News: Lake Compounce, Nations Oldest Amusement Park, Opens May 10th

Posted at 11:41 AM EDT (1541 GMT)

Apr. 13th, 2008 -- Bristol/Southington, CT  -- Lake Compounce Family Theme Park, Americas oldest continuously operating amusement park and Connecticuts largest water park, opens for its 162nd consecutive season on Saturday, May 10, 2008. The park has recently been enhanced with a series of upgrades during the off-season.

The track of Boulder Dash, voted one of the Worlds Best Wooden Roller Coasters, has been partially retracked making for a much smoother ride, and a new twist” to the track has been added for extra thrills. The cars of the popular loop coaster, Zoomerang, have been repainted with metallic magic” paint, creating a prism of color as cars rocket down the track. Renamed the Lake Compounce Emporium,” the gift shop located adjacent to the main entrance has been redesigned and will offer a new selection of quality souvenirs and collectibles. Fans of the Ghost Hunt ride, one of the most popular attractions at Lake Compounce, will experience shorter wait times as the two-seater cars have been replaced with cars that hold four passengers each, and new sound effects and lighting have also been added. Also new for 2008, for the comfort and health of all park guests, Lake Compounce has established nine designated areas for smoking. Smoking will be restricted to these areas only.

The park will be open on weekends beginning May 10th, and will be open daily from June 15th through August 22nd. A weekend schedule is planned through September 28th, with the Haunted Graveyard beginning October 3rd.

This year we have begun planning for Phase 1 of our long-awaited, much needed water park expansion. Together with the state of Connecticut, Lake Compounce will begin construction on a new section of Lake Avenue, which when completed, will allow for seven additional acres of new water park area to be developed. We plan for Phase 1 to be completed for the 2010 season, and the architectural drawings will be on display this summer,” according to General Manager Jerry Brick. We are building on our tradition of being the ‘greatest one-day getaway as we continue to welcome families to Lake Compounce from throughout Connecticut, New Yorks five boroughs, upstate New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts,” Mr. Brick added.

About Lake Compounce:

Lake Compounce, owned by Kennywood Entertainment of Pittsburgh, PA, is New Englands Family Theme Park and the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America. Kennywood assumed control of the park in 1996 and, in conjunction with the state of Connecticut, has invested more than $60 million in rides and attractions. Regular price for a season pass is $74.95. Regular 2008 season daily adult admission is $33.95, junior admission for children under 52 inches is $24.95, senior admission is $17.95, and children 3 years of age and under are admitted free. All tickets and season passes may be purchased by visiting www.lakecompounce.com.

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