BRISTOL and SOUTHINGTON, Conn., May 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Lake Compounce, the nation's oldest amusement park and Connecticut's largest water park, will open on Saturday, May 14 with a new water attraction, Anchor Bay, and several other exciting additions, according to General Manager Jerry Brick.
Brick added that additional park expansion is already underway and ground breaking for an exciting new thrill ride for 2006 will take place sometime in July. The park has plans to move Mount Vernon Road, which runs along the perimeter of Lake Compounce, to allow for even more water park expansion in years to come. "We are continuing to make Lake Compounce one of the major attractions in New England," Brick said.
Anchor Bay will be an 800-foot lazy river in which riders can float along on a tube with the current. It will also feature a slide, rock water falls, and splash areas.
"Anchor Bay is going to be an exciting family water attraction," said Brick. "It runs right in front of our newly renovated Starlight Theatre, which we have transformed into a multi-use facility, complete with air conditioning and heating. Now our guests will enjoy entertainment throughout the summer in cool comfort. The ballroom is rich with history, but it needed a 21st century upgrade."
In addition, Lake Compounce's Boulder Dash roller coaster, one of two wooden coasters at the Park, was named Best Wooden Coaster in the sixth annual Golden Ticket Awards at the end of the 2004 season. The Golden Ticket Awards, sponsored by Amusement Today Magazine, is a poll of educated and well-traveled amusement park aficionados.
"There is something almost magical about the allure of a great wooden coaster and we've been told by thousands of coaster enthusiasts from around the world that Boulder Dash is the best they've ever ridden," Brick said.
Boulder Dash, which opened in 2000, is the only coaster of its kind to be built into the side of a mountain. It is constructed on a Southern Yellow Pine structure with a Douglas Fir track, Brick pointed out.
Lake Compounce, which offers free Pepsi all day, is also adding a new bear-making factory and a special food treat for kids -- Mini-Melts with Pop Rocks, said Director of Food and Beverage, Bruce Gisiger. Season passes are available for a $7.00 discount off of the regular price of $69.95 thru May 31st and may be purchased by phone or through the Park's Web site www.lakecompounce.com).
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.