|
|
Everyone likes a good read from time to time, or even all the time. That's why our team of writers is constantly at work putting their opinions and insights into words, and this is the place to find their work: the Editorials & Articles section! We write about anything and everything, from the implications of the latest topics of news around the amusement industry, to the timeless topics of interest, to just plain satire. If you can think of a topic you would love to see in the form of an article, chances are you'll be seeing it in the future!
|
 | |  |
What Makes a Good Park?: Part One
|
|
|
What Makes a Good Park?: Part One / By: Coaster Force, Thursday, July 15, 2004 -
|
|
This question is frequently asked by all park visitors around the world, whether it be your average tourist, a coaster enthusiast, or one who has only been to a park only once or twice. The answer to “What Makes a Good Park?” truly cannot be described in one sentence, because of the large number of factors that go into making a park great. 
Most importantly, a park needs to have a great atmosphere. A park’s atmosphere is basically how the park “feels” when the park guest walks through the entrance gates. The atmosphere is everything from the cleanliness of the footpaths to the delicious smell of fried dough flourished throughout the entire park. The first step to a great atmosphere is cleanliness, which is what guests will notice right when they walk in through those front gates. Guests notice everything in sight, and even one can on the ground can frustrate some visitors. Keeping a park clean is not an easy task though, as park employees must be working all day to keep a park clean.
The second part to a great atmosphere is providing a comfortable environment for all guests, whether it be the thrill seekers or those who are too afraid to go on a single ride. The most comforting employees are those who greet visitors as they walk through the midways, and those who are always open to questions. The comfortable environment also must consist of the aromas of food that are accessible throughout the park. I mean, no day at an amusement park is complete without a warm piece of fried dough or cotton candy! These qualities may not seem important, but although you may not realize it, they are essential to a good park that is comfortable for guests.
 Of course, no good park is complete without a diverse collection of rides. The best parks in the world have everything from kiddie rides to hair-raising roller coasters. Essentially, there has to be a place in the park for every member of the family and a ride for all tastes. In a good park, families can split up and let the older kids or the thrill seekers ride the most intense rides, while the younger members of the family can enjoy the section with kiddie rides.
Strictly speaking with coasters, a good park usually has at least three different types of coasters. It is almost essential to have an old, fast, wood coaster that packs a lot of airtime, which are usually rides that do not intimidate most people. Wood coasters also have a special place in enthusiasts’ hearts because they are almost the “centerpiece” of the park, and provide a unique type of thrill that simply cannot be duplicated on steel coasters. Secondly, a good park needs at least one steel looping coaster, usually containing at least a few inversions, to please the thrill seekers out there. Many parks take the “easy way out” by purchasing a Vekoma Boomerang model or an Arrow Corkscrew model, all of which are great rides but are no where near in the same caliber as thrilling custom loopers. Finally, a good park needs some kind of a family coaster, which is one of the few rides the family can ride all day. A perfect example of an ideal family coaster is Universal’s Islands of Adventure’s “Flying Unicorn”, which is beautifully themed and is a ride for all ages. 
As you can see, making a good park is not easy. Park employees must be on the clock day and night working to provide the best experience for guests, whether it’s making the park clean or greeting guests as they walk through the front gates. The atmosphere is what keeps guests coming back to amusement parks, and then there’s the rides that are always there to provide the thrills for guests. It may be complex, but making a good park sure is worth it, which is why there are many dedicated amusement park “junkies” out there!
Stay tuned for part two of “What Makes a Good Park?” coming soon, featuring a list of some of the best parks out there that fit all of the descriptions explained of a good park, and even add that extra “something” to make park guests coming back for more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
