'Shocking' Legoland coaster death
"A 21-year-old employee at the Legoland amusement park [Denmark] was killed in a roller coaster accident, police and park officials said Monday.
The woman, who was not identified, died immediately Sunday after being hit by a coaster car, police said. She had apparently jumped over a security fence to pick up a wallet that a passenger had lost near the track when the accident happened." From CNN.
Trimpers consider ending a long ride
"After entertaining generations of beach-goers with a conglomeration of rides, arcades and games, Ocean City's [MD] signature boardwalk business - Trimper Rides - could be headed for its 117th and final season. Members of the family that runs the company say skyrocketing tax assessments, along with disputes among shareholders, could force them to close after this summer unless they get some form of tax abatement or other financial help." From The Baltimore Sun.
Amusement park wants to expand
"The Superslide Amusement Park, which opened 40 years ago at Sertoma Park [Bismarck, ND], hasn't changed much over the past decade, with many of the same rides and ticket prices. To keep the customers coming in, amusement parks need to occasionally offer something new, but the owner of the Superslide park says there isn't any more room. Richard Fleckenstein, who bought the amusement park eight years ago, spoke to the Bismarck Park Board at last week's meeting to request an increase in the 66,000 square feet the facility is allowed to use at Sertoma. This would involve moving the fence on the east side 35 feet, to within 5 feet of the pedestrian trail, and create about 35 feet by 145 feet of additional use area." From The Bismarck Tribune.
Tweetsie Railroad stays on track: mountain park open through 2010
"A landmark Wild West theme park nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina will remain open through 2010, despite skyrocketing land prices that threatened to shutter its doors. The Tweetsie Railroad theme park was up against a 2007 deadline to renew land leases or close, but owners negotiated deals so the family-run park could operate for at least a few more years at its current location in Blowing Rock. The park will celebrate its 50th season of entertaining families when it opens May 4." From the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
Elitch Gardens goes back to the future
"Denver's hometown theme park announced today that it will be named Elitch Gardens, the park's original name. Elitch Gardens is part of a family of parks, attractions, recreation and entertainment venues recently acquired by PARC Management, based in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2007, Elitch Gardens will celebrate its 117th season and is the oldest existing theme park west of the Mississippi." From yourhub.com.
Six Flags Completes Park Sale Transaction
"Six Flags, Inc. (NYSE: SIX) announced today that it has completed the previously announced sale of three of its water parks and four of its theme parks to Parc 7F-Operations Corporation ("PARC") of Jacksonville, FL for $312 million, consisting of $275 million in cash and a note receivable for $37 million. The seven parks are: Six Flags Darien Lake in Buffalo, NY; Six Flags Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO; Frontier City and the White Water Bay water park in Oklahoma City, OK; SplashTown in Houston, TX; Waterworld USA in Concord, CA; and Wild Waves and Enchanted Village in Seattle, WA." From Six Flags.
