Kennywood investing in new look for 125th birthday

The scheduling has begun.

Kennywood is planning for a really, actually huge bash. The West Mifflin amusement park turns 125 yrs previous on Dec. 18, 2023.

And it wishes to appear its ideal.

Like most celebrations, in get to be ready for the soiree, the park will want time to get prepared. Which is why it announced a multimillion-dollar expenditure into experience enhancements and refreshed landscaping, as very well as points of interest that include things like a springtime meals and songs competition.

“We will have activities heading from the starting on April 23 all the way by way of to Holiday break Lights,” explained Kennywood and Sandcastle waterpark common supervisor Mark Pauls at a news convention on Thursday. “We can not wait to reopen the Kangaroo.”

He mentioned the portray of the Kangaroo, the Phantom’s Revenge, the Thunderbolt and Racer will give them all a new appear before the birthday get together.

“From the instant guests get there, they will see some new signage, as nicely as facelifts all through the park to rides these kinds of as the Old Mill and the Jack Rabbit,” explained Pauls. “The whole park will have new pavement for a contemporary, thoroughly clean appear.”

The advancements really do not conclusion there, Pauls mentioned. There are ideas to upgrade food items and beverage regions, including the beer garden. “We want to have almost everything prepared for the significant occasion and beyond,” he explained.

What is occurring at Kennywood is modeled just after new enhancements at a sister park, Lake Compounce in Bristol, Conn. Kennywood is the U.S. flagship park for mother or father organization Palace Entertainment, which operates 25 leisure and instructional venues throughout 10 distinctive states in the U.S.

Jerad Bachar, CEO of VisitPittsburgh, mentioned at the news meeting that his corporation and Kennywood are longtime companions.

“This form of financial commitment is unprecedented and what sets Pittsburgh apart from other cities,” explained Bachar. “Kennywood is a unique encounter in our area. These park enhancements will help with the recovery of tourism to the spot that was halted mainly because of the pandemic.”

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Critique

Kennywood introduced a multimillion-greenback investment in upgrading and refurbishing the park and its rides on Dec. 16 in preparation for the park’s 125th birthday celebration in 2023.

What’s taking place in 2022 is section one particular of various more to appear, Pauls stated. Bringing again the Kangaroo is achievable mainly because they found a business to give the trip a total redo.

He famous that the ride’s level of popularity was evident when 11,801 men and women voted on which logo to deliver again for it.

There had been 7,947 votes for which coloration to paint the Phantom’s Revenge.

Attendance grew this past period and throughout the summer. Kennywood responded with afterwards several hours and added operating days, Pauls mentioned. Several company have been community, but he expects men and women to commence touring when once again in 2022.

“I assume men and women truly wished to appear out and do points,” Pauls stated. “They needed to stop by, not only in the summer time but in the slide and winter season, as well.”

The approach for 2022 contains a yearlong sequence of distinctive situations, an expanded year, for a longer time several hours and night rides.

Pauls mentioned the improvements are staying carried out to boost the visitor experience and refresh landmark destinations. He explained the program is to include “eye-catching updates all around the park although retaining what would make Kennywood, Kennywood.”

“Add in a even larger and much better-than-ever situations lineup, and we be expecting to make future year our most effective still,” he claimed.

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review

The entrance to the Jack Rabbit in Kennywood park will get a facelift.

The period will open with a springtime foods and audio competition that will operate Saturdays and Sundays via Could 22. Right after that, the commence of day by day functions begins May 26 and will include things like the Bites and Pints Food stuff & Consume Festival, which is increasing to 4 days a week. There will be live amusement every day.

From July 5-31, there will be happenings following dark which contains evening amusement.

The 72nd once-a-year Slide Fantasy Parades march again Aug. 6-21. Roughly 200 substantial faculty and higher education bands will execute.

Phantom Slide Fest returns for a second period from Sept. 23-Oct. 30.

Vacation Lights, featuring a lot more than 1 million lights, will operate Nov. 18-Jan. 1 with expanded hours.

“From the minute you pull into our parking ton right up until you head by the tunnel to go home, you’ll obtain striking new theming and specifics motivated by the 12-in addition a long time of timeless fun found listed here,” explained Pauls. “This is Pittsburgh’s Playground, and we look ahead to obtaining more local community input to tell ongoing updates to Kennywood for 2022 and foreseeable future seasons.”

Gold year passes are accessible for $125 for a constrained time.

And, the great birthday celebration includes a Pittsburgh beloved.

Managing from July 1 to 4, “Celebrate The us explodes onto the scene with the return of nightly fireworks, the Weiner 100 dachshund races, and extra patriotic performances,” Pauls mentioned. “I know we all missed all those fireworks.”

And maybe some birthday candles.