I spent most of the night pissed off as my father & I talked about how I could not believe it was gone.  Now I think I have a little bit of a better understanding of the mysterious betrayal the people of Chicago felt when Riverview announced it would not open for the next season in 1967, when people in the New York area found out about the closing of Palisades in ’71 or people from all across the country found out that the place where they created so many memories was taken away from them.  As I said, I know what I felt was nothing compared to the millions of often working-class families who lost their weekend playgrounds over time, but today’s news was a small hint of that.
 
     After realizing that hours of cursing the mayor’s office would get me nowhere, I wondered how I might make something good out of this mess.  I thought, the Thunderbolt was not the only amusement-related item which was near death, so maybe one thing I could do was to create a small list of parks not everyone may know about.  Parks that have served their nook of the country for years, whose owners do it for the love of the industry and many parks which are scraping by year-to- year.  I hope that whoever is angry about the loss of classic coaster shows it by including some struggling traditional parks in their itinerary for next summer’s travels.
 
     This list was merely off the top of my head, so if you think of a park enthusiasts might not think to visit, please feel free to add it.  We cannot do anything about the Thunderbolt now, but we can work to make sure we do not lose another coaster and some classic rides to the wrecking ball.  It may take spending a little less time at Six Flags, but I promise that if you visit these parks you will enjoy the nostalgia of a day that money simply cannot buy.  Speak with your pocketbook and work to give each and every one of these parks a new lease on life.  As we found out today, you never know when your last ride could be…and I want all of these parks around for my children.
 
Coney Island, NY
     Only a few hundred feet from the settling dust of the Thunderbolt’s demolition lies what is left of the amusement mecca that was Coney Island.  You may have some people tell you that Coney is dangerous or seedy, but these are probably the same people who thinks the Cyclone needs to be made “less violent.”  A day at Coney is one which you will love.

Why visit:
-The Cyclone: still giving great rides in classic trains that help define summer
-The Beach: the beach here has southern exposure, meaning you get a full day of sun…at least you cannot leave New York and say you did not get you money’s worth someplace!
-The Wonder Wheel and B&B Carrousel-Two classic rides from yesteryear -The rides at Astroland such as the Enterprise & Breakdance give you long, fast cycles you will not find anywhere else
Any day at the island is a day well-spent!

Playland, Rye, New York    

Just because a park is supported by taxpayer’s does not mean they can spend as they wish.  Their GM said that the 1999 season was their highest year of profit ever.  So what did the city do…you guessed it, slashed the park’s budget!  This place is an art-deco wonderland, and the “first planned amusement park” is beautiful at night.

What not to miss-
-The Dragon Coaster: one of two Prior & Church coasters left, and this coaster has a long ride time.
-The Racing Derby & Carousel are both classics…the Racing Derby is one of three left in the world
-The Hurricane-the drop off the mid-course tire is absolutely wicked
-One of the few Old Mills left in the world

Bushkill Park, Easton, Pennsylvania
     Although it is not doing as badly as some other parks, it seems as if many enthusiasts just forget about this place, perhaps because it does not have a coaster.  If you enjoy taking a step back in time, save an afternoon for Bushkill-you won’t be disappointed.
Why go:
-The Whip: another fun Mangels whip
-Carousel: this is a rare Herschell one
-The Fun House: truly a treasure, one of the last places you can visit the rotating barrel and feel like a kid again!
-The Haunted Pretzel: a fun dark ride which has changed very little since it opened…you will fall in love with this quaint ride (And I even heard a rumor that a few pieces from Le Cachoet were moved here, I do not know if it is true or not)
 
Whalom Park, Lunenburg, Massachusetts    

          I fell in love with this ancient little trolley park when I first visited last summer.  This is one park that operates year-to-year, but its new owners love the industry and are in it to preserve the park for future generations of New England families.  A lakeside setting, quaint feel and some classic rides make this park a must-stop.  Please do not pass Whalom by when driving from Six Flags New England to Canobie Lake!

Great rides:
-The Whip: IMHO the best one out there…fast, violent, run just as William Mangels intended!
-One of 4 Traver Tumble Bugs
-The best 8-seater flying skooter: winds blowing off the lake combined with fast rotations send you to snapping heaven
-A car from their Traver circle swing is in great condition…and the tower still sits in the parking lot across the street
-A nice little museum of the park

Conneaut Lake Park, Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania
     Tucked away in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania lies this traditional park.  They also recently had a change of ownership and are working to re-establish the place as a favorite traditional amusement park.
Why to go:
-The Blue Streak: A great Vettel coaster with NAD Century Flyers…a winning combination
-Devil’s Den: I believe their dark ride is being converted back to its theme from opening day, the Devil’s Den.
-Another park with one of the Traver Tumble Bugs

Arnold’s Park, Arnold’s Park, Iowa
     You may be wondering why I put this on the list, after all, they just reopened with a new lease on life…but, just because a park dodged one bullet that does not mean another is not just around the corner.  Arnold’s Park is a very friendly place to visit and holds a special place in its heart for enthusiasts because of the lengths many went to keep the place open.
What’s there:
-The Legend: a Miller classic (we do NOT want to lose another) that was re-habbed by John Pierce…don’t let the size fool you, it has tons of floating air.
-Rock-o-plane: a fun ride you just do not see in many parks anymore -Bug House: what used to be the standard name for the fun house is now only found at a handful of parks…Arnolds being one of them
-A great selection of kiddie rides
 

Camden Park, Huntington, West Virginia
     

A park that works every year to give the people of Huntington a small park of their own needs a visit from you.  How can anyone turn away the clown sign beckoning from the road?  I was not expecting much from my first visit this year, but had a very fun time at the park, I know I was surprised.

Rides:
-The Big Dipper: A small coaster with great N.A.D. trains…I want one in my living room, they are that comfortable.
-The Little Dipper: a kiddie ride with some more fun N.A.D. trains
-The Thunderbolt: An Arrow shuttle-looper they hope to reopen for next year
-The Haunted House: A fun trip back in time…plus it has a chain lift and uses gravity the rest of the time, add it to the count.
 

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Adam Sandy, Copyright 2001.