parkworld-online.com
Park Hoppin’
Passing the torch
Galloping along on horseback, next to me was a giraffe keeping up like its life depended on it, and just behind us was a snarling lion in hot pursuit. What to do? When the carousel stopped I climbed off and went in search of Knoebels’ public relations manager, Stacy Ososkie. Founded in 1926 by Henry Knoebel, Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, is one of America's remaining traditional amusement parks, and one of its most appealing. During the second half of the last century American amusement parks were disappearing at an alarming rate. Most traditional parks had been built near the end of the 19th Century by trolley bus companies at the end of trolley lines to generate weekend business. They became thriving family businesses. But as the nation grew, the land these parks occupied became very valuable suburban property and eventually fire, floods, Prohibition, the Great Depression, World War II and the lack of a suitable family member to succeed the owner resulted in the parks being closed. They were bulldozed to make way for shopping malls and condominiums. I thought local amusement parks might soon disappear completely, so I began photographing them and writing about them. It drew me into journalism, and eventually this happy job with Park World. Parks provided so much pleasure during my early years, but the operator's lack of a line of succession eventually doomed my loal childhood park. I've since seen other parks similarly turn off the lights. You build a business so your children might inherit it, but with no children, what's the point? While park operators own the park, they are also the stewards of the park
for the community. In a sense, it is the community's park for their enjoyment and relaxation. Establishing or continuing a line of succession is critical. So you can imagine my delight when I heard that the fourth generation at Knoebels was taking a leadership role there. For as long as I can remember brothers Richard (Dick) and Ronald (Buddy) Knoebel and sister Leanna Muscato, Henry Knoebel's grandchildren, have operated Knoebels. Now they were passing the torch. Dick's sons, Brian and Rick, and Buddy's son, Trevor, were essentially being handed the keys to the family car. The fourth generation of Knoebels to work in the park, the men were placed in charge of making the next attraction, a Tower Speed Coaster from Zierer named Impulse, a reality. From selection to completion, this was their project. The acorns don't fall far from the oak tree, and the men didn't disappoint. Impulse has become an immediate success, and the line of succession at Knoebels is assured. How good a job did
they do? I had to see for myself, but I didn't ride alone. As seen in this photo, Rick Knoebel, Stacy Ososkie and Brian Knoebel rode along with me. We had so much fun we rode twice. It's that kind of a coaster: smooth, fast, thrilling, and re- rideable. Best of all, it continues the Knoebel tradition of introducing unusual and moderate sized attractions. It's the perfect addition.
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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
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