Fun Spot Action Park taps local construction company for expansion

By | January 3, 2012

Robert High with John Arie Jr.

The 75-year old, Orlando based, H. J. High Construction Company was selected as the design-builder of the new $20 million expansion of Fun Spot Action Park located just off International Drive. Fun Spot Parks are a hometown success story being locally owned and operated. “The deep Orlando roots and culture of H. J. High made them the right company for the job.” said John Arie, Sr., Fun Spot C.E.O. and owner.

Fun Spot America, as it will be rebranded, will be an amusement park with thematic elements of American culture. The 15-acre, expansion is set to add four water rides, a wooden coaster, a steel family roller coaster, a new go-kart track, a new SkyCoaster, and numerous other rides. Robert High, President of H. J. High Construction said “John knows what his customers want and we are excited to help him make his vision a reality.”

“It’s Huge!” is the well-known catch phrase used in Fun Spot marketing but it can also apply to the local economic impact of this project. With design currently underway and a re-launch planned for February 2013, there will be an immediate need for site work contractors, electricians, plumbers and other skilled tradesmen. “Buying American is important but it’s even more important to buy local” said Arie.

“This project will be a much needed shot in the arm for more than 25 local companies,” explained H. J. High spokesman, Doug Storer. “The project has already had a positive impact for the rest of the H. J. High’s design/build teams which includes local companies: ACi, project architect, Harris Civil Engineers and Foster Conant, Landscape Architects all of which are headquartered in Orlando. Once completed, Fun Spot expects to add an additional 200 employees to its 100 plus employee base in Orlando. New positions will range from mid-level management to entry level.