Park News www.parkworld-online.com


PARK LAW continued from page 9


reports should also be kept for at least five years unless there has been an incident involving the ride. Requirements for retention of employee


and payroll records vary according to your location. Incident reports and witness statements must be retained at least until the statute of limitations expires plus three months. For incidents involving an adult, this is usually two years from the date of the incident. For an incident involving a minor, this is usually two years after they turn 18. Photographs relating to an incident or complaint should be retained the same length of time as the incident report. If there has been an incident involving an attraction, also keep the related inspection and maintenance records for the entire pertinent season for as long as you retain the incident report. Creation and retention of proper


documentation is an integral part of operating a successful amusement venue. Though tedious and time consuming, having thorough documentation can save you from a costly lawsuit, negative publicity, or a government-imposed penalty if any incidents occur.


Heather M Eichenbaum is a member with Spector Gadon & Rosen PC, practicing in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As well as defending amusement venues, she also provides training on employment issues, safety, witness testimony and compliance with disability laws. Legal counsel to, and a board member of, NAARSO, she is also a member of the NJAA, IAAPA, OABA, IISF, Defense Research Institute and various bar and trial lawyer associations in the United States Should you need legal assistance, reach her at: +1 215- 241-8856, or e-mail: heichenbaum@lawsgr.com


Peter’s dream Blackpool pier changes hands


The North Pier in Blackpool has a new owner. Showman Peter Sedgwick, who already operates rides and attractions on the resort’s South and Central Piers, took over the reigns on April 1 from Six Piers Ltd. Sedgwick says he plans to restore North Pier to


its former Victorian glory, remove the 50p ($0.82/€0.56) entrance fee and reinstate the tram rides that used to ferry visitors up and down the 1,650ft-long (1


⁄2 km) structure. A new six-nights-a-


week programme of live entertainment will begin in the summer. Although the Sedgwick family operates a total of


35 attractions on Blackpool’s other two piers, North Pier will be kept relatively ride-free to preserve its more gentile atmosphere. Currently it boasts a Bertazzon double-deck carousel, which will be joined soon by a trailer-mounted fun house. As well as being the longest of the resort’s three


piers, North Pier is also the oldest, opened in 1863. This will be the first time it has been in family rather than corporate ownership and it’s something of a dream come true for Sedgwick who, as a joke, pledged to buy it for his wife Sue almost 40 years ago.


Speed of Sound


As Compagnie des Alpes unveils a new logo, characters and musical theme for its Walibi chain of parks, guests at Walibi Holland can enjoy 10 rethemed attractions, new shows, shops and entertainment. Topping the list is Speed of Sound, the park’s


Vekoma Boomerang coaster, which gets a colourful new look for 2011. Formerly known as La Via Volta, the ride is now set inside a musical laboratory. Once guests take their seat in the train, light effects, music and two sensational loops provide a ride to remember. As well as the fresh theming, the ride now also boasts its own in- train audio system. Elsewhere in the park,


THE THEME INDEX 2010 ATTENDANCE


REPORT FROM AECOM/TEA


THE FACTS AND FIGURES THAT COUNT FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING PARKS DURING 2010


DOWNLOAD THE NEW REPORT NOW FROM WWW.PARKWORLD-ONLINE.COM


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new theming and decor have been provided by Jora Vision, inlcuding the new Club W.A.B restaurant, restyling of some attractions and restaurants in the W.A.B. Plaza Plaza, restyling of the Super Swing and a new-look Walibi Play Land. Walibi Holland is north


of Amsterdam in Biddinghuizen, Flevoland.


www.walibi.com/holland The new-look (Vekoma Boomerang) ride in action MAY 2011 Six Piers Ltd, owned by


Trevor Hemmings, retains control of South and Central Piers. Last year Hemmings relinquished control of Blackpool Tower to the local council which has since entered into a deal with Merlin Entertainments, as a result of which the town’s Louis Tussauds waxworks reopened last month as Madame Tussauds.


Peter Sedgwick www.blackpoolnorthpier.co.uk


North Pier with Blackpool Tower to the right


Racing through the station

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