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ParkWord March 2012
It was encouraging to learn of the Koch family’s plans to take over the former Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom (see page 14).
The operators of Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari have built up considerable goodwill in Santa Claus, Indiana, with a family friendly operation renowned for its friendliness and cleanliness. Where other parks “nickel and dime” their guests from the parking lot onwards, the Kochs believe their offer of free parking, free soft drinks and free sunscreen contribute significantly to guest satisfaction. As you’ll read from Dan Koch’s response to the ‘Big Question’ on page 5, they have also resisted implementing a ride reservation system for similar reasons. This may sound a bit too worthy, but don’t let the homely image fool you – this is a park now exceeding one million in annual attendance. Combined with a programme of sustained investment; visitor numbers, in-park spending and length of stay have all increased since free soft drinks were introduced in 2000.
The Kochs now intend to bring these same values to Louisville, Kentucky, if they are successful in reopening Kentucky Kingdom as Bluegrass Boardwalk by May of next year. First they must secure $15-$20 million of financing. Opened in 1987 as an extension to Kentucky State Fair, the park survived just one initial season. It was resurrected by local businessman Ed Hart in 1990, who ran its successfully until 1997, before selling out to Premier Parks, where it would soon become part of a burgeoning Six Flags portfolio. Hart was at the helm of one of six companies that expressed an interest in the park following the departure of a somewhat leaner Six Flags in 2010, yet ultimately he failed to reach an agreement with the State Fair board. With high profile corpses such as Six Flags New Orleans and Hard
Rock/Freestyle Music Park still blotting the US landscape, it would be tragic to see another abandoned park turn to rack and ruin. The Koch family has 14 months to bring the amusement to Louisville. I look forward to raising a glass of free “soda” when it does.
Editor Owen Ralph (+44 161 438 2934)
parkworld@btopenworld.com
North American Editor Paul Ruben (+1 585 381 1012)
parkw@rochester.rr.com
Contributors this issue Heather Eichenbaum, Gary Kyriazi, Klaus Sommer-Paulsen
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MARCH 2012 Member of:
Owen Ralph - Editor
@ParkWorldMag
MARCH 2012
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