Hampton Park Prehistoric Preserve

Submitted by Kayla Bolton

Sunday, July 19 began quietly at the Hampton Park branch until the phones started ringing off the hook. Patrons had one question: "Can I sign up for the escape room?"

Since the initial concept meeting in March, HP staff have been hard at work creating a dinosaur-themed escape room that perfectly fit the summer reading theme. 

Amy, Kelly, and Jennifer had been collaborating on the annual escape room program for years, and newcomers Amina, Britt, and Stella stepped in with incredible ideas on how to create an experience that was both immersive and educational. 

Britt, who had led an Elf-themed storywalk last year at Sharon Forks, took the lead on the project. She created the puzzles for the family version of the escape room, and organized lists of assignments and supplies. Kelly enlisted the VolunTEENS to help her with the entrance. (Many thanks to Sharon Forks for letting us borrow their PVC pipe!) She also worked with Amy and Jennifer to construct the main jungle area, complete with a volcano, a cave, and a waterfall! 

Amina and Stella worked together to create the lab, from illustrating concept art to fashioning metallic-looking cabinets and strange specimens in glass bottles. Volunteers (and former VolunTEENS) Abby and Ariel worked together for months to create a giant arch welcoming patrons to the Hampton Park Prehistoric Preserve.

We had a total of 227 patrons (135 children, 92 adults) solve the riddles to escape the preserve. The fastest group completed the challenge with 21 minutes to spare! Many left with comments that it was "incredible" and that we should "have one every week because it's so fun." While the doors to the Hampton Park Prehistoric Preserve have now closed, we hope they've left a lasting impact on those who enjoyed it.