November 2008
IE Park is due to supply a 12-metre themed carousel to the F1 theme park in Dubai. Two small coasters are due for customers in Jordan and India, while a transportation system will be provided to Santa Cruz Beach in California. The Italian manufacturer is also working on a number of ride packages for various new parks in India. IE Park is offering a new model of bumper car. Available in both junior and medium sized versions, the first fleet is due to be operational over the Christmas period with the Gambado play centre group near London.
For the 2009 season the Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, Lake George, New York, will add Sasquatch, a drop ride from S&S Worldwide. Comprising two independent steel towers standing 192ft tall, the attraction will be the tallest ride at The Great Escape.
Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has decided to delay construction of its giant Adventure Mountain rope course and interactive play attraction, citing the downturn in the economy and cost of basic building materials like steel and concrete. Originally scheduled to open this coming spring, Adventure Mountain is now expected to debut March 2010.
Intamin is to supply its first single car spinning coaster in 2009. The ride will debut at a park in Denmark and feature face-to-face seats and “a very high ride dynamic.”
Dan Aylward has been promoted to the position of senior vice-president of business development for PARC Management, while Brad Knollenberg takes over his old job as general manager for Magic Springs & Crystal Falls, a PARC property in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In his new role, Aylward will be responsible for developing and refining PARC management’s merger and acquisition strategy, selecting top American and international markets for expansion.
Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, Illinois has begun installation of Buccaneer Battle, slated to open May 15. This pirate-themed water attraction by Mack Rides will be located in the County Fair area of the park.
Huss Park Attractions is due to release an updated version of its Sky Tower observation tower featuring a more modern gondola.
Brad Andrews, senior vice-president of zoological operations at Busch Entertainment Corporation, has been elected the new chair of the board at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in the US. He starts in 2009.
Sartori has sold another Energizer coaster following the installation of its first model this summer at Tivoli Friheden, Aarhus in Denmark. Traditionally known for its range of family and kiddie rides, Sartori has expanded its coaster division in recent years.
Baxter Underwood has been named senior vice-president and chief investment officer at CNL Lifestyle Properties, where he will lead the acquisitions team in identifying new business opportunities and increasing the company’s $2.3 billion portfolio of assets.
Universal Studios has announced a plan to build Transformers dark ride at both its Singapore and Hollywood parks by 2011. The attractions will consist of 3D footage, special effects and breathtaking robotics and, according to ThemeParkNewsDirect.com, be similar to the seminal Spider-Man attraction at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando.
PurePlay Waterpark Restoration Services is a new company aiming to work hand in hand with the waterpark, municipal and resort industries to restore, refurbish and maintain their waterplay structures and pools. Find out more at: www.pureplaywaterparks.com
