FECs
www.parkworld-online.com
A hole in one
Scott Lundmark, president of Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS), talks trends in the FEC market, including integration of entertainment and the evolution of ever-popular mini golf
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ECs represent a significant percentage of the tourism, recreation and entertainment markets that we target as a supplier to the industry. They tend to be, in general, smaller in size and highly fragmented – both geographically and in the types of recreation they provide. That said, established companies are continually expanding to multiple locations as access to capital has increased through the years. This helps diversify our markets beyond large amusement and water parks. There are several emerging trends within the FEC market, as well as expansions on already established trends such as innovative technology and the incorporation of FECs into theme parks. For example, VR parks now have more of a presence. Food and beverage operations are being integrated for improved social environments. There is also a trend toward less standalone FECs and more integration of recreation and entertainment products at a given facility.
The environmental friendliness of attractions is also an issue for many, which has helped popularise our Modular Advantage Mini Golf system since it looks and feels like a concrete course, but is constructed using durable patented panels made from recycled materials with a 100% permeable surface (no water run-off) that won’t disturb flora and fauna. Yet another emerging trend is indoor activities, especially in colder climates.
We’re also seeing increased demand internationally as well – for example in the Middle East, Europe and elsewhere. Looking to the future, while mini golf has always been a time-tested attraction, we are seeing even greater interest and more capital moving into this market, both outdoors and indoors. Integrating technology by ‘gamifying’ mini golf is a popular current and future trend, but traditional mini golf (lower tech) will never go away and is experiencing its own growth trends.
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Operators are becoming more sophisticated in evaluating new attractions from a business perspective such as return on investment (ROI), especially as operations grow and become part of private equity. That said, the focus on ROI presents pressure on growth. Guests expect more entertainment and want to see the next ‘wow’ factor. However, time and money must be considered, so low maintenance, low overhead attractions that minimise owner liability and customer refuse continue, as always, to be appealing. To meet both operator and guest expectations, we evaluate our products based on client and market feedback, and invest in new product development and R&D, on an ongoing basis.
Owners often desire to maximise empty and unused space in a way that will generate additional revenue or serve as an amenity. Such was the case when AGS recently installed a miniature golf course on the rooftop of a multi-level parking deck at the Caribe Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama in the USA. The mini golf course for the rooftop was based on our Bunkers & Bumps design that incorporates miniaturised rolling terrain with synthetic turf fairways/ greens with bumps, contours, undulations, rough turf surroundings and faux sand bunkers to create a more challenging and natural-looking putting course. Unlike traditional mini golf that often uses bricks, walls, obstacles and theme elements for boundaries, Bunkers & Bumps relies on various terrain designs and rough turf to shape holes.
The course was then constructed using our custom modular system with durable, patented interlocking panels that are lightweight and, together with permeable turf, offer excellent drainage for quick-dry, no-mess operation. The course was secured to the roof using our proprietary anchoring system, ensuring product safety on the rooftop while also allowing accessibility for roof inspections and service.
MAY 2023
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