BRISTOL, Conn., Aug. 5, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Today marked a historic event at Lake Compounce, America's oldest amusement park and Connecticut's largest water park, when Anthony "Coaster Tony" Reynolds rode the nationally recognized Boulder Dash wooden roller coaster for the 5,000th time.
As an avid coaster enthusiast from nearby Western Massachusetts, Tony has been riding Boulder Dash since it debuted in the park on May 19, 2000. For five years, he's been working toward his goal of 5,000 rides, which he successfully accomplished at 10 a.m. this morning.
"Since the moment Boulder Dash was operating, Coaster Tony has been a regular on the coaster," said Jerry Brick, General Manager of Lake Compounce. "He has spent countless Fridays and Sundays here for the past five years riding Boulder Dash and has admitted that it's not only the ride itself but the team members that make each ride unique and great every time."
"By the end of the year, I will have visited every major theme park in the United States and Canada, and will have ridden more than 500 different roller coasters," added Coaster Tony, who is a sales manager for Dana Corporation. "Wood coasters give a different experience every time you ride, and there is no better thrill than Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce."
Boulder Dash opened in 2000, and has been voted the best wooden roller coaster by readers of Amusement Today. Boulder Dash is the only roller coaster in the world that is built entirely into the side of a mountain.
About Lake Compounce:
Lake Compounce, New England's Family Theme Park, is owned by Kennywood Entertainment of Pittsburgh, PA. Kennywood purchased the park in 1996 and invested nearly $70 million in rides and attractions. New for the 2005 season is Anchor Bay, a new lazy river ride which will expand the water park, and the renovated Starlight Theatre, which will now be home to free family shows and entertainment.