Park Profile
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Sweet home Alabama!
The park at OWA, Foley, Alabama is America’s brand new 14-acre amusement park that opened to hoards of guests on July 21. Park World’s Paul Ruben was there and gives his verdict on the first part of this $260 million tourist destination to open.
anticipation, the 14-acre amusement park welcomed large crowds to its opening day. Festivities for the opening weekend include nightly firework shows, a multitude of entertainers and live music throughout The Park at OWA.
A
Zamperla Showcase The Park is part of a $260 million tourist destination, much still under construction, being built by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The development’s name, OWA, means “big water” in the Muscogee Creek language. OWA “big water” refers to the 14-acre lake at the center of the unique project that in addition to the themed amusement park, will include a 150- room Marriott Town Place Suites hotel, and a wide selection of restaurant and shopping opportunities.
merica has a new amusement park. The Park at OWA, Foley, Alabama, opened July 21. Just like having a baby, after nine months of hard work and
“The Tribe is excited to see the vision for OWA transform
into a reality,” noted Stephanie A. Bryan, tribal chair and CEO for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians that operates the park. “This family destination near Alabama’s beautiful beaches is proud to offer world class entertainment to its guests. We are especially pleased with the job creation OWA is generating, and are proud to be partners in progress with the inspiring leaders in local and State government.” The 14-acre (5.7 hectare) themed amusement park is a
showcase of Zamperla rides, not unlike Luna Park at Coney Island, New York. It features 21 rides by Zamperla from large-scale roller coasters to kiddie rides. There are seven thrill rides, eight family-friendly rides targeting the 'tween populations (11 to 13 year olds), and six kiddie rides allowing passengers as young as two to three years old to ride either independently or with an adult. Amusement games, family friendly entertainment, and two in-park dining locations, Veranda and Shady Arbor, are also offered.
Rides for Everyone Rollin' Thunder, a Zamperla Thunderbolt coaster, is the park’s main attraction. With its twists, high speeds, dips, corkscrews and inversions, the ride isn’t for the timid. The Flying Carousel, a chair swing, is a unique twist on the merry-go-round rides that date back to the 19th century. Once riders graduate from the Flying Carousel, they are encouraged to take the "thrill ride" version of the rotating swings aboard the Freedom Flyer. This attraction is the tallest ride at OWA and gives riders their most scenic views of The Park at OWA and surrounding areas. One of OWA's thrill rides is Twister, a Midi Discovery. It spins 360° in multiple directions, except when you go upside down. It's one of the flashiest rides at the park, especially at night, featuring 3,800 LED lights. The blue tracks and ocean- like shape of the Wave Rider, a Disc’O Coaster, make you think you're on open waters while spinning round and round.
62 SEPTEMBER 2017
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