At Creative Works, we love helping FEC owners and operators bring big ideas to life, and our latest project with Airway Fun Center in Portage, Michigan, is a perfect example of that. Their vision was simple: create fun, social, memorable experiences that guests of all ages could enjoy together. Our job was to turn that vision into something real.

In our newest episode of We Are Creative Works, Russ Van Natta takes you behind the scenes of how our team built two brand-new attractions their venue:

-A 7-hole, pirate-themed Black Light Mini Golf course

-A 6-player ValoArena mixed reality experience

A Mini Golf Course Packed With Storytelling and Style

When guests step into this Black Light Mini Golf course, they’re stepping into a pirate adventure. Everything in the space was designed to make the experience feel playful, immersive, and full of discovery.

Highlights include:

• A custom pirate entry arch
• Crate and parrot putt-through obstacles
• A shark breaking through the wall
• A motion-activated gunport that surprises players
• A glowing open clam with a pearl
• The towering skull rope bridge archway
• Colorful murals and scenic elements
• And our patented Electric Edging that brings each hole to life with dynamic lighting

This course wasn’t pulled off a shelf. It was built from scratch inside the Creative Works Theme Factory by our sculptors, painters, engineers, and production teams—each piece hand-finished with the details that make an attraction like this unforgettable.

Stepping Into the Game With ValoArena

Right next to the pirate adventure is a very different kind of experience: ValoArena, a mixed reality attraction built for active, social play.

There are no headsets, controllers, or wearables. Guests walk in, pick one of seven games, and the arena recognizes their movements instantly. It’s fast, intuitive, and perfect for groups. And when the round ends, players can share their gameplay clips straight to their phones—a simple feature that creates instant “do it again” moments.

ValoArena is a strong fit for operators looking to add interactive play without the complexity of VR. It’s low maintenance, easy to learn, and consistently fun.

Why These Attractions Matter

Whether you’re starting a new entertainment business or evolving an existing one, attractions like these play a major role in shaping the guest experience. They…

• Encourage people to stay longer
• Create repeatable, shareable moments
• Appeal to a wide range of guests
• Support higher per-cap spending through social play

Airway Fun Center wanted attractions that checked all those boxes—and that’s why this combination of mini golf and ValoArena works so well together.

Ready to Build Your Own Immersive Attraction Mix?

If you’re opening a new venue or refreshing an existing one, Creative Works can help you design and install unforgettable attractions that wow guests and drive revenue.

Request a quote and let us bring your vision to life!