Focus builds land of Narnia to transport kids into story

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Oct 30, 2005 | by PAUL ASAY THE GAZETTE

Magical lands are found in the most unlikely places -- wardrobes, sea paintings, office basements... go figure.

Focus on the Family's own magical place -- Kid's Korner -- was once a mishmash of vacated offices and hallways in the basement of the Focus Welcome Center (8655 Explorer Drive). Now it's an interactive world with deserts, mine shafts, soda shops and -- as of the first week in November -- the land of Narnia.

Granted, Focus' Narnia is a little more -- um, hemmed in than the sprawling, green land C.S. Lewis described in his classic "Chronicles of Narnia." But there's only so much Focus could do with half of a staff break room.

"We're hoping to bring a little more life to it," said Laura Moffat, guest relations expert, as she stood on Narnia's lush, fake grass with her back to an English lamppost. Flowers will be brought in, she says, and new lighting will help transport visitors from bitter winter to glorious spring.

Focus' Narnia area is based on "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the most popular book in Lewis' series and the basis for a major motion picture to be released Dec. 9. Focus officials say its version of Narnia will linger long after the film has left theaters.

A massive mural is plastered across one wall -- one that illustrates the storyline with a series of key images: A beaver dam, a sleigh and a broken table are a few examples. Children are encouraged to search for the images through a scavenger hunt, with the list posted on the exit door.

Focus' Radio Theatre production of the book is played in the room continuously.

Visitors enter Narnia through a modified, massive century-old wardrobe, bought locally at Legend Antiques.

"It had to have that special magic feeling, that something wonderful's going to happen if I open that door," said Diane Ingolia, Focus' hospitality specialist.

The wardrobe was strengthened to endure significant wear and tear, and the back was removed to allow access to the room beyond.

Focus is one of Colorado Springs' top tourist attractions, and a big reason is Kid's Korner. More than 250,000 people visit every year to explore the faux B-17 bomber, speed down a threestory corkscrew slide and record a "radio program" -- actually a take- home CD -- featuring characters from Focus' popular "Adventures in Odyssey."

Most of the play area is themed around "Adventures in Odyssey," a radio and video series in its 18th year. Ingolia says most visitors are familiar with the series; for Odyssey fans, a visit to Kid's Korner is a little like going to Mickey Mouse's house in Disneyland.

One main difference: Kid's Korner is free. Visitors can buy a root-beer float or some popcorn at Whit's End Soda Shoppe, but families can bring in their own food, too.

Parents don't have to sign a statement of faith to get in, either. The area, Ingolia says, is for families of all kinds and creeds.

"No one tackles you or shoves things into your hands," Ingolia said.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0367 or pasay@gazette.com