Schaumburg Live Work & Play

LEGO land SCHAUMBU S Schaumburg’s Streets of Woodfield is home to the first location outside of Germany for the Legoland Discovery Center. The huge indoor play park features two floors of plastic blocks, life-size Lego displays, hands-on play, a ride and much more. Lego, a popular toy across the world, is an abbreviation of the Danish words “leg godt,” meaning “play well.” While specifically designed for children two to 12 years of age, the new center that opened its doors at the end of July provides hours of fun and entertainment for the entire family. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Karen Skinner, a grandma from Oak Park who recently visited with her three grandchildren. “The center plays on their day-to-day experiences,” she added. Legoland visitors can expect to experience an array of unbelievably detailed displays, including Einstein’s larger than lifesized head built in the Czech Republic and a replica of Chicago’s skyline, constructed in California and shipped to Schaumburg. Between 3 and 4 million Legos were used to build the Chicago skyline using some of the city’s most well-known structures, including Water Tower Place, the Children’s Museum and the John Hancock Center. Speed boats on Lake Michigan, taxi cabs, a fire truck with lights and sirens and a woman resting on a park bench are also part of the scene. To help develop the ideas for the site, a team of designers took thousands of photographs of Chicago and then returned to California, where 10 builders worked for six months to create the breathtaking depiction. The only missing element from the ornate scene is pot holes, joked Legoland Master Builder Dan Morey of Elmhurst. The 24year-old won a Lego building contest a year ago, resulting in his employment at the Schaumburg site. The former carpenter built a McDonald’s Happy Meal in the contest to earn his title. “I’ve been a Lego fan all my life,” Morey said. “I had boxes of them. My mom, who was always stepping on the pieces, was Page 16 schaumburg live • work • play

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Schaumber Live Work & Play Contents Hidden Treasures Slice of Life Handling Work Life Featured Business Surviving United Flight 232 Succulent Flavors Out & About Around Town Hot Spot! Dining Out

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