Design Rangers Camp Blog

How many people have been to an amusement park? Any one will do… From hometown favorites to the Six-Flags giants, these parks bring back memories of excitement and adventure (and perhaps a bit of queasiness). Young or old, everyone can recall their favorite ride or attraction and how it made them feel. The adrenaline rush that fuels the giddy laughter. The taste of cotton candy or an ice cream cone on a Summer day.

The rides, the rush, the ice cream, it’s all been crafted to take you to another world. Every detail has been thought through and any deviation from the theme can change the experience. Design plays a large role, from the art-deco signs at Lakeside Amusements in Denver to the alternate reality that is Disney, the look helps create the world you’ll be living in for that day.

It’s these images and memories that helped inspire the logo for the Cave of the Winds’ newest attraction, the Wind Walker Challenge Course. The Wind Walker, a ropes course that will let participants traverse and dangle precariously (but safely) out over the floor of  Williams Canyon is sure to attract thrill-seekers and cave-dwellers alike. Opening in Summer 2011, the Wind Walker needed a design that captured the experience while extending the sense discovery and exploration present in the rest of the property.

With our muse in place, Jenny set to work pouring over images of theme park signage and rides from eras gone by (yes, we really do get paid to to play). After discussing some of our most memorable ride experiences, ideas moved quickly to paper as sketches began to take shape. A bold, graphic look became the focus of the concepts, using strong colors, expressive typography and canyon silhouettes.

One design in particular stood out, framing a stylized cliff against the backdrop of sun rays. It had all the elements of a theme park attraction while maintaining the spirit of the Cave of the Winds. After a few rounds of modifications, the final designs were put into place – one with a person out over the canyon for large applications, and a simplified version for smaller use.

We had a great time working on this logo and we’re looking forward to trying the Wind Walker for ourselves. What’s your favorite amusement park ride or memory? Share in the comments.