Kennywood

Kennywood
Slogan

"Kennywood, The Way to Unforgettable Fun", "Make a New Memory at Kennywood Park", "America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park", "The World's Finest Traditional Amusement Park," "Kennywood's Open"

Kennywood Park
Location West Mifflin, Pennsylvania
Coordinates 40°23′15″N 79°51′48″W / 40.38750°N 79.86333°WCoordinates: 40°23′15″N 79°51′48″W / 40.38750°N 79.86333°W
Area 80 acres (32.4 ha)
Built 1898
Architect George S. Davidson
Governing body Private
NRHP Reference # 87000824
Significant dates
Added to NRHP February 27, 1987[1]
Designated NHLD October 9, 1960[2]
Designated PHMC August 05, 1992[3]
Location 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, United States
Owner Palace Entertainment
(Parques Reunidos)
(Candover Investments)
Opened 1898
Operating season May - October
Area 80 acres (32.4 ha)
Rides
Total 46
Roller coasters 7
Water rides 3
Website Official website

Kennywood is an amusement park located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. The park first opened in 1898 as a "trolley park" attraction at the end of the Mellon family's Monongahela Street Railway. The park was purchased in 1906 by F. W. Henninger and Andrew McSwigan and thus began the Kennywood Entertainment company that has remained a closely held family business for over 100 years. This traditional amusement park still has structures and rides dating back to its opening and the early 1900s. Along with Rye Playland Park, it is one of only two amusement parks listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Kennywood is owned by Kennywood Entertainment Company, which until December 2007 was a closely held family business owned by the Henninger and McSwigan families. Kennywood Entertainment is now operated by California-based Palace Entertainment, a subsidiary of Parques Reunidos, an international amusement park company based in Madrid, Spain.[4] Parque Reunidos is in turn a subsidiary of Candover Investments, an investment fund based in the UK.

Location

Kennywood is approximately 8 miles (13 km) from Downtown Pittsburgh, in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. The park is along Pennsylvania Route 837, known as Kennywood Boulevard as it passes through the borough. The closest Interstate connection is Exit 77 (Edgewood/Swissvale) on Interstate 376.[5]

Historically, the park is on the location of the July 9, 1755 Battle of the Monongahela, where British general Edward Braddock was mortally wounded, ending his expedition to capture the French Fort Duquesne during the French and Indian War. George Washington was a colonel to Braddock, and fought at the battle before they retreated.[6] Later the land on the bluff above the Monongahela River was part of a farm owned by Anthony Kenny. Starting around the time of the American Civil War, the site was a popular picnic grove for locals, known as "Kenny's Grove".[6]

History

Andrew S. McSwigan.

A tree-filled portion of a farm owned by Anthony Kenny, known as "Kenny's Grove" overlooking the Monongahela River near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was a popular picnic spot for local residents since the American Civil War. In 1898, the Monongahela Street Railways Company, partially owned by prominent banker Andrew Mellon, seeking to increase fare profits on the weekends, leased the land from the Kenny family in order to create a trolley park at the end of their line.[6] The company's chief engineer, George S. Davidson, designed the original layout of the park and served as its first manager. A carousel, casino hall, and dance pavilion were added in 1899. A bandstand was constructed in 1900, while the Old Mill was constructed in 1901, and the park's first roller coaster, the Figure Eight Toboggan, was added in 1902.[6][7] After less than a decade, the trolley company no longer wanted to manage the park. The standing manager, Andrew S. McSwigan, along with partners Frederick W. Henninger and A. F. Meghan, leased and operated the park as Kennywood Park Limited beginning in 1906.[6]

Wonderland building, ca. 1906.

From its origin as a working-class picnic entertainment destination, the park grew in the first half of the twentieth century into a popular attraction that combined thrill rides with recreation venues such as swimming pools and dance halls.

Kennywood ceased to be served by streetcar when Mon Street Railways successor Pittsburgh Railways Company converted the route serving it, the lengthy #68 Duquesne-McKeesport line, to bus on September 15, 1958.

The park was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1987.[2][8]

Today, the park features a nostalgic atmosphere and is supported by a loyal fan base. As of December 2007, Kennywood Entertainment also ran Sandcastle Waterpark , which opened in 1989; Idlewild Park near Ligonier; Story Land , a children's theme park in Glen, New Hampshire; and Lake Compounce , New England's family theme park in Bristol, Connecticut, which is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America.

Safety is a top priority in the park. On top of the maintenance crew that ensures the rides are operating safely on a daily basis, Kennywood Park has its own armed public safety department. While not an actual police force, it enforces laws, investigates crimes, and responds to incidents on park property.

On December 12, 2007, Kennywood Entertainment announced that it would be selling Kennywood Park, along with four other amusement parks in the Northeastern United States, to Parques Reunidos, a company based in Madrid, Spain.[4]

Kennywood now uses the slogan "America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park" as well as "Make a New Memory," although from the 1960s through the early 1990s the slogan was "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World." (a title which is now being used by Cedar Point) The property features three old wooden roller coasters still in working order, along with two newer steel coasters, the Phantom's Revenge (2001) and the Sky Rocket (2010), and one indoor coaster, the Exterminator (1999).

Through the years, the phrase "Kennywood's open!" has gained an alternate meaning and is often used in the Pittsburgh region to alert another person that the zipper on his/her pants is open.[9]

Recognition

For the past several years, Kennywood has been rated the "Favorite 'Dark Attraction Park'" by the Darkride And Funhouse Enthusiasts, or DAFE.[10]

It ranked second to Cedar Point in the category of "Favorite Park" in Theme Park Magazine's 2004 Reader's Choice Awards.[11]

Attractions

Main gates to Kennywood

Themed areas

Roller coasters

Kennywood has made use of the hilly Pittsburgh terrain to create coasters that wouldn't be feasible in most amusement parks. The Thunderbolt and the Jack Rabbit, both wooden coasters, place the lift chain in the middle of the ride, not at the beginning. In both cases, the car leaves the station and drops into a valley for its first hill. Phantom's Revenge uses the same valley as the Thunderbolt, where the Phantom's second drop passes through the supports of the Thunderbolt's first drop, making the second drop the longest and steepest drop in the ride.

Many coasters sit in the footprint of former coasters. The Phantom's Revenge sits where the Steel Phantom once stood; in fact the length of track from the station brake run to about 15' down the second drop is original track from the Steel Phantom. Additionally, the Thunderbolt is a regrade of the Pippin.

Ride/Year Opened Manufacturer/Designer Type Description
Jack Rabbit (1920) John A. Miller Wooden A wooden out and back roller coaster, one of the oldest running in the world. The Jack Rabbit is famous for its double dip, lifting riders out of their seat. It is also one of the few remaining coasters operating with only a seatbelt to restrain passengers.
Racer (1927) John A. Miller Wooden Moebius A wooden racing roller coaster with a track that is looped over on itself to create the appearance of two separate, parallel tracks; the ride in fact consists of one track referred to as a moebius track. The winning side is the one that passes the black and white checkered finish line above the brake run just before the station, and is signaled by one of two red lights on either side of the operators' booth. This is one of four rides that use a bell to signal its start and stop.
Thunderbolt (1924) Andy Vettel Sr./John A. Miller Wooden A wooden roller coaster that resulted from a renovation of the Pippin. It was ranked the Ultimate Roller Coaster and King of Coasters by the New York Times in 1974. The coaster is unusual in that the lift hill isn't immediately out of the station. Instead, the lift hill is in the middle of the ride.
Exterminator (1999) Reverchon Spinning Wild Mouse It is a roller coaster and a dark ride. The coaster has heavily themed scenery, even in the queue.
Phantom's Revenge (2001) D. H. Morgan/Arrow Dynamics Steel Hypercoaster A steel coaster that resulted from renovating the 1991 Steel Phantom. After the 2000 season, the coaster was heavily modified by D. H. Morgan, including the removal of all inversions due to complaints of uncomfortable shoulder restraints. The ride is unusual because the second drop is longer than the first. Although the first hill is only 160 feet (49 m) tall, it is still considered a hyper-coaster because its maximum drop exceeds a 200 feet (61 m) change in elevation.
Sky Rocket (2010) Premier Rides Steel Launched coaster. A steel coaster and Kennywood's newest coaster. It is the first coaster at the park to feature inversions since Steel Phantom. The trains feature waist and shin restraints rather than traditional over the shoulder restraints.

Flat rides

Ride/Year Opened Manufacturer/Designer Model Description
Aero 360 (2000)
Zamperla Hawk 48 This ride is a modern, open-air version of the park's old Ranger ride and features the Kennywood arrows on the rotating arms. Seated on inverted seats with legs freely dangling, riders swing back and forth – higher and higher with each pendulum motion. As momentum builds, the ride culminates by spinning riders the full 360 degrees.
Auto Race (1930) Traver Engineering Auto Train Also known by several veterans as the Auto Ride, this ride is the last of its kind and was designed by Harry Traver of the Traver Engineering Company. Electric cars run through a trough-like wooden track that twists and turns. When the ride opened in 1930, it had several small hills placed in the track, but these were soon removed to avoid rear-end collisions that were caused when cars could not get up and over them on rainy days. Again to avoid rear-end collisions, the ride was fully computer automated and the cars slowed down for the 2014 season.
Bayern Kurve (2009) Anton Schwarzkopf Bayern Kurve Riders sit in one of the sixteen cars that travel at a high-speed around a circular, single-hilled track. Riders start in an upright position and as the cars pick up speed, they tilt inward toward the center of the ride. This ride is also known for its loud air horn which, along with the sound of the moving vehicles, is reminiscent of a diesel train. A popular ride since 1968, this is the third Bayern Kurve that the park has installed.
Black Widow (2012) Zamperla Giant Discovery The ride seats 40 people and swings riders back and forth like a pendulum, reaching speeds up to 68 mph. The ride structure stands at 90 ft and at the peak of the pendulum's swing height riders will hang 146 ft off the ground. The ride replaced the Pittfall drop tower ride.
Cosmic Chaos (2007)
Zamperla Mega Disk'O The ride seats 24 people on a giant disk. Riders sit upon motorcycle-like pedestal seats with back restraints. Arms and legs are free from restraint and the passenger faces outward. To a top height of 50 ft, the disk begins its untamed flight along the 120 ft concave track while its passengers spin around in circle.
Gran Prix (1973) Reverchon Bumper Cars The ride was added as a replacement for the Scooters bumper car ride and eliminated the need for a center divider and one way traffic. It runs 40 two-passenger cars, one of which, #31, is painted black and gold in honor of Mike Logan of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team, who mentioned the park after the Steelers won Super Bowl XL. It is one of four rides at Kennywood with a ride start/stop bell and its bell was actually salvaged from the Scooters building. Riders steer their cars in any direction across the metal rectangular floor bumping other cars out of their way.
Kangaroo (1962) John Norman Bartlett Flying Coaster The last ride of its kind; purchased in 1962. During the ride, eight cars travel a circular track with a single steep hill. After "bouncing" off the top of the hill, the cars then make a slow descent in midair back down to the track, giving each guest the sensation of flying. Its resemblance of a Kangaroo's leap is what inspired its name.
Merry-Go-Round (1927) William H. Dentzel Carousel Referred to as the Grand Carousel by many, the Merry-Go-Round is a Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmark and is Kennywood's third and largest carousel. Originally intended for the 1926 Philadelphia Sesqui-Centennial Exposition, it was not completed in time and was purchased by Kennywood. It is also the last carousel that was ever built by William Dentzel. There are 50 jumping and 14 stationary horses. The only two non-horse animals featured on the ride are the tiger and the lion. It is one of four rides at Kennywood with a ride start/stop bell that dates back to the origin of the ride and features over 1500 lights.

Music is provided by a 1916 Wurlitzer Style #153 Military Band Organ, which is the oldest of its kind in existence, and possibly the first of more than 140 style #153 organs built between 1916 and 1936.

During Phantom Fright Nights, the carousel is filled with fog, decorated in colored lights (in a different color pattern each year) and various figures are placed on the outer row of animals and Halloween music is played on the band organ. During Holiday Lights, the carousel is decorated in wreaths and garland, with red and green lights, and Christmas music (arranged by a New Kensington, Pennsylvania native) playing on the band organ.

Musik Express (1987) Mack Rides Music Express Musik Express is a quick circular ride that travels clockwise around an undulating track. It has a white/red loading/running lighting theme, respectively. The ride has a 1960s/1970s rock theme to it with yellow and green being the theme colors of the ride. During Phantom Fright Nights, mostly Halloween related music is played. During Holiday lights, Christmas music is played.
Paratrooper (1959) Frank Hrubetz Paratrooper Originally called the SkyDiver, this ride has ten umbrella-covered cars which rotate counter-clockwise on a long arm. During the ride, the hydraulic-powered arm the cars are mounted to raises to a 45 degree angle.
Pirate (1982)
Huss Pirate Boat This is a large pirate-themed boat suspended from a giant "A" frame structure mounted to a trailer. The trailer is hidden behind a retaining wall surrounded by landscaping. The boat swings back and forth until it achieves a height of 60 feet (18 m) and is at a 75-degree angle with its initial resting position, giving riders the sensation of weightlessness. Originally the "helm" of the ship was facing the road, but after Kennywood renovated the ride under Huss's supervision, the direction of the boat was flipped so that the "helm' now faces Noah's Ark.
Swing Shot (2006) S&S Worldwide Air-Launched Screamin' Swing One of the first 32 passenger models of the S&S Screamin' Swing to debut. It is a giant swing that swings riders back and forth, reaching a height of 90 feet (27 m) at a 120 degree angle and reaching speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h). This ride stands where the WipeOut once stood. Initially the ride was plagued with downtime due to the plastic air chambers leaking. Since installing the redesigned steel air tanks, the ride has been more reliable.
Turtle (1927) Traver Engineering Company Tumble Bug This is a bumpy-track or undulating ride with six cars that travel counter-clockwise on a circular track over a series of three hills and dips. Originally called the Tumble Bug, the ride featured bug-themed cars until it received new turtle-like exteriors. The Turtle is one of only two operating rides of its kind and the only known Turtle variant of the Tumble Bug left in existence.
Volcano (1978) Huss Enterprise This ride was originally called the Enterprise until the addition of the Volcano Valley themed area. As the Enterprise, the loading platform was surrounded by a blue railing and was raised by a retaining wall that was surrounded by shrubbery. As the Volcano, the shrubbery has been replaced with a mountain landscape that covers the original retaining wall and railing. It has 20 swinging gondolas, which travel in a circular clockwise motion on a large wheel. Once it achieves a fast enough speed, the wheel raises riders to a 90-degree angle and spins the riders upside down. In the past, this ride featured eruption-themed special effects including sound, fog, and lighting. Only the fog effect is still operational and is almost exclusively used during Phantom Fright Nights.
Wave Swinger (1984) Zierer Wave Swinger 48 This ride is a trailer-mounted wicker swing ride with the trailer placed in a pit to make the ride flush to the ground and ADA accessible, unlike the usual trailer setup. It has a white/red loading/running lighting theme, respectively, and features a painting in the center of a decorative molding on each exterior panel.
Whip (1918) W.F. Mangels 16 Car Whip It is the oldest flat ride in the park and the last operating 16 car whip. The ride's 16 cars travel along an oblong track and "whip" as they go around the bend at either end. The Whip was relocated from the Log Jammer Pavilion to Lost Kennywood in 1995 and is one of four rides in Kennywood with a ride start/stop bell that dates back to the origin of the ride. In 2002, a park guest was killed when the ride's pavilion collapsed during a microburst. The pavilion has not been rebuilt, but replaced with a white wooden fence and surrounded by flagpoles. The openness of the ride makes it unique as most Whips are sheltered under pavilions.

Upcharge attractions

Ride/Year Opened Manufacturer/Designer Model Description
Skycoaster (1994) Sky Fun 1 Skycoaster A 180 feet (55 m) tall giant swing, allowing one to three riders at a time to free-fall approximately 75 mph (121 km/h) above the park's lagoon. This is the first Skycoaster model to be permanently installed in an amusement park. When the Skycoaster opened, it was the world's tallest version of this ride. This ride requires an extra fee.
Paddle Boats (1981) Pedal Boats The park's only remaining human-powered attraction. Riders paddle through the park's lagoon in any path they choose. This ride requires an extra fee.

Dark rides

Ride/Year Opened Manufacturer/Designer Model Description
Garfield's Nightmare (2004) Halloween Productions Old Mill A dark ride in bright 3D fluorescent colors under black light. The ride scenes feature characters from the Garfield comic strip and cartoons. This is the oldest ride at Kennywood, though it has gone through numerous major theme and structural changes throughout its existence. The scenes inside this vintage dark attraction have featured "gorgeous grottos" from around the world including Hawaii and Australia. Prior to 2004, this attraction featured scenery of a mine haunted by ghosts, ghouls, and skeletons, as well as three outdoor scenes. In 2004 all scenes became enclosed to ensure a continuous 3D blacklight effect.
Ghostwood Estate (2008)
Halloween Productions/ETF Ride Systems Trackless Interactive Darkride Riders begin by standing in a "library/study" room when Lord Kenneth (the owner of the estate) literally forces himself out of a picture frame. He informs riders of the spirits and how you will be able to drive them from his home so that he may regain his solitude. Each rider then walks up a flight of stairs and approaches the trackless "Ghost Buggies". Each guest is provided with a "Ghost Blaster" to help them eliminate the ghosts. The ride features animatronics, props, elaborate sets, and computer-generated animation.
Noah's Ark (1936) Herbert Paul Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company Noah's Ark A walk-through "dark" attraction. Patrons walk through an ark recreating Noah's attempt at bringing animals aboard. This ride, the last operating of its kind in the world, was remodeled in 1996. During the remodeling, the Ark was entirely rebuilt due to structural problems with the original "boat." Instead of entering through a whale's mouth, patrons now board an industrial service elevator that provides the effect of rising, then crashing to the ground. Part of the re-theming of the ride includes props meant to appear like ancient artifacts that were found below the Ark. Older gags no longer part of the ark included air jets that would shoot up from the ground to catch a girl wearing a skirt off guard. One popular classic gag, the shaker boards, still remains.

Water rides

Ride/Year Opened Manufacturer/Designer Model Description
Log Jammer (1975) Arrow Dynamics Log Flume A fiberglass log flume water ride and a water roller coaster, which runs through the wooded area in the back of the park. It was the park's first multimillion-dollar project, built in 1975 and consisting of two lifts, a spillway that is 27 feet (8.2 m) high, and a 53-foot (16 m) high chute.
Pittsburg Plunge (1995) Hopkins Rides Shoot the Chute The centerpiece attraction in Lost Kennywood, this is a Shoot-the-Chute ride named for the brief period in the 1890s when Pittsburgh dropped the "h" from its name. It runs with two 20-passenger boats at a time that are designed to look like the shoot-the-chutes boats of old amusement parks. This ride can soak both the passengers and nearby onlookers with water.
Raging Rapids (1985) Intamin River Rapids Ride This ride was opened in 1985 and simulates a white-water rafting trip through canyons and beneath waterfalls. Three pumps are constantly filling the cement trough with 93,000 gallons of water each minute. During the first season, the first holding pool had an operating wave machine. Since 1986, wooden guide rails have sent rafts continuously through the former wave pool without stoppage. The gates at the exit of the pool are constantly held open and the wave machine is still visible, but deactivated. Also, shortly before the lift at the end of the ride there used to be a figure of a man aiming a water gun at passengers. This effect is no longer part of the ride.

Transportation rides

Ride/Year Opened Manufacturer/Designer Type Description
Kenny's Parkway (1996) CTEC Inc. Chairlift This is the only ride on the list of attractions located outside the park gates. It is a chairlift meant to carry guests between the park entrance and the uppermost parking lot, while providing an aerial view of the park below. It operates seasonally based on crowd levels.
Olde Kennywood Railroad (1945) Miniature Train A 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge[12] train ride along the top of the cliff at the rear of the park with various displays and a recording that tells about park history (prior to the 2009 season, it also told Western Pennsylvania history). The locomotives are from the 1939 New York World's Fair, have a gasoline-powered engine, and were installed in the park in 1945. The crossing sign, tunnel, and Raging Rapids Overlook were removed in 2012. The rocking train, originally featured on the roof of the station, was rebuilt in 2013.

Kiddieland

Ride/Year Opened Manufacturer/Designer Description
Crazy Trolley (2001) Zamperla Added in 2001, this ride kicked off a rehabilitation and expansion project for Kiddieland. Placed on a new midway that replaced the Safety City jeep ride, this is a miniature version of the park’s former Flying Carpet ride. It is themed to the Kennywood trolley bus that used to lead the Fall Fantasy parades and roam the streets of Pittsburgh (a new bus in different colors was purchased in 2008). Adults may ride.
Dizzy Dynamo (1970) San Antonio Roller Works A unique ride, in which riders sit in one of eight cars mounted to a circular platform. As the platform begins to spin, so does each individual car, in alternating directions. Finally, the whole ride tilts over. This ride has an umbrella over top of it as well, and adults are allowed to ride.
Elephant Parade (1987) Zamperla A ride reminiscent of Disney's iconic Dumbo the Flying Elephant, which allows children to fly an elephant using a lever to control the height. Elephant Parade spins in the clockwise direction.
Kenny's Karousel (1924) W.F. Mangels It is one of Kiddieland's original rides. This miniature merry-go-round actually pre-dates the park's full sized version. It was refurbished for the 2009 season.
Lil' Phantom (1996) Molina & Son's The park’s kiddie coaster. Added in 1996, this is a modern coaster in the style of classic coasters manufactured by Allan Herschell. The ride was rehabbed, overhauled, and rebuilt for the 2007 season. Adults can ride.
Orbiter (1982) Zamperla On this ride, children ride around in a circle in either a helicopter or a Transformers-esque robot. The ride lifts and tilts as it operates.
Pounce Bounce (2002) Zamperla Kiddieland’s expansion was continued with the addition of this ride, a miniature of the Pitt Fall located in the center of the area where ornamental structures once stood. As its name suggests, the car gently bounces up and down the tower. The tower is themed to look like cheese, and mice from the Garfield comic series appear on the sides. A Garfield statue is mounted at the top. Adults can ride.
Red Baron (1979) Chance A common kiddie ride, loosely based on the iconic real-life story of World War I pilot Manfred von Richthofen. On this ride, children pilot a plane in a circle, using a lever to control the height. Red Baron spins in the counter-clockwise direction.
S. S. Kenny (2007) Zamperla The most recent addition to Kiddieland, added in 2007. This ride is a miniature version of the Cosmic Chaos, which was added to the park the same year. As the colorful boat vehicle goes back and forth on a U-shaped ramp, the boat spins. This ride replaced the Kiddieland Magic Show after one season of operation, which itself replaced the Kiddie Cadillac ride. A statue of Kenny Kangaroo, the park’s mascot, wearing a sailor suit stands in front of the ride. Adults can ride.
Steel City Choppers (1974) San Antonio Roller Works This ride lets children ride around in a circle on motorcycles. A large umbrella covers the ride.
Turtle Chase (1950) R. E. Chambers A kiddie version of the Turtle ride. While Kennywood's Turtle is one of only two in operation, there are many examples of the kiddie version to be found throughout the United States. Until Kiddieland’s expansion, this ride was located next to the Dizzy Dynamo. Adults are allowed to ride.
Wacky Wheel (1924) W.F. Magnels One of the first four kiddie rides installed, this miniature ferris wheel ride has had its cars replaced, but the ride is much like it has been since its opening.
Whippersnapper (1985) W.F. Magnels A kiddie version of the park's Whip ride. A kiddie whip has been in place in Kiddieland for many years, although this one was purchased in 1985 from a park in Oregon to replace the original ride lost in a 1975 fire.
Whirlwind (1984) Zamperla A kiddie version of the Wave Swinger, although this ride does not lift or undulate.

Former attractions

Ride/Years in Operation Manufacturer/Designer Type/Model Description
Flying Carpet (1988–2006) Zierer Flying Carpet Formerly located where the Cosmic Chaos is now, this was a high-speed ride that begins by rocking back and forth until the momentum rotates it right over the top. After a stop at the top, riders would be sent in the opposite direction. It was removed at the end of the 2006 season after a failed overhaul to increase reliability and decrease maintenance. It was donated to a non-profit amusement park in Costa Rica.
Ghost Ship (1967–1975) Bill Tracy Dark Ride The Ghost Ship was the final theme of the dark ride located in 1899 Dance Pavilion building. In the early part of the 1975 season, The Ghost Ship burned to the ground due to faulty wiring. Fire departments from Munhall and West Mifflin pumped the water from the Kennywood lagoon to extinguish the fire. The Ghost Ship stood next to the Kiddieland entrance.
Gold Rusher (1981–2007) Maurice Ayers Dark Ride Originally designed with a spiral lift taking the cars from the station on the ground level to the show scenes on the second floor, the station was rebuilt above the midway where is could be reached by stairs next to the Raging Rapids. This was done to eliminate the problems experienced with the lift. It was removed during the 2007 season to make way for Ghostwood Estate. Props from the Gold Rusher are used as part of Death Valley during Phantom Fright Nights as well as during Idlewild Park's Hallowboo!. The ride system was originally intended to be donated to the same park as the Flying Carpet, but the offer was turned down and it was eventually sold on eBay.
King Kahuna (2003–2009) Huss Top Spin The ride consists of a gondola attached to two arms. The arms rotate in a circle while the platform flips riders upside down. The ride was built with jets of water that originally sprayed the riders as it spun, but after guest complaints and mold problems resulting in the replacement of the seat padding, the use of the spraying effect was discontinued leaving the fountain strictly ornamental. The ride was sold to the same non-profit park in Costa Rica to which the Flying Carpet was donated.
Pitt Fall (1997–2011) Intamin 2nd Generation Freefall A 251 ft (76 m) drop tower that was the world's tallest drop tower upon opening. This ride was sold to an undisclosed new owner outside of the United States and replaced by the Black Widow.
Turnpike (1966–2009) Arrow Dynamics/ Morgan Electric Cars An antique car ride formerly located right at the front of the park. This attraction originally debuted with gasoline powered cars and was sponsored by Gulf Oil. However, in 1987 these cars were removed and replaced with electric cars manufactured by Morgan. When it was created, it was a major investment for the park because the tracks could not be removed and the park owners did not yet own the land the park was built on. The price of gas at the Turnpike's gas station was read as "FUN", no matter what grade of fuel. It was removed in 2009, though the park stated in an official announcement that plans are underway to bring back the Turnpike within the next few seasons. The Sky Rocket is in its place.
WipeOut (1993–2008) Chance WipeOut In 1993, it temporarily replaced the Enterprise (now Volcano) while it was being rehabbed. In 1994, it was a similar placeholder for the Wave Swinger which was being rehabbed for its move to Lost Kennywood and ultimately replaced by the Kennyville Stage. Then in 1995, the ride found its first permanent home by the entrance to Lost Kennywood, between the Musik Express and Wave Swinger. In 2006, the Wipeout was transplanted one final time to the current location of the Bayern Kurve to make way for the installation of the Swingshot. Originally the Kurve was to be rehabbed over the winter, but due to issues with obtaining parts, the WipeOut was installed at its location and the Kurve was removed. 2008 would be the last season for the WipeOut since the Bayern Kurve was finally done with its lengthy overhaul and reinstalled at its former location for the 2009 season. The WipeOut was moved to Lake Compounce where it is currently operating in the location of the park's former Music Express.

Food Vendors

Vendor Description
Potato Patch Located in front of the Thunderbolt, gourmet French fries are served in a basket with an option of up to eight toppings. The Potato Patch Fries have become so well known that Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle grocery stores began selling frozen Potato Patch Fries in 2001. Lines for these popular French fries are long enough that to alleviate the wait, another vendor of the fries, Small Fry's, was added to Lost Kennywood.
The Lucky Stand One of the oldest food stands in Kennywood and known for its age and fun-looking appearance. It is located in the center of the Kennyville midway between the Potato Patch and Noah's Ark and serves a variety of carnival food. It has a pastel color scheme of pink, yellow, and green.
The Pagoda A food stand located between the Parkside Cafe and the Olde Kennywood Railroad. It is noted for its Chinese pagoda-style of architecture. It also features a collection of wooden, hand-carved dragon heads that were once located on the front of the fleet of boats that travel through the Old Mill.
Kandy Kaleidoscope A candy store located near the entrance of the park that sells homemade fudge and other candies

Note: This building is not the same building that the Rotor was located from 1965 to 1968. That Rotor was a portable model.

Parkside Cafe A cafeteria located in one of the park's oldest structures, a historic landmark formerly used as a casino. Dating back to 1898, it was one of the first buildings at the park. The building was renovated over the winter of 2010–11. Renovations included installation of central air conditioning, expanded restrooms, new wallpaper, carpet, and windows. In addition, all of the woodwork and the classic tin ceiling were re-painted along with the 17 of the 18 ceiling fans (one was removed in order to expand the restrooms) which date back to the 1960s
Johnny Rockets Located in the former carousel pavilion, which was one of the first buildings at the park. In 1927, Kennywood purchased its current carousel (which is adjacent to the stand), which was too big for the existing pavilion and required the construction of a new one. At one point this was called the Soda Fountain. In 2014 it was made into a Johnny Rockets, serving the restaurant classics of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, American fries, cheese fries and Soda Pop.
Pizza Pavilion Located in Lost Kennywood, it pays homage to former competitor West View Park, bearing a resemblance to its carousel pavilion. Specializes in pizza, hoagies, burgers, and hotdogs.
Golden Nugget Located next to the entrance to Kiddieland, this stand is very popular for its hand-dipped ice cream cones. Originally attached to the Dance Pavilion, one of the park's first buildings, the stand is all that remains after a 1975 fire destroyed the rest of the building.
Pizza Warehouse This stand can be found behind the Golden Nugget. Pizzas and hoagies can be purchased here along with drinks.
Star Refreshment Stand Near the entrance of the Log Jammer, this stand gets its namesake from a ferris wheel that used to sit on the site (not to be confused with the Wonder Wheel, which was next to the stand and removed in 2000). A very large variety of food can be purchased here, including funnel cakes, batter-dipped deep-fried Oreos, and, new in 2011, original Potato Patch fries.
Dippin Dots These stands exist all over the park with a special stand next to the Racer that sells Dot sundaes, milkshakes, floats and more.
Midway Refreshment Stand Located across from the Jack Rabbit and sells a variety of foods, including Philly Steak hoagies.
Pedro's Located in Volcano Valley, this stand has Mexican-style offerings.
Big Dipper Across from Noah's Ark, this is an art-decor style ice cream stand attached to the rear of the Parkside Cafe.
U-Do-It Slush Factory This stand allows guests to combine any of 8 different slushie flavors in one cup.

Landmarks

Object Description
The Lagoon This is a stunning water feature in the heart of the park featuring the paddle boats (formerly rowboats) and the Skycoaster. Several carnival games and food stands are adjacent to the Lagoon, as well as the Log Jammer, Aero 360, Jack Rabbit, and Racer. For decades there were twice daily circus acts performed in the middle of the Lagoon on the Lagoon Stage, however the shows came to an end when the stage was converted to a loading platform for the Skycoaster for the 1994 season. In 2010 for the first time in 16 years, the Lagoon became host of a new show to close every night with when the Kennywood Laser Spectacular was added. For this nighttime finale a new screen was installed on the Pastime Building and lasers, fog machines, and fire effects were placed in and around the Lagoon.
The Victorian Windmill
There is a large decorative scaled-down windmill structure that stands in the front of the park. At night, the four spinning blades are illuminated by hundreds of lights. The windmill is a wooden structure built on a stone foundation and is one of the oldest structures in the park. Formerly located in the middle of the lagoon, it was moved to the front of the park to make room for the Traver circle swing, better known as the Rocketships.
Dancing Waters
This is the water fountain located between the Grand Prix and the Windmill, in what is probably the most beautiful and serene part of the park. Formerly located in front of the Wonder Wheel at the location of the Aero 360, It was created as a scaled down replica of the fountain at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and was choreographed to lights and music. The show features have since been abandoned leaving it as just a static fountain with spinning spray nozzles in the middle.
The Lost Kennywood Fountain
There is a spectacular fountain located in front of the Pittsburg Plunge that features a light show in the evenings. One part of the fountain is designed to replicate the one that existed in almost exactly the same place in the former swimming pool.
The Mushroom Fountain
It is a vintage drinking fountain shaped like a giant mushroom featuring four spigots, each at different heights for guests of all sizes. It is located between the Merry-Go-Round and Parkside Cafe.
The Lion Fountain
It is a drinking fountain shaped like a Lion. It is located near the Kiddieland Bathrooms. When children take a drink from it, it looks as if the lion is going to bite their head off making it a humorous photo opportunity.
The Clown-Headed Garbage Cans
They are a collection garbage cans usually located within Kiddieland that are topped with a colorfully costumed fiberglass clown head cap. Each clown has a hole in its wide open mouth through which guests deposit their garbage.
Leo, The Paper Eating Lion
He is a most unusual garbage can. The device is shaped like a circus trailer and has a lion's head sculpted on the front. The lion's face has a large hole in the mouth where a vacuum aids in the disposal of paper products such as napkins, tissues, cigarette boxes, and cups. There is also a continuously looping audio track that is played in which Leo talks and roars. Leo is located in the heart of Kiddieland right across from the Turtle Chase.
The Kiddieland Fountain
This fountain marks the side entrance to Kiddieland. Built on part of the site of the park's former Ghost Ship darkride, it is the centerpiece of a relaxing, shaded plaza where many guests sit to enjoy their food from the nearby refreshment stands.
The Garden Clock Plaza
This is a small area in front of Raging rapids and the Olde Kennywood Railroad where the old Garden Clock is located. The Garden Clock has graced the midway for decades and the floral designs on the face of the clock change annually and range from images of sunbursts to Kenny Kangaroo's head. In front of the clock is a very unusual spherical-shaped fountain reminiscent of seeding dandelion flower that has seating located around it. For a long time Cowboy Joe found a home on his bench in front of the fountain in this area of the park.
Laffin' Sal
She is a mechanical laughing woman sculpted from paper mache who greets guests with her cheerful gap-toothed smile and haunting laugh through a window in the Olde Kennywood Railroad train station. She has been a Kennywood tradition since the opening of Laff in the Dark in 1931, during the Great Depression to boost visitors' spirits. Before she moved to the train station, she was located at the entrance of the park's old Le Cachot dark ride. While her location and outfits change occasionally, she herself has retained the same looks as well as her original cackling laughter soundtrack. During Phantom Fright Nights, she is dressed as a witch and an even creepier and evil-sounding laugh soundtrack is played. Many people believe her to be the scariest attraction at Kennywood.
Cowboy Joe
He is a famous Kennywood "visitor" who has been occupying his special bench in the park for decades. There is a sign behind him that reads "Swappin' yarns with Cowboy Joe at Kennywood." and park goers have been getting a picture taken with him since he first stepped foot in the park. In reality, this classic icon is but a fiberglass statue of a cowboy with glass eyes (replaced with paint-on-fiberglass eyes in 2009), mounted to a wooden bench. He used to hold a cigarette in his right hand, but quit smoking cold turkey after being stripped of his paint, patched, and repainted during 2008. His costume consists of a brown hat, boots, and vest; red button down shirt; and blue jeans. Also, he has gray hair and brown eyes. While his location within the park has changed, he himself remains very much the same.

Entertainment

Nationality days

Phantom Fright Nights

Phantom Fright Nights[13] is a Halloween event held at Kennywood on Friday and Saturday nights during the month of October. The park typically opens at seven in the evening and closes at one in the morning. The event began in 2002, though the concept of theming an amusement park for Halloween is not new. "Phantom Fright Nights" received third place in the Golden Ticket Awards for best Halloween event in 2007.

Labor Day traditionally marked the end of the season and the park would shut down until the spring. In 2002, Kennywood decided to break the long-standing tradition and turn almost half of the park into a giant Halloween extravaganza. The park's initial trial of Phantom Fright Nights in 2002 consisted of four traditional haunted houses, with only a few rides and roller coasters in operation. Despite the relatively limited scope of the opening year, the experiment proved to be a success, and new areas of the park and rides are opened for the festivities every year. In 2004 Kennywood debuted Gory Park, a haunted zone in Lost Kennywood. The following year, 2005, the park managed to have 3/4 of the rides and attractions operable due to high demand and record-breaking crowds. The park has reported attendance greater for one Fright Night than they have on a good normal operating day.

In the spirit of Halloween season, the park itself is given a complete make-over, with costumed actors roaming the paths, spooky music filling the air, and fog blanketing the park and every light bulb in the park is changed to a different color—even the restroom windows are covered in colored films. The merry-go-round horse normally found in the fountain by the entrance is replaced by a giant Phantom-like figure with glowing red eyes hovering over bubbling red blood (dyed water). In some places sheets are hung up and classic horror movies are played, such as the original "House on Haunted Hill". Several areas of the park, including Kiddieland and Lost Kennywood, are turned into open-air haunted attractions. Other buildings, such as the Penny Arcade and the Parkside Terrace Cafe, are converted into more traditional haunted houses. Some rides are given entirely new lighting and fog effects including strobes and blacklights, or in the Exterminator's case, an absolute absence of light. In the case of the Carousel and Müsik-Express, Halloween-themed music is all that is played. Even the entrance tunnel is affected; a great amount of fog is pumped into the passageway and chainsaw-wielding characters stalk unsuspecting guests as they enter. These ghouls are also found throughout the park when least expected.

Kennywood discourages children under the age of thirteen from attending the park during Phantom Fright Nights as the atmosphere may be too intense for some younger children, but letting children attend is solely at the discretion of parents or guardians. Many children go to Fright Nights anyway, even with the suggestion since Kennywood will admit attendees of any age.

Haunted attractions

Indoor Haunts

Outdoor Haunts

Haunted Midways

Past/Changed Haunts

Kennywood in the media

Kennywood's world renowned reputation and nation-wide popularity has led to its mention and appearance in many forms of media including TV shows, movies, books, records, and has even warranted a reason to film a documentary about the park's history.

Television

Movies

Literature

Song

Documentary

Ride/Attraction timeline

Asterisks (*) indicate number of times a ride was replaced or re-introduced.

Park Police

Kennywood has employed weapon certified security officers since at least the 1980s. A famous case resulting from a 1986 arrest by park police for drug possession went all the way to the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 1988, which upheld the right of the officers to have arrest powers within the park.[19]

See also

References

Notes

  1. ↑ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2009-03-13.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Kennywood Park". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved July 2, 2008.
  3. ↑ "Kennywood - PHMC Historical Markers". Historical Marker Database. Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 News Release (December 11, 2007). "New Chapter in Kennywood Entertainment History Announced" (PDF). Kennywood Entertainment Company.
  5. ↑ "Park Information". Kennywood. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Hahner, pg. 9
  7. ↑ Hahner, pg. 14
  8. ↑ James H. Charleton (March 1985). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Kennywood Park / Kenny's Grove / Kennywood" (PDF). (includes 1948 and 1980 maps of park) (National Park Service). and Accompanying three photos, from 1984 PDF (32 KB)
  9. ↑ Peter Leo (March 21, 2006). "Pittsburgh English n 'at for visitors and newcomers". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  10. ↑
  11. ↑ "First Annual Readers' Choice Awards" (PDF). Theme Parks Magazine. June 10, 2005.
  12. ↑ September 2007 diary
  13. ↑ "2011 Phantom Fright Nights at Kennywood : WARNING Not Recommended for Children Under 13". Phantom Fright Nights. Retrieved December 15, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Kennywood Park / With a Little Love".
  15. ↑ "Kennywood announces Pitfall replacement". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. December 15, 2011. Retrieved December 15, 2011.
  16. ↑ http://www.kennywood.com/docs/KennywoodCoasterRelease081209.pdf
  17. ↑
  18. ↑ http://www.kennywood.com/docs/2008NewRideMediaRelease.pdf
  19. ↑ http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SHQcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xGMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=3339%2C6164133

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kennywood.