When vision meets meticulous craftsmanship, spaces are no longer just built, they’re brought to life. Poli Construction is proud to spotlight one of our most creative recent projects: Terra Play Center in Lake Nona, Florida. With a $450,000 investment, we transformed a first-generation gray shell into a vibrant, family-friendly destination where play and community thrive together.
From structural redesigns to state-of-the-art play features, every element was carefully planned and crafted to deliver both fun and functionality. Join us as we take a behind-the-scenes look at how this indoor play space and café came to life.
Table of Contents
1. What Was the Vision for Terra Play Center?
2. How Did Our Team Transform a Blank Canvas?
3. What Makes the Terra Play Center Experience Unique?
4. Why Does This Project Matter for the Community?
5. What Can This Project Teach About Building With Purpose?
6. Crafting Spaces That Bring People Together
What Was the Vision for Terra Play Center?
Terra Play Center set out to be more than just an indoor playground. The goal was to create a welcoming hub for families; a place where children could explore, climb, and play while parents relax in a thoughtfully designed, comfortable café environment.
The challenge? Starting from a blank canvas. The space began as a gray shell with no finishes, features, or systems in place. Our mission was to turn empty walls into experiences for years to come, blending safety, comfort, and creativity under one roof.
How Did Our Team Transform a Blank Canvas?
To bring the Terra Play Center vision to life, our team reimagined the entire interior from the ground up. The project included:
- Structural enhancements: A redesigned truss system not only ensures safety but also elevates the aesthetic of the open play area.
- Space definition: New interior non-bearing walls create separate zones for play and dining, making the center feel organized and family-friendly.
- Atmosphere and comfort: A suspended ceiling, durable flooring, and carefully chosen wall finishes establish a warm, welcoming environment.
- Systems and utilities: We installed modern electrical distribution, efficient plumbing, and energy-saving lighting, ensuring longevity and sustainability.
This attention to detail allowed us to turn what was once an empty shell into a fully functioning play-and-gathering destination.
What Makes the Terra Play Center Experience Unique?
The true centerpiece of the project is the custom-designed play structure, engineered to spark imagination and encourage safe, active fun. Complementing this is a café outfitted with custom millwork and top-tier food service equipment, providing parents a comfortable space to connect while their children play.By combining playful design with durable construction materials, the result is a space that feels joyful yet reliable.
Why Does This Project Matter for the Community?
Lake Nona is one of Florida’s fastest-growing communities, known for its focus on innovation and family living. Terra Play Center adds a much-needed destination for families, offering both recreation and relaxation in one central hub. For Poli Construction, this project demonstrates how we blend creativity with technical expertise to deliver more than just buildings; we create environments that enrich communities and bring people together.
What Can This Project Teach About Building With Purpose?
Every construction project is more than a blueprint; it’s a chance to solve challenges, inspire connection, and elevate everyday experiences. Terra Play Center reflects that even a gray shell can become a lively hub with the right vision, planning, and craftsmanship.
Some key takeaways of this project include:
- A clear vision can turn an empty space into a thriving destination.
- Attention to detail ensures that every element shapes how people experience a space.
- Prioritizing sustainability and energy efficiency creates long-term value for both owners and communities.
- The most successful projects are those that foster connection and enrich everyday life.
“Research from brookings.edu shows that integrating play-based learning into public spaces increases caregiver–child interaction, time spent together, and engagement in learning activities – helping community play environments like Terra Play Center build stronger, more connected families and neighborhoods.”
Crafting Spaces That Bring People Together
At Poli Construction, we take pride in turning ambitious ideas into tangible spaces that work, inspire, and last. Whether it’s a playful family destination, a commercial build-out, or a large-scale renovation, our team delivers projects with precision and passion. Please contact us today to set up a meeting and learn how we can bring your vision to life.
