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New park in Lehi offers families the chance to play together
Joe Pyrah
After filling the Luxor and sculpting President Hinckley, what's a 40-foot replica of Mt. Rushmore?
• You've all seen it near the Lehi exit on the west side of Interstate 15 - George, Thomas, Theodore and Abraham in all their foam and concrete glory.
The mountain is the hook for Jerry and Laura Lee Bradshaw's Liberty Land Fun Center. The patriotic-themed park opened its doors 10 days ago. And while Laura Lee Bradshaw based her copy of Rushmore on the original, there is a subtly difference: smiles.
"They're really so stoic in the real one," said Bradshaw, a professional sculptor who has works in BYU's new alumni building, the state Capitol and the Luxor in Las Vegas.
"I've done a lot of large-scale sculptures in my life," she said. Rushmore was done using solid foam and chainsaw. A brush used on horses was used for details. Then it was sprayed with concrete.
The Bradshaws both grew up in California and remember going to fun centers. The memories from those visits are what prompted the idea for Liberty Land. Once there, you'll find rides like bumper boats, go-carts, a roller coaster and miniature golf. (Make sure and check out the mini Washington Mall completely with Lincoln Memorial at the end.)
That's where Jim Hadlock and his 5-year-old grandson Griffin could be found Thursday at noon.
"It's pretty good," he said as Griffin whacked away with his putter. "Little kids love it."
There is still work being done, including the addition of a large indoor facility that will include a 50s-theme restaurant, arcade and laser tag that should be done in August. Phase 2 of the park will include more adult rides, including a full size go-cart track. That could be done as early as next summer.
With the fun will come some education. Along with sculptures and statues of Mt. Rushmore, the Lincoln Memorial, the Statue of Liberty and more, there will be plaques throughout the park with quotes from American presidents and facts of historical significance.
"It's not going to be forced down," Bradshaw said of the education undertone. "They're going to get it in a pleasant way."
Getting the park built has taken more than a year, but that's fine with the Bradshaws, who also hope to use it as a lesson for their kids.
"I hope it works out for my family, that we can have them learn to work hard," Laura Lee said. |
