Case Study: Revitalizing Carolina’s Carowinds

Words: Dan KamysMarch 2016

Rehabs and Restorations

By Chad Corley, Director of Public Relations, The QUIKRETE Companies

Revitalizing Carolina’s Carowinds Revitalizing Carolina’s CarowindsCarowinds, an entertainment destination in the Carolinas, is undergoing a more than $50 million, multi-year revitalization. Fury 325 – the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster – highlights this renewed energy. The revitalization celebrates the Carolina culture and features aesthetic enhancements to numerous areas of the park, including segmental concrete products from Pavestone installed by Draw Enterprises Inc. and Unit Paving Inc. that installed during an unusually challenging winter. Revitalizing Carolina’s CarowindsMore than 51,000 square feet of Pavestone Holland Stone Parkway Series 80-mm pavers were installed at the Carowinds Main Entrance by Unit Paving, and the 6,000-square-foot Coca-Cola Marketplace and 11,000-square-foot Fury 325 by Draw Enterprise Inc. Available in dozens of variations, the rectangular, oak blend Holland Stone Parkway pavers with Provencial finish installed at Carowinds helped capture the rustic elegance and simplistic style appreciated in the Carolinas and surrounding region. The snow, rain and freezing temperatures that defined the final stage of the project did not prevent the pavers from being installed in less than a month to welcome Carowinds visitors when the park opened for the 2015 season. Revitalizing Carolina’s Carowinds Draw Enterprises is no stranger to completing projects on schedule and within budget at Carowinds, regardless of conditions. During the last eight years, Draw Enterprises has installed about 120,000 square feet of Pavestone pavers, retaining walls and benches in various areas of the park. Installing the pavers around Fury 325 was critical to opening the 2015 season with a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors, so Draw Enterprises ran multiple crews simultaneously on the job, seven days a week, as weather permitted. Revitalizing Carolina’s CarowindsFacing the same weather conditions and streamlined schedule, Unit Paving deployed three to four five-person crews on the jobsite, strategically each day, to complete the main entrance, which is one of the park’s largest paver surfaces at 34,000 square feet. Built on a reputation of quality, prompt and dependable service, Unit Paving crews prepped large sections with base sand and bedding sand. These were protected in the process from rain, snow and ice as necessary with sheets of plastic, before installing the pavers. Carowinds opened to great fanfare thanks the creative planning, hard work and dedication of Draw Enterprises, Unit Paving and their crews. During the last 50 years, Carowinds has evolved from a local, 73-acre park to a 398-acre regional, national and international tourist destination for tens of thousands each year.
Building Efficiency: 8 Ways to Boost Productivity on Stone and Block Projects
October 2025

The mark of a successful project isn’t just exceptional craftsmanship; it’s the ability to manage the work efficiently and keep it on track. When it comes to manufactured stone veneer (MSV), efficiency is critical. From preparing substrates and managing m

Jeff Tew
Technical Talks
Read More
2026 Skills Challenge And Fastest Trowel On The Block Registration Now Open
October 2025

On Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, MASONRY MADNESS will take place during the World of Concrete in the Bronze Lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Do you know someone who was what it takes to compete this year?

Dan Kamys
News and Events
Read More
Advancement Strategies for Building a Strong Work Environment and Company Culture
October 2025

A company’s greatest asset is its people. While technology, systems, and capital drive operations, it is the human element that fuels innovation, collaboration, and growth. Building a strong work environment and fostering a resilient company culture are n

Alex Hogan
Business Management
Read More
2026 World of Concrete Registration Is Now Open
October 2025

Registration for the 2026 World of Concrete Convention is now Open! Don't miss your opportunity to attend the industry biggest event of the year. Multiple classes, competitions, and exhibits will be taking place. All in an effort to push the industry for

Justin Stengel
News and Events
Read More