(John Heller, Post-Gazette) A ride known as one of the mildest in Kennywood Park became the scene of death and horror last night. Replacing a 1919 12-car model, the current ride's 16 cars travel along an oblong track and "whip" as they go around the bend at either end. ----------------- Vekoma stands for- Very Extreme Kind Of Mental Aches. A 4-D theater was built before the 2015 season. https://bit.ly/3YhiZHs See more. It was the park's first multimillion-dollar project, built in 1975 and consisting of two lifts, the first being 27 feet (8.2 m) high, and one leading to the ride's final and biggest 53-foot (16m) high drop. The final dip of the roller coaster. WebIn 1921, Kennywood Park hired one of America's top coaster to design a new high-speed coaster. In 2021, Happy Hauntings and Phantom Fright Nights merged into one event called Phantom Fall Fest. Kennywood is approximately 8 miles (13km) from Downtown Pittsburgh, in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. "I don't know how [the trapped people] got out of there." 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. During the ride, eight cars travel a circular track with a single steep hill. The clock still exists, but the twin Ferris Wheels have since been removed from the park. Notice the position of the gates and the parking lot. On these days some of the park's many picnic pavilions will be in use for entertainers of the particular day's nationality, including ethnic dancers. This miniature merry-go-round actually pre-dates the park's full sized version. Harton model), 1915: Old Mill Rapids Gorge rethemed Old Mill, 1916: Wurlitzer Band Organ provides music for Merry-Go-Round, 1921: Gee Whizz Dip the Dips and Figure Eight Toboggan removed, Fairyland Floats rethemed Tour of the World, 1926: 1910 Racer removed, Whip (16 car model), Tour of the World renamed Old Mill, Old Mill rebuilt and rethemed to comic or cartoon characters, 1928: Brownie Coaster, Tilt-A-Whirl opens, 1934: Tilt-A-Whirl removed, Fun on the Farm opens, 1935: Teddy Bear roller coaster, Skooter opens, 1940: Rockets (Traver circle swing added to island in lagoon), 1941: Daffy Klub (replaces 13 Spook Street), 1946: Original facade on Racer loading platform replaced, 1947: Teddy Bear removed, Original Jack Rabbit tunnel removed, 1948: Little Dipper, Tilt-A-Whirl returns, Auto Race hills removed and cars renovated, Auto Race renamed Auto Ride, Tumble Bug receives new turtle-themed cars and renamed Turtle, Entertainment is a focal point of Kennywood. Storm collapses Kennywood's Whip - 1 fatality. UPMC Presbyterian and Children's Hospital each got 11 people; UPMC Braddock got six; Forbes Regional Medical Center got 12; Jefferson Regional Medical Center got seven; UPMC McKeesport got four; Mercy Hospital got two; and Allegheny General Hospital treated one. Relocated to Idlewild after one season at Kennywood where it operated as Trinado from 1998 to 2006. Originally named the Mini Bouncer. Email ulocal@wtae.com! During Phantom Fright Nights, the carousel is filled with fog and various figures are placed on the outer row of animals. Strolling musicians, live shows, and costumed characters are part of Kennywood's history. My friend and I ran into the back of Noah's Ark. and park goers have been getting a picture taken with him since he first set foot in the park. During Phantom Fright Nights, Halloween themed music is played. Kennywood is an amusement park which is located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, just southeast of Pittsburgh. WebA smaller version of the large Mangles Whip found in the Lost Kennywood, the Whippersnapper is one of the original four Kiddieland rides. In 2022, the cafe began to sell beer, making it one of three locations in the park that serve alcohol. The last ride of its kind; purchased in 1962. Props from the Gold Rusher have been used as part of Death Valley during Phantom Fright Nights as well as during. The ride was rehabbed, overhauled, and rebuilt for the 2007 season. 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 storm itself rolled through the Oakland section (where I'm at, and just about 6 or 7 miles from the park) and it has wrecked havock here. 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. As the Volcano, the shrubbery has been replaced with a mountain landscape that covers the original retaining wall and railing. Kennywood opens this Saturday, April 22! "The people inside were saying we couldn't go in there because of some kind of problems in there. 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. It takes advantage of a ravine on the edge of the park. It was purchased in 1906 by F. W. Henninger and Andrew McSwigan, both of whom later formed the family-owned Kennywood Once it achieves a fast enough speed, the wheel raises riders to a 90-degree angle and spins the riders upside down. It is located near the Kiddieland Bathrooms. The Parkside Cafe is a dine-in restaurant that sits in the very center of the park. A ride known as one of the mildest in Kennywood Park became the scene of death and horror last night. Kennywood now uses the slogans Welcome to the Family, "America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park", and "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). When the fountain was first completed in 1995, it was home to a nightly special effects show named Luna Phantastic featuring music, smoke, and pyrotechnics. It's sad, indeed. Legal, privacy and copyright | Contact Us. Kennywood. There is an air conditioned waiting room, and a gift shop attached. WebThe Whip @ Kennywood 06/19/2021. Renovations included installation of central air conditioning, expanded restrooms, new wallpaper, carpet and windows. It was removed in 1973. Each boat is lifted to the top of the ride by a lift hill before making a 180-degree turn and descending the 50-foot drop and splashing down into a landing pool. The original front was restored in 1990. Click here if you wish to opt out and view the full site. WebA smaller version of the large Mangles Whip found in the Lost Kennywood, the Whippersnapper is one of the original four Kiddieland rides. 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. The tops of nearby houses have just been ripped clean off. The film starred Estelle Taylor, Antonio Moreno, Hedda Hopper and Lowell Sherman. Various names have accompanied the different themes over the years, including the ". There was lots of wind and rain everywhere. It was in operation from 1911-23. Damnit that sucks. You can see central air conditioning is now in place. "The pillars all collapsed. This ride was opened in 1985 and simulates a white-water rafting trip through canyons and beneath waterfalls. Workers were expected to be out all night checking them, and park officials said they would wait until this morning to decide whether to open for business. "We were in a pavilion, and you could see the sky getting dark," said Jennifer Dupal, who was at the park with her husband, John, and their 5-year-old son, Joshua. Contribute this to the news. An aerial photo of "The Racer" -- a twin track-racing coaster, built by the Ingersoll Brothers in 1910, and costing nearly $50,000. Noah's Ark was renovated before the 2016 season. Topography played a key part in why kennywood got hit so badly yesterday. First opening in 1973, it is one of Kennywood's most popular food stands which specializes in fresh-cut french fries. There is a sign behind him that reads "Swappin' yarns with Cowboy Joe at Kennywood." However, this show was short lived, but many of the colored lights used in the show are still activated in the evening. This historical marker greets visitors as they enter Kennywood. A group known as "Ida Mae & Happy" suggested the name of Zoomerang, more than likely because of the curves and the spinning. Jack Rabbit. Adults may ride. Sky Rocket launches riders up at a 90-degree angle, going from 0 to 50 mph in less than 2 seconds. Save on tickets today! For the past several years, Kennywood has been rated the "Favorite 'Dark Attraction Park'" by the Darkride And Funhouse Enthusiasts, or DAFE. The scenes inside this vintage dark attraction have featured "gorgeous grottos" and continents from around the world including Hawaii and Australia. I'm watching it on the news now, 7:55. Arms and legs are free from restraint and the passenger faces outward. More information from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: http://www.post-gazette.com/breaking/20020531webkennywood0531ap1.asp. Removed following an incident that killed a 15-year-old girl and injured another. Remember when Kennywood Park included the huge Sunlite Swimming pool? "Kennywood, The Way to Unforgettable Fun", "Around the Corner and out of This World", "America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park", "The World's Finest Traditional Amusement Park", 2002: Pounce Bounce, Phantom Fright Nights debut, 2004: Garfield's Nightmare (theme change from Old Mill), Old Mill boats painted different color, Bayern Kurve removed. The ride was removed in 1995 to make room for Lil' Phantom and was purchased by and relocated to. A kiddie version of the Wave Swinger, although this ride does not lift or undulate. At night, the four spinning blades are illuminated by hundreds of lights. A unique ride, in which riders sit in one of eight cars mounted to a circular platform. Their 4-year-old daughter was treated for a skull fracture, and their 1 1/2-year-old son was being evaluated at another hospital, Ross said. In 2002, a. A circular track ride themed to the Diesels. A reverse curve so that the train that started on the right side of the loading platform would finish on the left side. During the first few years of the 20th century, Kennywood erected the Wonderland building in an area to the left and forward of where the Turtle ride is today. Email ulocal@wtae.com. In 2004, the ride was rethemed as "Garfield's Nightmare." The trailer is hidden behind a retaining wall surrounded by landscaping. 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 seats 24 people on a giant disk. Standing at 40-feet high and measuring 1,650 feet long. Riders start in an upright position and as the cars pick up speed, they tilt inward toward the center of the ride. The Turnpike was replaced in 2010 by the Sky Rocket, a steel coaster with three inversions. During Phantom Fright Nights, she is dressed as a witch and an even creepier and evil-sounding laugh soundtrack is played. Kennywood decided to change the name to the Thunderbolt in 1968 following a major renovation that increased the length of the ride's layout. ----------------- --Proud member of the "More brains than common sense" club. One of the oldest buildings in Kennywood Park is this historic landmark formerly used as a casino, now home to a cafeteria. Up to 100 people were trapped beneath its timbers, including a 30-year-old Monroeville woman, Stephanie Wilkerson, who died at the scene. Also called the Skydiver, this was the third Paratrooper ride the park has installed and has ten umbrella-covered cars that rotate counter-clockwise on a long arm. WebDive behind the scenes and see some of what we've been up to this winter - from refurbishing the Whip, our oldest flat ride, to preparing for Spinvasion, our newest! It's the oldest restaurant at Kennywood having opened as a casino in 1899 during the park's first year of operation. The famous "potato patch" in the center of Kennywood, where French fries are served in a basket with an option of up to eight toppings. It was moved to the front of the park to make room for the Traver circle swing, better known as the Rocketships. "Everyone was in shock at first," she said. Added in 1996, this is a modern coaster in the style of classic coasters manufactured by Allan Herschell. It was refurbished for the 2009 season. The wave created by the boat's splashdown soaks both the passengers as well as nearby onlookers with water. Rosemeyer said other rides in the park also may have been damaged. Originally near the Thunderbolt, the ride along with its pavilion was relocated near the then Pony Track when the Pippin was extended into the Thunderbolt in 1968. The arms rotate in a circle while the platform flips riders upside down. As the colorful. For the park's. Kennywood, like all other parks, are constantly monitoring the weather, but this was a freak occurence. They are currently being activated for a "disaster" condition, which means that they could be inundated with many more injuries, given they are the closest level 1 trauma unit from the park. The wind picked up the building, which is about 40 feet wide and 100 feet long, and moved it 20 feet before it crashed down onto the ride itself. Kennywood has made use of the hilly Pittsburgh terrain to create coasters that wouldn't be feasible in some amusement parks. The stand was originally intended to serve. It runs 40 two-passenger cars, one of which, #31, is painted black and gold in honor of. It was donated to a non-profit amusement park in Costa Rica. As I began typing this, I contacted a colleague of mine in the ER department at UPMC Presbyterian, who has indicated that none of the injuries brought to our hospital appear to be life-threatning. The video said it was removed because it was too rough for the average rider. Three pumps are constantly filling the cement trough with 93,000 gallons of water each minute. People were screaming from under the Whip, but Harshey said she was too dazed to know how to help them. The ride was moved to the Lost Kennywood section of the park in 1995, the year a sheltering pavilion was built around it. People around them were screaming and then the roof of the Whip "just fell in," she said. Placed on a new midway that replaced the Safety City truck ride, this is a miniature version of the park's former Flying Carpet ride. When the wind and rain abated, Harshey and her friend stepped back outside to find chaos. Since the same line of storms passed through here about two hours ago, I have a pretty good feeling just how fast they hit. The defendant had unsuccessfully attempted to have the evidence suppressed.[35]. Riders enjoy the view from the top of The Phantom's Revenge as they get ready for the first drop. It was composed by Margaretha Scandroll. Save up to 50% on Tickets & Passes During the remodeling, the ark was entirely rebuilt. Email them to ulocal@wtae.com. You can find this historical sign on the front of the Windmill today. Police dogs also were brought to the park, but as of early this morning, they had found no other trapped people. Mercy spokeswoman Linda Ross said a 37-year-old father from Harrison City was treated for a cut to his head and a sprained ankle and released, but his wife was still being evaluated. In 1974, it was made a western themed ride called "Hard-Headed Harrold's Horrendously Humorous Haunted Hideaway.". This is ride follows an undulating track with six cars that travel counter-clockwise on a circular track over a series of three hills and dips. 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). The most significant feature of the attraction was a green, striped tarp that would roll out over the patron-filled cars once the ride reached maximum speed. "It looked like it blew over," he said of the pavilion. My two friends were on their way to the Waterfront when they hit and they told me that traffic is being detoured around Kennywood Boulevard and that large trees are down all over the place. Debris and numerous trees are down everywhere. The victims were taken to six hospitals, where they were being treated for injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to broken limbs. Kennywood announced the removal of the Volcano on 3 November 2020. A ski lift ride used to transport guests parked in the park's upper lot down the hill and to the park's front gate. On September 24, 2022, three people were injured during a shooting inside the park during Phantom Fall Fest.[33]. It was ranked as the "Ultimate Roller Coaster" and "King of Coasters" by the New York Times in 1974. The Dipper was built in 1948 and it was redesigned in 1951 when additional hills and track were added.. Helen Kistler, a lawyer from Penn Township, had spent the day at the park with her husband, Dennis, and her children, 14-year-old Emily, 12-year-old Leah and 9-year-old Nathan, all students in Penn-Trafford schools. [9][10], After less than a decade, the trolley company no longer wanted to manage the park. 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 by dark wave bands Midnight Syndicate and Nox Arcana, and fog blanketing the park and every light bulb in the park is changed to a different coloreven the restroom windows are covered in colored films. If you are using Chrome and keep getting redirected to this page, then turn sync off. George Washington was a colonel to Braddock, and fought at the battle before they retreated. The final hill was taken out of the coaster in 1949. My prayers go out to the family of the deceased, as well as the injured. The Turtle is one of only three standing Tumble Bug rides in the world, only two of which are in operation. It housed the first Merry-Go-Round. They also talked about the removal of the "speed bump" after the first season. The windmill is a wooden structure built on a stone foundation and is one of the oldest structures in the park. Their 4-year-old daughter was treated for a skull fracture, and their 1 1/2-year-old son was being evaluated at another hospital, Ross said. Originally opened as the Crazy Orbit before becoming Space Odyssey in 1974 when it was relocated to a different section of the park and enclosed inside of a dome-shaped building with special effects such as lights and music. In 1956, it was made the "Around-the-World" boat ride. This ride has an umbrella over top of it as well, and adults are allowed to ride. A common kiddie ride, loosely based on the iconic real-life story of World War I pilot, The most recent addition to Kiddieland, added in 2007. There appears to be damage throughout the park as a result. Its popularity has not waned! ), New Castle, Pennsylvania Cedar Point (19341963), Sandusky, Ohio Chippewa Lake Park (? Kennywood announced on 3 November 2020 the removal of the Kangaroo, along with three other flat rides. Thanks for the help!). flying everywhere. By Bill Schackner and Dan Gigler, Post-Gazette Staff Writers WebThe 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. It was then relocated a final time to a Costa Rican park where it operated from 2008 to 2013. West Mifflin police Chief Frank Diener said the pavilion was literally lifted off its foundation. Welcome to Declassified, a weekly humor column. The Ghost Ship was the final theme of the dark ride located in 1899 Dance Pavilion building. WebKennywood Park (1927present) West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, (known as the "Turtle," 6 car model) Defunct Cascade Park (1969?? It quickly blasted off from the station and sent riders upside-down through a giant loop, then came backward through the same loop in reverse. Detroit Publishing Company/Library of Congress. When the wind and rain abated, Harshey and her friend stepped back outside to find chaos. Save on tickets today! It was built in 1921. This fountain marks the side entrance to Kiddieland. The victims were taken to six hospitals, where they were being treated for injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to broken limbs. Many people believe her to be the scariest attraction at Kennywood. 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. UPMC Presbyterian and Children's Hospital each got 11 people; UPMC Braddock got six; Forbes Regional Medical Center got 12; Jefferson Regional Medical Center got seven; UPMC McKeesport got four; Mercy Hospital got two; and Allegheny General Hospital treated one. This ride was sold to an undisclosed new owner outside of the United States and replaced by the. Today, the park features a nostalgic atmosphere and is supported by a loyal fan base. Lear said he remembers "a lot of yelling, a lot of commotion, people asking for help -- just mad chaos, really, at the time.". The train is made up of three seat cars with a capacity of 18. West Mifflin officials said the woman was crushed between the pavilion and a wrought-iron fence. It was awful.". Thank god there werent any more major injuries.. could have been much much worse. 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. 1995: Lost Kennywood (expansion using former location of Sunlite Pool), 1998: Kennywood celebrates 100th anniversary, Centennial Midway (one season), Le Cachot demolished. Jennifer Dupal also said she saw Kennywood employees kicking in the sides of another attraction, the Old Mill haunted house, so people could get out. A historical photo of the Jack Rabbit. That parking area is now home to more rides, while parking has been moved back across Kennywood Boulevard. Relocated to Idlewild where it still operates. The cafe features entrees such as pasta dishes, chicken, shrimp, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, wraps, and desserts inside of an air-conditioned dining room as well as an outdoor patio. The winds were so strong, and the kids all became very upset and started to cry. During the regular season, it features the "San Andreas 4D Experience" and "Thomas & Friends 4-D: Bubbling Boilers". The park has reported attendance greater for one Fright Night than they have on a good normal operating day. The Kangaroo, an old favorite ride from years past, made a comeback in 2022. The park's kiddie coaster. Kennywood's world-renowned reputation and nationwide 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. The price of gas at the Turnpike's gas station was read as "FUN", no matter what grade of fuel. They are a collection garbage cans usually located within Kiddieland that are topped with a colorfully costumed fiberglass clown head cap. Another look at the new home of the Kangaroo. It was removed at the end of the 2006 season after a failed overhaul to increase reliability and decrease maintenance. Kelsey Bartoletti, 12, and Sally Dugas, 12, both of Burgettstown, tell reporters what they saw when the roof covering the Whip ride at Kennywood Park collapsed last night. It WAS a wierd storm though, came up in 10 min, lasted about 15 and then it was sunny again. It replaced the Monongahela Monster on its elevated platform above the lagoon. The original "Racer" was torn down in 1910, and the current "Racer" we all know was put up in its place. Later, it got electric cars. ------------- Joe Cernelli Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard Phantom's Revenge Count: 54, *** This post was edited by cernelli on 5/31/2002. There was lots of wind and rain everywhere. " Children's spokeswoman Melanie Finnigan said some of the victims brought there were released after treatment, but others underwent surgery. Finally, the whole ride tilts over. Noah's Ark opened in 1936 as a walk-through "dark" attraction. It takes advantage of a ravine on the edge of the park. "It looked like it was going to pass over and get nice again," she said. While his location within the park has changed, he himself remains very much the same. Patrons walk through an ark recreating Noah's attempt at bringing animals aboard. This ride was originally called the Enterprise until the addition of the Volcano Valley themed area. However, this building next to the current Carousel building was actually home to Kennywood's first Merry-Go-Round in 1899.

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