News: Lake Compounce to start 160th season with a bang

Posted at 11:35 PM EST (0435 GMT)

Mar. 30th, 2006 -- Lake Compounce in Bristol, Conn., will open its doors this season for its 160th season. To commemorate this occasion, the park plans to hold various celebrations throughout the summer and display a plaque in the park on opening day. But to top things off, Lake Compounce plans unveil a multi-million-dollar ride, Thunder 'N Lightning.

In 1846, before Lake Compounce opened as a family amusement park, more than 300 acres of the park's property were used for a failed electrical experiment in 1846, and it soon after became a public picnicking and swimming area. The property then grew as a family amusement center that included rides and a concert ballroom. The park remained under the same management until 1986 when it was sold to a series of owners, and in 1996 Kennywood Entertainment purchased the park.  The company has invested more than $60 million in rides and attractions, and the park continues to grow.

The park's general manager, Jerry Brick, is confident in the park, which has survived the advent of theme parks and is rich in history.

"Despite the influx of theme parks and bigger amusement parks over the last 40 years, we think Lake Compounce will always remain an industry institution and one of America's fines family destinations.  There are so many visitors to the park every year who tell us stories of special things they remember and we would like to capture all of those memories."

Lake Compounce plans to open on May 13.

For more information, visit Chron.com.