Case Study: Transforming a 1970s Amusement Park Into a Modern Storybook Adventure

SYC Theming Guru
Nov 25, 2025
5 min read

Colorful candy shop sign reads "Sweet Toohe Candy Shop" with a rainbow swirl decoration on a bright, playful building facade.

When one of Western Canada’s favorite family amusement parks set out to refresh several of its most recognizable buildings, they wanted more than a coat of paint, they wanted magic. Originally built in the 1970s, these structures had served generations of visitors, yet the park’s leadership saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the space. Their vision: turn everyday buildings into memorable attractions in their own right.

Studio Y Creations was brought on to design and fabricate a cohesive collection of exterior transformations, each one themed, sculpted, and handcrafted to evoke imagination, nostalgia, and delight. From candy-coated facades to rugged mountain textures, this project blended fantasy with functional design, ensuring every building felt like part of the same storybook world.

Theme Park Upgrade Project Details

Client: Calaway Park (multiple buildings across the park)

Objective: Create fully themed building exteriors that blend nostalgia with modern, immersive design and turn everyday park structures into attractions.

The Challenge: Refresh Without Losing the Park’s Identity

The project included several buildings across the park:

• The Candy Shop

• The Burger Inn

• The Village Shop

• The Little Bucks bumper car attraction

• Exterior washrooms

• Additional architectural accents around the park

While each building had a unique purpose, they needed to work together visually. The goal was to upgrade aging exteriors while preserving the charm guests had loved for decades.

This meant designing individual identities for each building; playful, bold, immersive, while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic across the entire park.

It also required carefully integrating 3D sculpting, murals, cladding, and signage with existing structures and contractor work.

Scope of Work

Research & Design Direction

Our team began by analyzing each building’s purpose, guest flow, and desired visual identity. This ensured the theming not only enhanced the space but supported the overall guest experience. Concept sketches, color palettes, material selections, and sculptural elements were developed for each building.

We then took on-site measurements of the existing buildings, ascertaining where structural work would need to be done to support the new exterior cladding.

Master Planning & Visualization

Our client had basic idea of themes for each building, but allowed our design team to flesh out the concepts with design details and narratives to help enrich the concepts.

Each building received a detailed plan outlining:

• 3D sculptural elements

• Cladding and façade treatments

• Paint schemes

• Signage packages

• Integrated murals or graphics

• Contractor coordination notes

Construction:

Each structure required its own sculpting style and architectural personality. Custom exterior cladding was created for every building, along with new additions such as the shade structures outside the Burger Inn. All elements were finished with a heavy-duty hard coat to ensure long-term durability in an outdoor amusement park environment.

Two sculptors work on a large foam structure of a truss in a workshop. The setting is cluttered with tools and materials. — Two sculptors work meticulously in a workshop, assembling a large shade structure.

Painting and Finishing:

Studio Y Creations started with concept art, paint treatments, and cohesive color palettes during the planning phase to help direct the final paint job. We applied UV-resistant exterior paints and protective coatings to guarantee long-lasting brightness and durability—ensuring each refreshed façade remains vivid under sun, weather, and heavy park traffic.

Pink ice cream sculptures with stencil patterns and masking tape marking out sprinkles in a workshop. Shelves with various paints and supplies are visible in the background. — The paint department adds details to melting ice cream with colorful sprinkles.

Final Assembly and Installation:

Studio Y coordinated with contractors on paint zones, utilities, and existing architectural features to ensure every piece blended seamlessly.

Installation was completed by Studio Y Creations' experienced team, ensuring every sculpted feature was safely and securely mounted to withstand weather, park traffic, and years of use.

Two people guide a large, rock-sculpture with green accents being hoisted by a crane, set against a clear blue sky and trees.

Workers on ladders place large artificial rocks with green moss on a wooden structure. Clear blue sky and trees in background.

Our Approach: Crafting a Cohesive Storybook World

The Candy Shop: A Sweet, Colorful Fantasy

Colorful candy shop with striped awnings, candy decorations, and a playful design. A person in pink walks towards the blue door. Sunny day. — AFTER

The Candy Shop underwent one of the most dramatic transformations. The goal was to create a vivid, whimsical building that looked straight out of a fairytale sweets village.

The Candy Shop included an extensive list of handcrafted 3D elements such as:

• Candy cane door frames, chocolate arches, and icing shingles

• A candy tower stacked with gumballs, peppermints, gummies, and more

• A faux chimney spilling melted ice cream and sprinkles

• Sculpted cobblestone cladding and timber framing

• Jujube and icing roof lines

• Colorful striped awnings and window shutters

The roof, walls, and trim were reimagined with candy-themed textures and designs, including sour belt patterns, candy corn borders, and lollipop medallions. Even small architectural details—lanterns, rafters, and shutters—were sculpted or painted to feel sugary and bright.

The result is a photogenic, joy-filled building that draws guests in long before they spot the treats inside.

Colorful candy shop with a fantasy facade, striped awnings, and lollipop decor. People walk by, and trees are visible in the background.

Candy shop facade with a colorful lollipop decoration. Text reads "Sweet Toothe Candy Shop." Bright, playful setting against a clear sky.

Colorful candy-themed storefront with bright awnings, stacked decorative sweets, and whimsical motifs, creating a playful atmosphere.

The Burger Inn: A Deliciously Playful Landmark

Colorful burger stand with giant food items on the roof. Customers wait in line under a blue-striped awning. Trees in the background. — AFTER

The Burger Inn was transformed into a larger-than-life food-themed destination, immediately recognizable from across the park. The 3D scope included:

• A massive sculpted burger perched above the front entrance

• Oversized drinks and condiments integrated into the façade

• Cedar shake roofing, stone cladding, and custom timber framing

• Colorful striped awnings and rustic architectural details

This building also incorporated a range of material finishes, carefully matched to the provided references, including stone textures, stucco and brick patterns, timber, cylindrical logs, and characterful wood trims.

The finished building makes a bold, humorous statement—turning a simple food stop into a beloved visual icon.

People line up at a whimsical fast-food stand called "The Burger Inn," featuring a giant burger and drinks decor under a blue sky.

Giant burger sculpture on rooftop with blue shutters, featuring lettuce, tomato, cheese, and pickles. Sky in background; "BURGER" text visible.

The Village Shop: Cottage-Chic Charm With Storybook Details

Colorful toy store with purple and yellow facade, sign reads "Hudstones." Surrounded by bare trees, clear sky above. — BEFORE

Purple building labeled Village Shop with green roof, blue windows, trees nearby. Signs read Toys, Gifts, Souvenirs. Bright day. — AFTER

The Village Shop needed to feel warm and inviting, with the charm of a handcrafted cottage. Studio Y Creations created:

• Sculpted ship-lap cladding

• 3D stone bases and corner stone clusters

• Hand-sculpted shutters (10 sets)

• 3D sculpted trees, flower boxes, and gold-trimmed woodwork

• Three matching 3D Village Shop signs

• Crates, barrels, sacks, and other story elements at the loading bay

The color palette was carefully chosen to feel both nostalgic and fresh, including Sherwin Williams Wisteria for the walls and a turquoise metal roof recommended for the contractor. Hand-detailed gold trims and carved rafters completed the look.

The final building offers guests a warm, crafted environment that feels full of personality and handcrafted charm.

Colorful shop facade with "Village Shop" sign, blue shutters, wood motif, and flower box. Clear sky backdrop, whimsical design.

Village Shop with a colorful mural of a teddy bear, toys, and the word "FUN" in bold letters. Sign reads "Toys ~ Gifts ~ Souvenirs."

Little Bucks: A Rugged, Mountain-Themed Adventure

Amusement park entrance with blue and purple roof, trees, and blue trash bin. "PARK" sign on blue wall; wheelchair-accessible sign nearby. — BEFORE

People gather outside a whimsical structure with green decor and orange "LITTLE BUCKS" text, under a clear blue sky. — AFTER

The Little Bucks bumper car attraction leaned into a rustic, outdoorsy theme inspired by nature and the park’s landscape. The design included:

• Sculpted stone archways

• Hand-painted logs and wood textures

• Moss-covered boulders

• Evergreen tree sculptures

• A sculpted sign with raised lettering

• Two stylized mountain goat characters, each recreated from client artwork

The sculpted rocks and moss textures were based on detailed material references, ensuring consistency with the park’s Rocky Mountain-inspired environment. The hand-carved goat characters brought charm and movement to the façade, giving the attraction its signature personality.

Two goat statues on rocky arch with green grass. Bright orange text reads "LITTLE BUCKS." Clear blue sky; playful and lively setting.

Wooden sign with "LITTLE BUCKS" in red letters, featuring two jumping goats on a yellow circle against a clear blue sky. Rustic vibe.

Colorful wooden structure with tree decorations; people walk past under blue sky. Sign reads "Do Not Climb." Forested background.

Even the Washrooms Got the Storybook Treatment

Colorful building with "WASHROOMS" sign, blue and green exterior. Tree and recycling bins in front. Overcast sky in background. — BEFORE

People gather at a whimsical washrooms entrance with floral and butterfly decor. A "WASHROOMS" sign is overhead. Mural adds color. — AFTER

Even the washrooms received a thematic uplift, proof that every guest-facing structure can add to the magic.

Enhancements included:

• Sculpted vines, butterflies, and natural textures

• Custom cladding and nature-inspired paint schemes

• Integrated 3D details to match surrounding environments

This elevated these once-ordinary buildings into charming, shareable moments within the park.

Guest Impact

The transformation has reshaped the park’s energy, making walkways more immersive, buildings more photogenic, and guest experiences more memorable. Each structure now contributes to a cohesive storybook world that feels bright, modern, and full of nostalgic charm.

Conclusion

This project highlights Studio Y Creations’ ability to turn everyday buildings into captivating themed environments. By blending sculptural artistry, architectural theming, and creative storytelling, we helped the park create a refreshed atmosphere that brings joy to every visitor.

Interested in transforming your space? Studio Y Creations can help bring your vision to life with immersive, one-of-a-kind themed design.