Hillsdale’s Cottage Inn Pizza should be operating out of its new location at Silos Fun Park by mid-January or February of 2020, according to owners Donna and Brad Olmstead.
“We’re anxious to get it opened back up for the community,” Donna Olmstead said. “We plan to have the arcade and the restaurant open before the rest of the attractions.”
By mid-November, both said they hope to put the concrete floor in the new restaurant and finish the framing of the building itself. Dave Clevland said all of the plumbing has already been installed. Cleveland, the original owner and builder of Silos Fun Park, has helped the Olmsteads plan and execute propositions for the new restaurant and business. Because of the decreasing temperatures and heavy rainfall, the construction has been slightly delayed, according to Cleveland.
“If Mother Nature would cooperate, that would be extremely helpful,” Cleveland said. “Since the rain showed up, we’ve just had to work in mud.”
Despite the delays, those working on the project are hopeful and excited for what’s to come. Cleveland explained the “marriage” of a full restaurant and the arcade with the park will be what makes the park successful.
“When we operated the park, it was successful on its own, but financially, it was hard to be operational really only three months out of the year,” Cleveland said. “The park has to support itself for 12 months, and I think the restaurant was the missing component.”
The Olmsteads see a lot of potential for different attractions and events at the park. They hope to host not just birthday parties but also corporate events, fundraisers, and rent out the space when different organizations have events.
“We’ve all thrown around a lot of ideas for events,” Donna Olmstead said. “We have plenty of upfront property, so we’ve thought about hosting a community Easter egg hunt. Maybe we could do family movie nights. Really, we want to do anything that will build community and keep it fresh.”
Many organizations and students on campus are excited for the return of the park.
“It’s exciting for the community because the abandoned silos will have life to it, and college students new option in town for events,” Hillsdale College junior Claire Lupini said.
Donna Olmstead is also excited for ways the park will bring the community together.
“More than anything we appreciate the community supporting us,” she said. “We ask for prayers as we face these hurdles as we try to get it ready by spring.”