BRISTOL and SOUTHINGTON, Conn., March 20, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Lake Compounce Family Theme Park, America's oldest amusement park and Connecticut's largest water park, zooms into its 161st consecutive season on Saturday, May 12, 2007 with Zoomers Gas 'n Go, a mini Corvette ride guaranteed to generate memories of when gas was low and ponytails and pompadours were high, according to General Manager Jerry Brick, who begins his third season as GM.
The park opens on weekends, beginning May 12, and will be open seven days a week starting June 18. The last operating day of the summer season will be September 9. Haunted Graveyard begins September 28.
"In 2006, Lake Compounce saw one of its best years," Brick said. "We continue to attract families, from Connecticut, New York's five boroughs, upstate New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. And this year, we're spending nearly $4 million on additions like Zoomers Gas 'n Go and a Kiddieland ride called Rainbow Riders. Our Caterpillar Train is also getting an exciting new look.
Brick added that a new Cabana Boat will move guests across the lake to access catering pavilions, the Compounce Sky Ride and Thunder Rapids Raft Ride. Returning for entertainment will be Cirque En Vol, urban acrobats, dancing flying and twisting through the air, and RWS and Associates from NYC with unique new acts.
"Boulder Dash, our nationally recognized wooden roller coaster, which opened in 2000 and is the only coaster of its kind to be built into the side of a mountain, is being re-tracked to provide a smoother and even more thrilling ride, "Brick said. "And our other wooden coaster, Wildcat, will have new magnetic brakes and a fresh coat of paint. The magnetic brakes will enable us to run a second car, allowing more riders and shortening the lines."
In 2006, Lake Compounce introduced 'Thunder N Lightning,' a "screaming swing," with two giant swing arms, holding 32 passengers and catapulting riders to heights of almost 100 feet at 60 miles per hour, with four G's of force.
Season passes are available for a discounted rate of $69.95 through May 30, 2007. Regular price for a season pass is $74.95. Regular daily adult admission is $33.95, junior admission for children under 52" is $24.95, senior admission is $16.95, and children 3 years of age and under are admitted free. All tickets and season passes may be purchased by visiting www.lakecompounce.com. And for the first time ever, season passes can be processed year-round in the park administration offices.
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 $60 million in rides and attractions.