Creating Adventurous Places (CAP.Co), the adventure play specialist, has completed its first significant work in the US, with the installation of silo themed play structure at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo in New Era, Michigan.
Lewis Adventure Farm has been a much-loved destination for family fun and animal encounters for five generations. Extending to 700 acres, the attraction offers a combination of hands-on experiences, adventurous activities and close-up interactions with more than 100 animal species.
Situated between the flower/pumpkin house and the prairie dog enclosure, the new play structure enhances the play experience and adds a lively and visually striking feature to the area.
Most of the prefabrication was completed in CAP.Co's UK workshop before being shipped, which made installation quick and efficient on-site in the US.
Apples, owls & accolades
CAP.Co has also recently completed a slew of projects in the UK.
At Applewood Countryside Park, a popular caravan, camping, and glamping site in Norfolk, the new Apple Harvest Adventure Playground offers physical and sensory play for guests of all ages. This eye-catching design draws on the site's history as an Apple Orchard, and combines neutral, natural materials with pops of colour to create a fun, country aesthetic.
A dedicated toddler play zone features four large apple crates arranged as an “Apple Crate Cubby,” equipped with an access ladder, peek-a-boo cladding, and a slide deck reached by a clamber ramp. A ground-level play trail made of wheat sheaves and Apple Orchard ladders appeals to all ages and offers opportunities for weaving, balancing, hopping, and clambering.
The Apple Harvest Tractor presents a more demanding play zone for older kids (and adults). Located near the main pathway, it features an inviting entrance that draws children into the play area. The play structure includes physical challenges such as a clamber ramp, climbing wall, slide, and monkey bars. For calmer activities, there is a driver’s wheel for role-playing and a tractor wheel cubby for relaxing and chatting with friends.
In Warwickshire, CAP.Co has created a barn owl-themed play area for The Belfry Hotel and Golf Resort. The masterplan aimed to create a family-focused, playful connection with the wildlife in the venue's woodland grounds, in particular the Belfry barn owl.
The bird's swooping movements have inspired the design of the play area, which includes a range of climbing, swinging, and sliding elements. As visitors enter the space, they pass under the owl's gaze, which follows their approach and hints at the exciting play beyond.
Kev Foster
CAP.Co aimed to encourage families to explore and experience the peace and quiet of the woods, challenge them with a unique play and adventure setting, and inspire return visits.
This summer, CAP.Co was awarded a Royal Warrant of Appointment by command of King Charles III, which acknowledges the company's work for the Royal Household. This accolade is one of the highest honours given to organisations supported by the Monarch, and marks the first time that the warrant has been awarded to an adventure play provider.
Ten years ago, the company was given its first Royal commission to design and build a playground for Windsor Great Park. CAP.Co's most sustainable project to date, Adventure Play, was commissioned by The Crown Estate and constructed mainly from fallen trees from the estate. The project recently received a Thea award from the Themed Entertainment Association.
