Idlewild and Soak Zone
Previously known as Idlewild Park | |
Palace Entertainment | |
Attractions | |
---|---|
Total | 40 |
Roller coasters | 2 |
Water rides | 16 |
Website | www.idlewild.com |
Idlewild and Soak Zone, commonly known as Idlewild Park or simply Idlewild, is an
The prominent
History
Ligonier Valley Railroad: 1878–1952
On April 15, 1853, the
In 1875, the partially constructed railway was sold at a
On May 1, 1878, William Darlington, landowner and namesake of the nearby village of
Dear Sir:
In compliance with your request, I will and do hereby agree to grant to the Ligonier Valley Rail Road Company the right and privilege to occupy for picnic purposes or pleasure grounds that portion of land in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County as follows – the strip or piece of ground lying between the railway and the creek and extending from the old cornfield to Byards run – also two or three acres on the opposite side of the creek adjoining near the same. Without compensation in the shape of rent for three years from the first of April 1878, provided no timber or other trees are to be cut or injured – the underbrush you may clear out if you wish to do so.
Yours respectfully,
Wm. M. Darlington
The first structure, built that year, was a
While the initial lease with Darlington confined the park between the railroad and the north bank of the
In 1931, Judge Mellon's son
The Macdonalds sought to maintain the park's natural beauty, planting 10,000 shrubs in the first year and thousands of trees during the 1930s. In the first few years, the park added a circle swing, a
Macdonald family: 1952–1983
The Macdonald family obtained complete ownership of the park in 1951.[5] After leaving Idlewild, the Mellon family also abandoned the Ligonier Valley Railroad, declining after closing area coal mines and decreasing passenger traffic. The railroad ceased operations in 1952. Although the park originally depended on the railroad, the railroad's closing did not affect the park. In 1913, the Lincoln Highway had been established as the first cross-country autoroute, stretching from Times Square, New York City, to Lincoln Park, San Francisco. It passed directly by Idlewild on what is now U.S. Route 30. As automobile traffic to the park increased, several parking lots and a Gulf Oil gas station, a Mellon company, were added in the 1930s.[8]
Under the Macdonalds, the park continued to expand. Kiddieland was constructed between 1954 and 1956 and featured many smaller versions of rides meant for children. Some of the rides included miniature boats, a Ferris wheel,
Clinton "Jack" Macdonald became president of the park in 1957. In 1959, Macdonald and Lewis Davidson, a
The park sustained heavy damage when the remnants of Hurricane Agnes dropped 14 inches (360 mm) of rain on the area in 24 hours in June 1972. Lake St. Clair and Lake Bouquet, merging in the resulting flood, caused significant damage to the boathouse. The flood lifted and twisted the park's Loyalhanna Limited Railroad, which required extensive repairs.[12]
Kennywood era: 1983–2007
On January 27, 1983, Kennywood Park Corporation of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, bought the park from the Macdonald family for a reported price of $1.8 million.[1] Ironically, both Kennywood and Idlewild were founded as amusement parks by the Mellon family. During the first winter, several changes occurred. Jumpin' Jungle, a children's play area, was added. Story Book Forest was no longer run as a separate operation and was merged with the rest of the park. What had been Historic Village was relocated and renamed.[13]
As the
The 1990s brought the addition of the
Palace Entertainment: since 2008
Kennywood Entertainment, itself an operator of a family-owned park, had acquired other family-owned and operated parks after it purchased Idlewild in 1983. Kennywood's owners rejected offers by larger companies to purchase the group, such as in 1997 by Premier Parks, which acquired the Six Flags franchise a year later. Kennywood refused the Premier offer and others because the new owners would make too many changes to the existing parks. However, on December 11, 2007, Kennywood Entertainment announced that it would sell its parks to the Madrid-based amusement company, Parques Reunidos.[14] The fourth- and fifth-generation family ownership of Kennywood ensured that with the transaction all of the company's parks would experience few changes and that day-to-day park operations would remain local.[15]
In December 2009, Idlewild announced that the Royal Hanneford Circus would perform at the park during the 2010 season, for the first time since 1997.[16][17] For the 2011 season, the park announced that they would add a $2 million wave pool, replacing their swimming pool that had been built in 1931. The project will be the largest capital improvement undertaken by the park. The pool will be zero-entry to a maximum 6 feet (1.8 m) deep and hold 280,600 gallons.[18] Before the 2013 season, Idlewild removed its 1947 Caterpillar ride[19] and closed the Dizzy Lizzy's Saloon Haunted Swing attraction, which is currently standing but not operating.[citation needed]
During the interim time between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, it was announced that the park had permanently closed its popular attraction, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood of Make-Believe. The attraction was re-themed, in coordination with
On August 11, 2016, a three-year-old boy was thrown from the Rollo Coaster and suffered serious injuries.[21][22] The ride was closed pending an investigation and remained closed the remainder of the season, and all of the 2017 season. A subsequent report from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Division of Rides and Amusements listed several requirements for the ride to be reopened,[23] and in 2018 Idlewild procured a new train for the Rollo Coaster, which included seat belts and ratcheting lap bars.[24]
Following the 2017 season, Idlewild removed its 1938 Whip attraction, which had been closed for at least the entire 2017 season due to flood damage. The ride's cars can be seen sitting in the overflow parking lot west of the park.[citation needed] On November 3, 2020, Idlewild announced that it would be removing the Ferris wheel in Olde Idlewild, the Rainbow Wheel kiddie Ferris wheel in Raccoon Lagoon, and the Bubbling Springs ball pit in Jumpin' Jungle for the 2021 season.[25][26]
Location
The park is situated alongside U.S. Route 30, also historically known in Pennsylvania as the Lincoln Highway, the first U.S. transcontinental highway. The region surrounding the park is the Laurel Highlands, and the park sits in the foothills of the Laurel Ridge.
The region was prominent in the French and Indian War with Fort Ligonier located just 2 miles (3.2 km) away. On November 12, 1758, volunteers led by George Washington marched from Ligonier to aid George Mercer and his troops. At night in heavy fog, the two units mistook one another for the enemy and exchanged fire. Thirteen soldiers and one lieutenant were killed. Realizing the mistake, Washington ran amongst both groups, shouting and raising the men's rifles. Washington later wrote of the incident that he had never felt in more danger in his life. Though the location had never been entirely verified, in Images of America: Idlewild, author Jeffrey S. Croushore acknowledges the opinion that the event took place in a section of Idlewild that was previously a wooded area known as the Woodlands.[27][28]
Areas
Olde Idlewild
Olde Idlewild is centered on the park's
Another group of rides in Olde Idlewild is located around the park's
Olde Idlewild contained a
Hootin' Holler
In 1976, the Historic Village was built to commemorate the
In 1984, the Historic Village was relocated from near the gates to the center of the park and renamed Hootin' Holler.
Soak Zone
The location of the Soak Zone was originally an island known as Flower Island until part of the surrounding lake was filled in. Under previous names, it was called the H20hhh Zone and later Dr. Hydro's Soak Zone. The area originally consisted of just the pool and bathhouse until slides were first added in 1985. A raft ride, Rafter's Run, was added the next year.[35] The water park has since been expanded to include body slides, inner-tube slides, a slide with foam mats, and many features for children, including a small pool and Captain Kidd's Adventure Galley, a play area added in 2006.[31] The swimming pool was replaced by a heated wave pool in 2011. The addition was the park's single-largest capital improvement.[36] For the 2013 season the park added a lazy river and an expanded beach area.[37]
Jumpin' Jungle
Added in 1983, Jumpin' Jungle is an interactive play area for both children and adults. The area includes attractions such as slides, climbing nets, and a suspension bridge.[31] Added in 2008, Bigfoot's Mudslide gets its name from Westmoreland County's reputation for the most sightings in Pennsylvania of Bigfoot, an alleged ape-like creature said to inhabit remote forests.[38]
Raccoon Lagoon
The park's kids' area, Raccoon Lagoon, was added in 1989 after originally opening in a different location in 1954. The 9-acre (3.6 ha) area devoted to children-oriented rides is one of the largest in the United States.
Story Book Forest
Arthur Jennings, who portrayed the clown "Happy Dayze" in the park during the 1950s, was an accomplished engineer who approached park management about creating Story Book Forest, a theme park based on "emotion rather than motion."
Ligonier Highland Games
The Ligonier Highland Games is a
Rides and Attractions
Roller coasters
Coaster | Park area | Picture | Opened | Manufacturer | Model | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rollo Coaster | Olde Idlewild | 1938 | Philadelphia Toboggan Company
|
Wooden Roller Coaster | Opened in 1938 with lumber from the park, using a sawmill built nearby specifically for the project. | |
Wild Mouse | Olde Idlewild | 1993 | Vekoma | Wild Mouse | The only wild mouse roller coaster built by Vekoma. Previously operated at Alton Towers and Wiener Prater. |
Rides
Rides | Park area | Opened | Manufacturer | Model | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Balloon Race | Olde Idlewild | 1983 | Zamperla | Balloon Race | |
Flying Aces | Olde Idlewild | 1970 | Bisch-Rocco | Flying Scooters | |
Howler | Hootin' Holler' | 2003 | Wisdom Rides | Tornado | |
Paul Bunyan's Loggin' Toboggan | Hootin' Holler' | 1998 | Arrow Dynamics | Log Flume | Originally operated at the defunct Opryland USA theme park in Nashville, Tennessee as Dulcimer Splash. |
Loyalhanna Limited Railroad | Olde Idlewild | 1960s | Chance Rides | Train ride | Operates with two C. P. Huntington trains |
Merry Go Round | Olde Idlewild | 1931 | Philadelphia Toboggan Company
|
Carousel | While the park has two band organs, they are rarely used with the park, instead opting to use a recording of a band organ. This practice can also be seen at sister parks such as Lake Compounce. |
Paratrooper | Olde Idlewild | 1966 | Frank Hrubetz & Company | Paratrooper | |
Round Up | Olde Idlewild | 1961 | Frank Hrubetz & Company | Round Up | |
Scrambler | Olde Idlewild | 1950 | Eli Bridge Company | Scrambler | |
Skooters | Olde Idlewild | ? | ? | Bumper Cars | Building was built in 1931 and initially housed bumper cars from the Lusse Brothers'. At some point, they were changed for more modern bumper cars, standard at most parks today. |
Spider | Olde Idlewild | 1950 | Eyerly | Spider | |
Tilt-A-Whirl | Olde Idlewild | 1954 | Sellner Manufacturing | Tilt-A-Whirl | |
Adult Handcars | Raccoon Lagoon | Unknown | Unknown | Handcars | |
Cattail Derby | Raccoon Lagoon | 1949 | Lusse Brothers' | Miniature Bumper Cars | |
Dino Soars | Raccoon Lagoon | 1967 | Unknown | ||
Doodlebug | Raccoon Lagoon | 1970s | Unknown | Trolley ride | |
Little Rascals | Raccoon Lagoon | Unknown | Unknown | Handcars | |
Motorcycles | Raccoon Lagoon | 1980 | Hampton Amusements | Umbrella ride | |
Pollywog Regatta | Raccoon Lagoon | 1960s | Unknown | Boat ride | |
Red Baron | Raccoon Lagoon | 1947 | Bradley & Kaye | Plane ride | |
Ricky's Racers | Raccoon Lagoon | 1965 | Arrow Development | Car ride | |
Tea Party | Raccoon Lagoon | 1998 | Zamperla | Tea Cups | |
Scampers | Raccoon Lagoon | 1960s | Soli of Italy | Miniature bumper cars | |
Turtles | Raccoon Lagoon | 1930 | Traver Engineering Company | Tumble bug |
Recognition
Idlewild and Soak Zone is the oldest operating amusement park in Pennsylvania, third oldest in the United States, and twelfth oldest in the world.[46] The park has been recognized by trade magazine Amusement Today with the "Golden Ticket" award for best children's park in the world every year since 2010, through to 2018.[47][48] The park previously received Golden Tickets for the fifth-best children's area in 2006 and 2007 and second-best children's park for the sixth consecutive year in 2009.[49] The National Amusement Park Historical Association recognized Idlewild as the best park for families in 2010, 2011, and 2012, having previously named it the fourth-best park in 2005, second in 2006, fourth again in 2007 and 2008, and third in 2009.[50][51][52] The park was once named "America's Most Beautiful Theme Park".[13]
References
- ^ "Oldest Amusement Parks in the United States". The Best of America. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
- ^ "A Brief History of the Mainline of the Ligonier Valley Rail Road". Ligonier Valley Rail Road Association. 2004. Archived from the original on April 19, 2009. Retrieved January 28, 2009.
- ^ a b c Croushore, p. 7.
- ^ a b Futrell, p. 52.
- ^ a b c "Idlewild History in Brief". Idlewild and SoakZone. Archived from the original on July 23, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
- ^ a b Futrell, p. 54.
- ^ Croushore, p. 18.
- ^ a b c d Croushore, p. 25.
- ^ Croushore, p. 37.
- ^ Croushore, p. 59–63.
- ^ a b c Williams, Candy (August 31, 2008). "Ligonier Highland Games celebrate Scottish heritage". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on May 5, 2009. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
- ^ Croushore, p. 83.
- ^ a b c d e f Croushore, p. 87.
- ^ Belser, Ann (December 12, 2007). "Kennywood sold to Spanish company". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved October 15, 2008.
- ^ Rosemeyer, Mary Lou (December 11, 2007). "New Chapter in Kennywood Entertainment History Announced" (PDF). Kennywood Entertainment Company. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 11, 2008. Retrieved October 16, 2008.
- ^ "The Royal Hanneford Family Circus". Idlewild and Soakzone. December 16, 2009. Archived from the original on December 23, 2009. Retrieved December 16, 2009.
- ^ "Idlewild". Season Opener. Kennywood. Archived from the original on May 27, 2010. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
- ^ Karlovits, Bob (December 2, 2010). "Idlewild to add $2 million wave pool". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Idlewild Park and Soak Zone". Laurel Highlands Historical Village. January 27, 1983. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
- ^ "Sneak peek: Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood opens at Idlewild". WTAE. May 20, 2015. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
- ^ Silver, Jonathan; Goldstein, Andrew (August 11, 2016). "Three-year-old boy falls from roller coaster at Idlewild". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
- ^ Berman, Beau; Brennan, Kelly (August 12, 2016). "3-year-old falls from Idlewild roller coaster, flown to hospital". WTAE. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
- ^ Remmert, Walter (May 2, 2017). "Idlewild SoakZone Investigative Report Redacted 2 May 2017" (PDF). Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Division of Rides and Amusements. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
- ^ Himler, Jeff (April 12, 2018). "Idlewild roller coaster to reopen with more safety restraints, 2 years after boy fell". Tribune-Review. Retrieved April 13, 2018.
- ^ "Idlewild & SoakZone in Pennsylvania To Retire 3 Attractions". Coaster Nation – Latest News in Themed Entertainment. November 3, 2020. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
- ^ Sopko, Jennifer (November 3, 2020). "Ferris wheel among rides set for retirement at Idlewild & SoakZone". The Latrobe Bulletin. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
- ^ Croushore, p. 10.
- ^ Panian, A.J. (November 19, 2009). "Document recounts Washington's close call". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved December 17, 2009.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "ACE Coaster Classic Awards". American Coaster Enthusiasts. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved January 28, 2009.
- ^ Croushore, p. 106–107.
- ^ a b c d e f "In the Park". Idlewild and Soak Zone. Archived from the original on September 25, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
- ^ "Operating Classic Amusement Park Rides". National Amusement Park Historical Association. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
- ^ Croushore, p. 84.
- ^ Crown Metal Products Locomotive Roster
- ^ Croushore, p. 96–97.
- ^ Robbins, Richard (June 9, 2011). "Idlewild Park unveils Wowabunga Family Wave Pool". TribLive. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
- ^ "Idlewild to add lazy river water feature". Pittsburgh Post Gazette. October 12, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
- ^ Sloan, Rebecca (April 27, 2008). "New rides await Kennywood, Idlewild". Vindy.com. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
- ^ The Fred Rogers Company - Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Trolley Ride Opens at Idlewild Park
- ^ Croushore, p. 4.
- ^ Croushore, p. 51.
- ^ Croushore, p. 67–68.
- ^ Croushore, p. 65.
- ^ "Pennsylvania's Story Book Forest turns 50". USA Today. August 1, 2006. Retrieved May 9, 2010.
- ^ "Ligonier Highland Games". Clan Donald Educational and Charitable Trust. Archived from the original on June 14, 2008. Retrieved December 30, 2008.
- ^ "World's Oldest Operating Amusement Parks". National Amusement Park Historical Association. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
- ^ "2010 Golden Ticket Awards" (PDF). Amusement Today. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2011. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
- ^ "All-time Winners by Category". Amusement Today. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
- ^ "2009 Golden Ticket Awards". Amusement Today. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved September 11, 2009.
- ^ "Surveys". National Amusement Park Historical Association. Retrieved October 13, 2008.
- ^ "2009 Kennywood Press Kit" (PDF). Kennywood Entertainment. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 13, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2009.
- ^ "Idlewild & Soak Zone Named Best Park for Families" (PDF). Idlewild & Soak Zone. April 29, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 28, 2011. Retrieved July 19, 2011.
Works cited
- Croushore, Jeffrey S. (2004). Images of America: Idlewild. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 0-7385-3564-8.
- Futrell, Jim (2002). "Idlewild and Soak Zone". Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania. Stackpole Books. pp. 51–63. ISBN 0-8117-2671-1.
External links
- Idlewild official website
- Idlewild and Soak Zone at the Roller Coaster DataBase
- Parques Reunidos official website (in Spanish)