Current policy in Florida is that the state regulates carnival rides while allowing the bigger amusement parks to regulate themselves. However, after 63 illnesses, injuries, or deaths on rides at the state’s parks in the past four years, some are pushing for the state government to take a more active role in ride regulation. (more…)

Derry Township, PA officials approved several new water rides for Hersheypark yesterday. The attractions still need to be approved by the county and would open for the 2007 season.

Park officials have not revealed the exact details of the plan, but waterslides, pools and water play areas would all be included. If approved by Dauphin County, the amusement park would begin construction on the rides this year.

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Dan Snyder announced today that his proposal to replace Six Flags’ three top executives has won shareholder approval. Snyder’s Red Zone company said that the plan has received 57 percent of the vote.

If the final ratification of the votes confirms that Snyder’s proposal has received a majority of the votes, Six Flags’ three head board members will be replaced by Snyder himself, former Disney executive Mark Shapiro, and chairman of NVR Inc. Dwight Schar. Snyder would become Six Flags’ chairman, Shapiro would be chief executive, and Schar would assume the title of chief financial officer.

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The park isn’t slated to open for another 18 months, but the first ride is already on its way. The cowboy-themed Wild West World in Park City, KS, will receive it’s first ride this week, a 50-foot-tall log flume. 

The park’s other rides will be added in summer. Wild West World officials will spend $10 million to purchase rides, including two roller coasters, from Chance Morgan and Zamperla. Sewer lines and storm drains have already been installed.

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