his hometown of Oklahoma City. This early experience launched a career that saw him quickly rise through the ranks to become Vice President of Production by the age of 23 for an entertainment company that primarily serviced the theme park industry, mostly under the Six Flags brand. During his tenure, he oversaw productions across 36 theme parks nationwide, managed the development and implementation of over 200 live shows annually, and built a reputation as an industry innovator capable of launching large-scale productions on time and within budget.

“I’ve always been drawn to the magic of creating live experiences that connect with people, whether it’s through a theatrical production, a theme park show, or an immersive attraction,” said Beene. “Starting in the entertainment industry at such a young age taught me to adapt quickly and seize opportunities whenever they arose. My career has been built on identifying a need, delivering more than expected, and constantly evolving.”

While working with Six Flags, Beene was known for his ability to turn challenges into opportunities, whether that meant stepping in to perform when a lead performer needed to be recast, developing summer concert series, or launching fully immersive experiences for Halloween, which proved to be some of the most popular and profitable events at the time. His approach combines a deep understanding of audience engagement with a relentless drive to push the boundaries of live entertainment.

Reflecting on joining WOW! Entertainment, Beene added, “This opportunity felt like a full-circle moment for me. I’ve been fortunate to work on some incredible productions over the years, but joining WOW! is the perfect chance to leverage everything I’ve learned and contribute to a company that’s dedicated to creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. I’m excited to help bring new ideas to life and take WOW! to the next level.”

Beene’s career includes notable highlights such as creating the largest outdoor haunted attraction in central US, the critically acclaimed Scream Acres Haunted Hike, and launching, Innovative Event Solutions, a boutique A/V production services company that he grew from the ground up well into a seven-figure business. During the pandemic, he pivoted into consulting, helping companies adapt their entertainment offerings to virtual formats, all while maintaining the energy and engagement of live events.

As Vice President of Development & Production at WOW! Entertainment, Beene will oversee the development and execution of all major productions, with a strong emphasis on expanding WOW!’s offerings to include a broader range of production services and technical capabilities. His arrival comes at a critical time for the company as it ramps up for several high-profile projects slated for 2025.

Founded in 1995 by Mark Brymer, WOW! Entertainment is a Dallas-based, full-service production company that has been delivering high-quality family entertainment for nearly three decades. From theme parks and theaters to corporate events, WOW! is celebrated for its immersive, memorable experiences that captivate audiences of all ages. With a client roster that includes Disney, Six Flags, and Warner Bros., WOW! continues to set the industry standard while evolving its creative and production capabilities. The addition of Dewey Joe Beene Jr. marks a key step in the company’s strategy to build on recent successes and establish WOW! as a leader in both innovative entertainment experiences and comprehensive production solutions in the ever-changing live entertainment landscape.

ORLANDO — The countdown to Epic has officially begun! Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations.

Universal Epic Universe is the most ambitious theme park Universal Destinations and Experiences has ever created and will be the next gamechanger for theme park entertainment. With a total of more than 50 incredible experiences that range from groundbreaking attractions to breathtaking entertainment to incredibly themed dining and shopping and so much more, Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched across five themed worlds: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. And anchoring the park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a majestic 500-room property that will offer one-of-a-kind views of the park and feature its very own dedicated entrance into Epic Universe for hotel guests (valid theme park admission required).

The opening of Epic Universe will transform Universal Orlando Resort into a weeklong vacation destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created, 11 spectacular hotels that are destinations unto themselves, and more – forever changing the landscape of the award-winning destination.

“This is such a pivotal moment for our destination, and we’re thrilled to welcome guests to Epic Universe next year,” said Karen Irwin, President and COO of Universal Orlando Resort. “With the addition of this spectacular new theme park, our guests will embark on an unforgettable vacation experience with a week’s worth of thrills that will be nothing short of epic! Our Universe will never be the same.”  

SELECT MULTI-DAY TICKETS AND PACKAGES GO ON SALE NEXT WEEK, WITH MORE ON THE WAY SOON
Next week, guests can begin planning an epic 2025 vacation to Universal Orlando to experience the entire destination as the first phase of ticket products and packages that include access to Universal Epic Universe will go on sale. Specific products launching in this first phase include:

• A variety of multi-day tickets and vacation packages that include three, four or five days of admission to Universal’s theme parks – including one day admission to Epic Universe. These products will go on sale on Tuesday, October 22.
• Reservations for Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open on Tuesday, October 22 for stays beginning May 22, 2025.
• Annual Passholders have the exclusive opportunity to purchase single-day tickets to Universal Epic Universe before they go on sale to the general public. Passholders can take advantage of this priority opportunity beginning Thursday, October 24.

OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada — ProSlide is delighted to share that Rick Hunter, President and CEO of ProSlide, has been inducted into the esteemed IAAPA Hall of Fame. This recognition honors the extraordinary contributions that Rick and the ProSlide team continue making to the water park industry over nearly four and a half decades of innovation, passion, and leadership.

Having founded ProSlide in 1986, Rick has redefined water ride design, bringing revolutionary technologies and guest experiences to water parks around the world. His vision has shaped ProSlide and set new industry standards, earning 52 patents along the way.

“We are deeply honored by this recognition from IAAPA,” says Rick. “The journey has always been about breaking through the boundaries of what’s possible in water ride design. This induction is a tribute to the teams, partners, and clients who have trusted us to bring their visions to life.”

Rick’s entrepreneurial drive and dedication to assembling a team of passionate experts has led to the creation of legendary features like Mammoth River, HydroMAGNETIC LIM water coasters, RocketBLAST propulsion systems, reducing-radius TORNADO funnels, and the world’s largest BOWLs – to name a few. These innovations have been embraced by top parks globally – from Wildebeest at Holiday World to Saifa at Siam Park – earning over 100 awards, including 17 First Place IAAPA Best New Water Ride Awards in the past 21 years and four prestigious IAAPA IMPACT Awards.

ProSlide remains committed to breakthrough ride designs and top-tier guest experiences, with Rick leading the charge. This induction into the IAAPA Hall of Fame reflects not just Rick’s individual achievements, but the collective success of the entire ProSlide family, past and present.

We are profoundly grateful to IAAPA for this honor and to our industry peers for their continued support. Rick’s passion for water parks continues to fuel ProSlide’s journey as we innovate for the future of water ride attractions.

IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated officially on November 18, 2024, at IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida.

DALLAS, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, the number one global family entertainment venue, and the world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters are proud to announce an exciting new collaboration that will bring together two of America’s most iconic and legendary properties. The first-of-its-kind collaboration will leverage a new family sports and entertainment platform developed by the two entertainment brands that will seamlessly blend the worlds of basketball and joyful play.

Just in time for the highly anticipated Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour, presented by Jersey Mike’s Subs, this partnership will engage millions of fans and families through the Chuck E. Cheese extensive in-store media network, featuring over 3,000 screens across 470 locations across 45 states. With experiential activations planned during 250 of its domestic tour stops, families will experience unique promotions and original content designed to spark joy, excitement, and unforgettable experiences with both brands, reaching millions of kids and families.

“It’s a thrilling new chapter for Chuck E. Cheese, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with the world-famous, Harlem Globetrotters,” said David McKillips, President and CEO of CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese. “This collaboration allows us to introduce the exhilarating sport of basketball to young fans and families in a fun and engaging way. We’re committed to creating unforgettable experiences that resonate with fans and partners.”

“For decades the Harlem Globetrotters and Chuck E. Cheese have been known for providing unique entertainment experiences for families,” said Keith Dawkins, President, Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios. “This partnership speaks to our commitment to work with ‘best-in-class’ partners to help in our dogged pursuit to reach audiences wherever they are.”

This multi-year collaboration will offer existing and new fans of the Harlem Globetrotters and Chuck E. Cheese compelling reasons to connect with the legendary and awe-inspiring basketball team and iconic character, Chuck E. Cheese in his honorary role as the ‘Celebration Coach’ across new mediums. Together, the brands are crafting dynamic experiences that unite families around shared moments of entertainment and a love for sports.

Families and fans of all ages can look forward to an array of activities and engaging content beginning in November as the countdown begins for the World Tour kickoff on Thursday, Dec. 26. Visit www.chuckecheese.com/globetrotters for updates, new entertainment and surprises from the Harlem Globetrotters and Chuck E. Cheese throughout the partnership.

The properties will also be jointly offering advertising and sponsorship opportunities that will provide partners exposure to this lucrative audience through experiential, digital and traditional elements. 

Mini werewolves, witches and woofers and are invited to Lake Compounce this weekend for the park’s annual dog costume parade on Sunday, October 20.

Puppers and their parents are invited to the park in their Halloween best for a spooktacular canine carnival in partnership with the Meriden Humane Society. Those who bring a donation of dog treats, toys or food valued at $10 or more will receive a ticket to Holiday Lights during the park’s beloved Howl-o-ween Dog Costume Parade.

The parade will take place at 4 p.m. but pups and their parents are invited to play all day from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. as they enjoy pup cups, delicious Halloween treats, pick their own pumpkins and more!

The pup-tastic fun is all part of Phantom Fall Fest at America’s First Amusement Park. The annual haunt event offers family-friendly (and pup-friendly) fun during the day, then at 6 p.m. the fear kicks into gear with four sinister haunts including two all-new experiences every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through the rest of October.

DALLAS, Texas — Indoor Active Brands, a platform company that focuses on indoor entertainment concepts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Naughton as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the promotion of Jessica McDonald to Vice President of Marketing at Altitude Trampoline Park. These leadership changes reflect the company’s commitment to strategic growth and development within the family entertainment industry.

Prior to joining Indoor Active Brands, Naughton served as Vice President of Strategy and Financial Planning Analysis at CEC Entertainment, where he honed his expertise in financial forecasting, budgeting, competitive analysis, and performance metrics. As CFO of Indoor Active Brands, Naughton will lead the company’s financial strategy, focusing on protecting stakeholder investments while driving sustainable growth and expansion.

“Working in the family entertainment industry has always been a rewarding experience, bringing joy to both kids and families,” said Naughton. “At Indoor Active Brands, my focus is on driving growth for both Altitude Trampoline Park and The Pickle Pad. I’m excited to expand Altitude’s footprint while helping The Pickle Pad achieve the same level of success.”

In addition to Naughton’s appointment, Jessica McDonald has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing at Altitude Trampoline Park. Since joining the brand in October 2021, McDonald has played a crucial role in shaping its marketing strategy across various digital and traditional media platforms, including TikTok, Reels, and LinkedIn. Her leadership has driven key initiatives such as membership programs, birthday parties, gift card sales, and product development, all of which have contributed to the brand’s revenue growth.

“Jessica has been a vital part of our success at Altitude, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without her contributions. It’s always rewarding to promote from within, and we’re thrilled to recognize Jessica’s hard work with this well-deserved promotion,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Indoor Active Brands. “As Altitude continues to grow and we ramp up efforts with The Pickle Pad, we’re focused on building a leadership team that can support our vision. With Sean’s financial expertise and Jessica’s marketing acumen, we are well-positioned for success.”

Established by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands utilizes industry experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to support and assist its franchisees. Its portfolio includes Altitude Trampoline Park, a leading family entertainment destination, and its newest venture, The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball playground featuring a chef-inspired restaurant, bar, and yard games for all ages.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Build your style, brick by brick! The new LEGO H&M Kids Collection is launching in person at LEGOLAND California Resort today! Showcasing seven LEGO inspired unisex pieces, the collection is available in sizes for children ages one to eight years old, making it a must-have for young builders everywhere.

The colorful collection brings to life the beloved iconic minifigure faces and LEGO bricks of various colors in a range of comfy playful styles. The line features sweatshirts, overalls, t-shirts, pajamas, and accessories like ballcaps and even kids’ belt bags! You can find the collection inside two LEGOLAND California Resort stores – The Big Shop and The Awesome Shop – as well as on H&M’s online store.

Families visiting for LEGOLAND California’s epic Halloween event, Brick-or-Treat Monster Party, on October 12 will be some of the first to shop the new collection! This means families can enjoy the thrills of the Park’s Halloween celebration while snagging these exclusive outfits before they sell out! 

PADUCAH, Ky. — Dippin’ Dots, the original beaded ice cream, is proud to announce the much-anticipated return of its iconic mint chocolate flavor. After a 6-year hiatus, this fan-favorite flavor is making a grand comeback in response to overwhelming customer demand.

Dippin’ Dots has been a trailblazer in the frozen treat industry for over three decades, and the reintroduction of mint chocolate underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation and quality. Starting today, fans can once again savor refreshing mint paired with creamy chocolate beaded ice cream.

“Mint chocolate has long been a fan favorite flavor,” said Kimmra Hingher, vice president of marketing at Dippin’ Dots. “Bringing this classic flavor back is our way of showing how much we value our loyal customers and our commitment to delivering the treats they love. We’re excited to see the buzz from those trying it for the first time and the thrill from those who’ve missed it!”

The mint chocolate flavor will now be available at a variety of locations, including theme parks, stadiums, zoos, arenas, Dippin’ Dots storefronts, shopping centers, and more, as well as offered in bulk for scooped service at the point of sale. For those who prefer to shop online, mint chocolate is also available at dippindots.com. Dippin’ Dots continues to lead the way in the frozen treat industry, consistently introducing exciting innovations and flavors.