DawsonTimes.com

Funopolis Family Fun Center was honored by the International Association for the Leisure & Entertainment Industry (IALEI) as the best new Family Fun Center (FEC) at Fun Expo Convention and Trade Show on Tuesday March 7, 2009.  The best new FEC award is based on originality, venue layout, graphic imaging, variety of attractions, layout, and theme.  Funopolis Family Center is located in Commerce, Georgia -- about an hour's drive from Dawsonville -- and is owned by Brent and Mary Greenwood.

Says Mary Greenwood,  “We are extremely proud of our facility and staff.  We  have a wonderful staff and had great  contractors and consultants whose expertise helped us be 'the best' so we could win the Golden Token Award."

The massive project became a reality after receiving approval from Banks County officials and  financing by Regions Bank.  The Greenwoods then hired Athens-based Aldridge to take on the challenge of renovating the existing 84 Lumber yard and buildings.  The Greenwoods also consulted with Dorothy Lewis and Rich Bartlett of Fun Station, Inc. who have been in the amusement industry for more than 30 years. According to Mary Greenwood, their advice was invaluable in deciding on layout and choice of amusement attractions.

The five acre indoor/outdoor complex offers a well-rounded family entertainment experience that includes laser tag, mini golf, bumper boats, bumper cars, mini bowling, go karts and inflatables. Among the more unusual attractions is a Water Wars game whereby participants use giant sling shots to fire water balloons at each other. Another popular ride is the Max Flight, a roller coaster simulator that gives the effect of riding a roller coaster.  

Funopolis has been well received by surrounding communities and has become one the major employers in the area hiring 70 employees during the summer season.  Local residents consider Funopolis to be an asset to the area, giving the families a safe and fun place to play and celebrate special occasions.

Funopolis offers four party rooms and a conference room that can accommodate parties and groups.  The venue also houses a café and offers in-house catering options for group events.

There is no admission fee to Funopolis, and attractions range from $2-7. Arcade games cost from 33 cents up to $1.25, with most of them paying out tickets that can be redeemed for prizes. Customers buy play activity cards to pay for items or can purchase a two- or or four-hour wrist band to gain access to certain activities.

Funopolis Family Fun Center
40155 U.S. Highway 441 S. in Commerce (next to Banks Crossing)
(706) 335-3866
www.funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com

Site Classifieds: attractions, family entertainment, vacations