Kennywood: "No complaints about the economy"

[GADVwow]

...Kennywood Park, the area’s largest amusement park, had no complaints about the economy, according to Jeff Filicko, public relations manager.

“Our corporate events were down this year, but our school groups and other small groups were up,” he said. “We’re very happy with our 2009 season. Ultimately, the weather seemed to be more of an issue than the economy.”...

http://www.timesonline.com/bct_news/news_details/article/1373/2009/october/03/recreation-facilities-say-theyve-had-a-good-summer.html

A general rundown of Pittsburgh area recreation/amusement facilities public views of the season is also there...

[B-mac]

I agree with the weather statement.

[nitrorox1414]

Where is Kennywood?

[B-mac]

Around pittsburgh, PA.

[GADVwow]

In West Miflin, to be exact...

[WadeJ]

It's interesting to read stories like this when you hear how other regional parks by both Cedar Fair and Six Flags are still struggling.  What did Kennywood do that hit the mark?  Was it pricing strategy?  Marketing?  I think the 2009 attendance numbers will be very interesting to see.

[Bubba Z]

Old classic flat rides !  That's what they do right.  Those amazing coasters help too.

[B-mac]

You mean classics as in the scrambler, right?

[AV Matt]

No, classics as in the Auto Race, Kangaroo, Whip, Bayern Curve, Tumble Bug, Old Mill and three wood coasters over 80 years old each, plus much, MUCH more.

[B-mac]

80 years? They mustn't be completely original. I mean, other than re-tracking and a paint job they must of had supports replaced, right?

[GADVwow]

But of course, is an 80 year old Ford on which every part has been replaced six times still an 80 year old Ford?  Yes.  And no.  But mostly yes.

[AV Matt]

Yeah. Even the 20 year old Texas Giant has had enough wood replaced to completely rebuild it. It's common for wood coasters to have wood replaced throughout the season even.

Look at it this way, the wood comes from old trees so the components are about as old as the ride anyway.