Bills Offered In Reaction To Amusement Park Deaths
"A Connecticut boy's death at Rye Playland has spawned a bill that would increase amusement park ride safety in New York State. Under the legislation proposed by State Sen. Nicholas Spano, children younger than 11 would not be allowed to ride alone on attractions that take them out of the line of sight of the operators. The legislation is among six bills resulting from an investigation into four amusement park deaths last summer. One victim was 7-year-old Jon-Kely Cassara of Norwalk, Conn., who died when he got out of his boat and fell in a dark tunnel on a ride at Playland Park in Rye, N.Y. Playland uses height requirements rather than age requirements, and Jon-Kely had satisfied the 42-inch rule for the Ye Old Mill boat ride, last Aug. 3." From NBC 30 News.
Westchester amusement park has new director
"A 10-year veteran of the Westchester County parks department has been named the new director of Playland Amusement Park in Rye [NY] in time for the opening of a new amusement season. Daniel McBride, 50, started work as Playland director and deputy parks commissioner this month, overseeing the department's parks, planning and capital projects divisions. He replaces Joseph Montalto, who retired April 9." From The Journal News.
Zoo nearing deal to buy Wyandot Lake
"Big changes are on the way for Wyandot Lake. The southern Delaware County water park's operator, Six Flags Inc., has decided not to renew its contract to run the park and is finalizing an agreement to sell its assets there to the neighboring Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for about $2 million, Business First has learned. The zoo would take over the park's operations at the end of this season." From MSNBC.
Woman dies after riding Disney's Mission:Space
"A 49-year-old woman from Germany died Wednesday after riding Walt Disney World's Mission:Space ride, the second death in less than a year associated with the signature thrill ride. The woman died at Florida Hospital Celebration Health, where she was taken Tuesday after becoming sick following the mock space flight at Epot, according to a statement released late Wednesday by the theme park." From Orlando Sentinel.
Pre-Opening Rides on The Voyage Roller Coaster (item 9509159530 end time Apr-19-06 07:57:24 PDT)
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Busch Entertainment Corp. renames two parks
"Busch Entertainment Corp., owner of eight U.S. theme parks and attractions, has renamed two destinations. Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia is now Busch Gardens Europe, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Florida has become Busch Gardens Africa." From Amusement Business.
Theme park reveals newest roller coaster
"You've heard of the American dream. Now meet the 'American Scream.' That's how officials at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City [MO] are describing their new roller coaster." From KTVO 3.
Santa hijacked from Putney theme park
"Somebody was naughty and not very nice in Putney [Vermont] this week: Someone masquerading as the Grinch stole Santa Claus from his perch overlooking Santa's Land. The venerable St. Nick statue, one of the original fixtures from the 1950s-era Christmas theme park, disappeared sometime Tuesday night and owners Timothy and Leslie Wells of Putney are offering a $1,000 reward. Santa Claus is about 8-feet tall, according to Leslie Wells, who, along with her husband, bought Santa's Land three years ago. He's a tad overweight and weighs a couple of hundred pounds." From The Rutland Herald.
8 hurt in Medieval Times trampling
"KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Seven children and an adult were injured Tuesday when a horse at the Medieval Times tourist attraction apparently became spooked and trampled a group of students during a field trip, according to WKMG Local 6 News." From Florida Today.
