Branson Boardwalk

Have you ever seen a 55-foot-tall octopus? The one at Branson Boardwalk in Branson, Missouri is hard to miss. This singular sculpture, crafted by Demiurge Design from hundreds of polyhedral plates and illuminated from within with color-changing LED lights, distinguishes the developing entertainment complex from any other in the world.

In addition to the larger-than-life octopus sculpture, Branson Boardwalk features a host of dining experiences, cocktail spots, unique shops, and world-class attractions. The project is being constructed in phases, with each new addition more compelling than the last for the nine million-plus people who visit it each year. 

Adjacent to the octopus sculpture and set in a cascading lake near the venue’s Aquarium at the Boardwalk, which opened in Fall 2020 as part of Phase 1, is a breathtaking show fountain OTL delivered in Spring 2022. The exceptional water feature, built during the theme park’s second phase, was envisioned from the start by park owner Kuvera Partners to be the property’s show-stopping anchor attraction.

Idea

OTL worked closely with general contractor Blevins Construction Management, Inc. and landscape architects PGAV to design and build the magnificent water-effects showpiece, overcoming numerous challenges.

The project required placement of temporary fencing and barriers to provide adequate workspace and laydown area while minimizing disruption to traffic flow, parking, and the pedestrian experience. Careful planning of conduit requirements to operate the show fountain was also necessary to minimize trenching and tunneling beneath existing sidewalks.

In addition, the construction team needed to order long-lead time items extra early to enable the project to be built on a tight schedule during the tourism off-season. Completing the water feature also meant functioning without disturbing aquarium operations, while ensuring the safety of passersby outside of the construction area.

Lastly, for aesthetic reasons, a temporary pond had been built for the aquarium’s opening, which had to be removed before OTL began its work on the project.

Impact

Through OTL’s deep technical expertise, remarkable artistic prowess, and close coordination with project partners, Branson Boardwalk now has a visually stunning centerpiece that greatly enhances the experience of visiting this entertainment destination.

The water feature utilizes state-of-the-art immersive technology along with our human touch to choreograph water, light, and fog to a variety of songs that please visitors of all ages. Playing two fully choreographed shows every half hour from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, the “dancing waters” fountain provides beautiful sights and sounds that make Branson Boardwalk even more enjoyable and memorable for guests.

In addition, the octopus sculpture’s lighting controller is integrated into the show fountain’s control system such that when a fountain show plays, the octopus becomes an extension of the show, delighting and drawing visitors to the center for many years to come.