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Shark Reef
New waterpark for Washington
Shark Reef Water Park is coming soon to Kennewick, Washington. The project is the brainchild of local businessmen Mike Hillman and Dave Schlotthauer. A seasonal attraction with year-round indoor facilities, phase one is scheduled to open on a 10-acre site in May 2012. Ground breaking is set for this July.
The waterpark will include a package of attractions by SplashTacular, the only US-based waterslide manufacturer (see panel below), as well as car parking that will convert into a drive-in movie theatre in the evenings.
“Many people in other areas of the country have questioned us regarding an outdoor waterpark in Washington State,” says Hillman. “What they often don’t realise is that we are perfectly located on the desert side of the state with an ideal dry climate that typically enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year.”
www.sharkreefwaterpark.com RIGHT: A HydroLigting slide
SplashTacular has introduced a line of products to enhance the appeal of its slides, several of which will be featured at Shark Reef Water Park. SplashChallenge lets riders compete against themselves or other riders for the fastest ride time as they score points by locating and touching target sensors inside the slide. Competitors and spectators will be able view the top 10 results on a monitor after riders cross the finish line. HydroLighting provides a thrilling light show using multiple pre-programmed lighting effects within the waterslide. HydroStyling, meanwhile, allows operators to illuminate the inside of the slide with vibrant rings, shapes and icons in almost any shape or colour. A nearly transparent option is also available. In addition, the slide exteriors can be themed with graphic wraps of patterns such as tree bark, camouflage or animal prints.
New masterplan for Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Work has begun on a new masterplan to transform NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC) in Florida. PGAV Destinations was selected by KSCVC operator Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts to design the 10-year plan.
Up to 10 immersive themed zones will integrate with exhibits and live presentations by astronauts and workers, as visitors explore the past and future of human space flight. New and enhanced visitor amenities are also planned.
A new signature attraction will be a $100 million exhibit displaying one of three remaining real life Space Shuttle Orbiters (as pictured). Complementing the display will be interactive features reflecting major accomplishments of the Space Shuttle programme including the Hubble Space Telescope and construction of the International Space Station. All of the 132 Space Shuttle missions have launched from the Kennedy Space Center. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opened in 1995 and is funded is through revenue generated by visitor admission, food and retail sales. No tax payer expense will be used in developing the new masterplan.
LEFT: The Space Shuttle Orbiter exhibit
14 Mack Manta for San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego is to add a Manta coaster in time for the 2012 season. Unlike the ride of the same name at SeaWorld Orlando, which is based around a B&M flying coaster, San Diego’s version will feature a launched coaster from Mack Rides.
Because of a strict height limit that governs most of the San Diego coast, the 2,835ft-long ride will not stand any higher than 30ft (9.1-metres) above the ground, although the park plans to excavate a further 24ft in order to create a 54ft drop, as well as a water feature and animal habitat. Passengers will begin their ride in a launch tunnel with larger-than-life images of rays projected onto a 270-degree surround screen. The projections are expected to enhance the physical acceleration as the ride as it launches down the track.
The ride will be located just north of SeaWorld’s Rocky Point Preserve and ground-breaking is expected this month.
A rendering of the new coaster, which opens in 2012 MARCH 2011
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