Smart Safety Solution for Leisure Park & Attraction Off-Hours

(eap) For more than 50 years, Fort Fun Abenteuerland in Bestwig – which records around 300,000 visitors annually – has been among the most popular leisure attractions in Germany’s Sauerland region. On 160 operating days between April and October, more than 35 attractions spread across the 48-hectare park offer thrills, fun and excitement for adventurers of all ages. An additional 25 hectares comprise the overnight camp as well as forested areas used for forestry purposes. During peak periods, up to 250 employees are on duty in the park. While the on-site security staff is primarily called upon to handle minor disputes among visitors, theft and vandalism reportedly remain relatively rare challenges. When such incidents do occur, they typically take place at night. In these cases, valuables such as ice cream, coffee or almond machines may be stolen, or attractions such as roller coasters may be accessed without permission as part of dares, potentially resulting in damage. Beyond the high replacement costs, revenue losses due to attraction downtime also come into play. Moreover, such incidents do not only cause material damage: intruders often put their own safety at risk during illegal activities.

Image: Courtesy of LivEye Park Managing Director Andreas Sievering explains: “Our site is extensive and very remote, which attracts the curious as well as criminals. To protect the park effectively overnight and during the off-season with on-site security staff, I would need to commission far more than two specialists. Financially, that is hardly feasible.” For this reason, a full-coverage camera surveillance system was initially considered, under which the entire park would have been monitored via video recordings. Ultimately, however, the management opted for a security solution focusing on key points of the grounds, such as entrances and access roads. The park now uses a video surveillance system supplied by the German company LivEye, which provides not only the technology but also a comprehensive service concept. “[…] This means we do not need experts within our team who are familiar with the cameras. Installation, maintenance and monitoring are handled by the nstr.security team,” Sievering says.

A standard household power connection is sufficient for the installation of the nstr.security solution. Each unit contains five cameras, covering a viewing angle of up to 200 degrees. During armed surveillance periods, AI-supported analysis software reports irregularities to a 24/7 staffed control centre. There, trained personnel assess the footage, secure evidence and initiate appropriate measures. These range from directly addressing individuals via an integrated loudspeaker to notifying park management or alerting security staff or the police. Visitors are informed at the park entrances that the system is used outside opening hours in compliance with data protection regulations. ■