BRISTOL and SOUTHINGTON, Conn., March 29, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Lake Compounce Family Theme Park, which opens its doors on May 13 for its 160th season, has grown from the site of a failed electrical experiment into one of Connecticut's treasure troves, has survived the advent of theme parks continues its dramatic growth. Owned by Kennywood Entertainment of Pittsburgh, Penn., the park is home to the only wooden roller coaster built into the side of a mountain, there is free Pepsi, among other trademarks, and the park is rich in history.
To actually commemorate the 160th season, there will be a plaque placed in the park on opening day and there will be various celebrations throughout the summer. But the real celebration for Lake Compounce will be the opening of a new multi-million dollar ride, Thunder 'N Lightning, and the steady unveiling of even more rides and attractions in the next year, according to Jerry Brick, who recently completed his first year as the youngest general manager in the park's history.
"Last year, our numbers were up 12 percent and we anticipate even greater results this season, the beginning of our 161st year," said Brick. "Despite the influx of theme parks and bigger amusement parks over the last 40 years, we think Lake Compounce will always remain an industry institution and one of America's finest family destinations. There are so many visitors to the park every year who tell us stories of special things they remember and we would like to capture all of those memories."
Lake Compounce has been awarded "Best of Connecticut" by readers of Connecticut Magazine for the past 6 years in a row. With amazing new rides and entertainment, Lake Compounce is expecting its 160th season to be the best yet.
The story of Lake Compounce began in 1846 when Gad Norton, a property-owner in Bristol, Connecticut, was approached by scientists who wished to use his 28-acre lake for an "experiment in electricity". The well-publicized event drew thousands of spectators to Mr. Norton's beautiful 300+ acres of property amidst woods and water. Though the scientific experiment failed, visitors were so enamored with Mr. Norton's property that he decided to open it to the public as a picnicking and swimming area.
From that day forward, the property grew as a family amusement center to include rides and a concert ballroom. In 1914, the Green Dragon, Lake Compounce's first electric powered roller coaster was opened. In 1937, the "Starlite Ballroom" was expanded to host acts such as Cab Calloway and the young, up and coming vocalist, Frank Sinatra. The genuine open-air trolley and one of America's oldest Carousels, both built in 1911, remain favorites of park visitors to this day.
The Norton's owned the park until 1986 when it was sold to a series of owners. In 1996 Kennywood Entertainment purchased the park. Since then, more than $60 million in rides and attractions have been added, and the park continues to grow. Thunder 'N Lightning, will be a thrilling new ride -- a screaming swing which catapults riders to heights of almost 100 feet at 60 miles per hour, Brick added. Its two giant swinging arms will hold 32 passengers moving with four Gs of force.
About Lake Compounce:
Lake Compounce, New England's Family Theme Park, is owned by Kennywood Entertainment of Pittsburg, PA. Kennywood purchased the park in 1996 and invested nearly $60 million in rides and attractions. New for the 2006 season is "Thunder 'N Lightning," a screaming swing with two giant swinging arms that will hold 32 passengers and will catapult riders to heights of almost 100 feet at 60 miles per hour, with four Gs of force.