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COASTER-net.com > Your guide to ride on the wild side > News & Releases

There's another aspect of excitement in the world of thrill rides. There's the excitement of the latest announcements of upcoming rides from an industry as secretive as the military at times, and the excitement of all the latest happenings at parks around the world. Sometimes the news is good, sometimes the news is bad, but our aim is to bring you the fairest, timeliest, most accurate details on everything that concerns you. COASTER-net's team of journalists is hard at work around the clock to bring you the in-depth scoop!

Long Island, New York, USA 01/30/04 - By: Carl F -

Plans have again been haulted on an proposed theme park in Long Island, New York. The main reason for this bump in the road is the residents' concern about traffic congestion.

It also seems that the residents have something to back their words as well. An air show was held this summer on the land that has been planned for this theme park. The air show caused heavy traffic congestion that irritated the locals and made them think about how they would vote on this theme park issue.

The proposed theme park would encompass around 140-acres. The group in charge has also said that they will build an 180-room hotel and the theme park for an estimated cost of $90 million.

Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries, India 01/30/04 - By: Carl F -

The IAAPI has made an announcement that will definitely make thrill seekers in India happy. The company currently has plans to build almost 500 new parks in India.

These close to 500 new parks include amusement parks, water parks, and other fun centers for families. This decision comes after the company has almost doubled their investments in the recent past.

The IAAPI's current goals include building some type of amusement park in range of ten million people each. Ideas have been thrown around and just to mention a few, an ice skating dome and many themed water parks have been discussed.

Bonfante Gardens, Gilroy, CA, USA 01/27/04 - By: Carl F -

Bonfante Gardens' future seems to be hanging in the balance. The park is under $70 million worth of pressure that is threatening to close the park down.

The Gilroy City Council has granted Bonfante Gardens to default on around $28 million of unpaid loans. However, one of the park's investors wants the park shut down for good. In his argument, A.L. Byrnes is saying that the land the park sits on is worth more money than what the bondholders are owed.

The only up side for Bonfante Gardens may be that Michael Bonfante is in possesion of $7.5 million of the bonds that have no liens against them.

Joyland, Wichita, KS, USA 01/27/04 - By: Carl F -

It seems that another park is in financial trouble. Joyland in Kansas is currently under the pressure of a $65,000 federal tax lien. In addition to the tax lien, the park has also been subject to around $16,000 in lawsuits for unpaid bills.

David Rohr, who just took over ownership of the park last year, has said that he will keep the park open. He has reported that he is trying to get loans from banks and even from family members to help pay off the park's mounting debt.

Only around 100 people are employed at Joyland during the summer season and Rohr has reported that there is no plan to layoff any of the park's workers. In turn, he is trying to attract more businesses and schools to book events at the park.

Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 01/25/04 - By: Devin Olson -

A major water resort has been confirmed to be part of an upcoming five-billion dollar theme park named Dubailand set to be constructed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Leaders of the theme park projet at the Dubai Tourism Development Company signed a contract with the Al-Sharq Group of Investment for the water park and resort, which is expected to cost around $750 million.

Named Aqua Dubai, the water resort portion of the theme park will encompass nearly three-million square feet of the park's total two-billion square foot area when it opens.

Astrodome, Houston, TX, USA 01/25/04 - By: Carl F -

It looks like the Astrodome may have a future just yet! Currently, there is a plan in progress that would turn the Astrodome into an amusement park.

In the early plans that have been made for the park, there would be attractions and rides in the playing field section. Also, the area that is now occupied by the seats and entrance area would become shops and hotels that would circle the actual amusement park. Officials of Houston have given the heads of this project until next month to fix any problems with neighbors of the stadium.

Tokoyo Disneyland, Urayasu, Chiba, Japan 01/24/04 - By: Carl F -

The investigation into the derailment of Space Mountain at Tokoyo Disneyland has been completed and the report released. The coaster derailed on December 5th, 2003.

The coaster derailed when one of its axles broke during the ride. After investigation into the axles, it was reported that the gap between the axle and the bearing was more than the specified distance for the ride. This extra gap let the axle have too much room to move and in turn placed excess stress on the axle. This of course led to the break in the axle that derailed the ride.

If all the required improvements to the ride are completed on time, the ride should reopen by the middle of February.

For a complete report of this incident, you can click here

Big Chief Mount Olympus Theme Park, Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA 01/23/04 - By: Devin Olson -

New details and a name have been released for Big Chief's 2005 coaster project. The name given to the coaster is Hades, the brother of Zeus in Greek mythology.

The coaster is confirmed be a wooden ride created as Gravity Group's first new coaster project after forming from former Custom Coasters Inc. team members in 2002. Custom Coasters previously designed three wooden coasters for Big Chief from 1995 through 1997, including the 90-foot Zeus.

Although the ride was initially stated to be the largest coaster in the Midwest U.S., it is likely that it will be the second-largest wooden coaster in the Midwestern region at most.

A debut is slated for spring 2005, with in-house construction work starting early this year.

South Florida Fair, West Palm Beach, FL, USA 01/23/04 - By: Devin Olson -

An injury to a rider of South Florida Fair's Doppel Loop (Double Loop) Schwarzkopf steel coaster prompted an investigation into the matter which concluded that the injury was the rider's own fault.

Bob Kelley was riding the Schwarzkopf looping coaster on Saturday when his arm and rist came in contact with a portion of the ride structure and were broken, resulting in injuries which required surgery.

Inspectors concluded that Kelley was leaning out of the train with his arms up for him to have hit the steel structure. This is the first such injury since the Dopple Loop coaster began operating at the annual fair in 1995.

Great Escape, Lake George, NY, USA 01/23/04 - By: Carl F -

The Six Flags owned Great Escape is looking to build a hotel in the very near future.

If approved, construction could start this spring on the new 200-room hotel. Along with the hotel, a 32,000 square-foot indoor water park is also in the works. If this project is started on time and completed on schedule, the new complex would open in 2005 at the cost of around $30 million.

The residents near Great Escape have said that they will approve of the project as long as there are steps taken to deal with the increased traffic.

Magic Canyon, Plattekill, NY, USA 01/22/04 - By: Carl F -

A new theme park has been proposed to be located on what is currently an old, unused mine. Steve Turk has unveiled the plans for this $10 million park that would occupy around 51 acres.

Along with the usual amusement park type rides, the park would also have a strong connection to education that focuses around the Mesozoic period. Turk also said that all the rides would sport a dinosaur theme. If built, the park would be geared toward families that have children between the ages of 2 and 12.

The planned debut of this park is 2005, but it will also have to survive at least two more public hearings in the town of Plattekill.

To visit the website for this proposed theme park, you can click here

Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, Hot Springs, AR, USA 01/22/04 - By: Carl F -

Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, which is home to the upcoming Vekoma SLC named the Gauntlet, has failed to obtain an alcohol license.

The director of the A.B.C. (Alcohol Beverage Control) said that 700 of the over 1,000 letters that were recieved on this subject were in protest of it happening. This is also not the first time the park has tried to obtain a license to sell alcohol. Several years ago, the park withdrew its application before the actual processing because of local opposition. Magic Springs is an amusement park that is mostly geared toward families.

Utopia proposed park, Norwich, CT, USA 01/21/04 - By: Devin Olson -

A proposed 430-acre major theme park project for the state of Norwich, Connecticut dubbed Utopia is being well-received, with promises of economic boosts and the creation of new jobs if the theme park is built.

The possible theme park, which is proposed for a tract of land formerly belonging to the Norwich Hospital, was given a unanimous vote for the state of Connecticut to take action on the proposal, and a ruling is expected to come some time this fall.

Big Chief Carts and Coasters, Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA 01/21/04 - By: Devin Olson -

The Wisconsin Dells' Big Cheif park, known for its Zeus out and back wooden coaster and go-kart tracks, plans on taking major strides to establish itself as a major theme park.

In a major move, Big Chief Carts and Coasters has announced that it will be constructing the largest coaster in the region as part of a major expansion, along with renaming the amusement park to Big Chief Mt. Olympus Theme Park.

Nickolaos Laskaris plans the expansion as the continuance of the legacy of his father, park founder Jim Laskaris, who recently died.

Big Cheif also plans a facelift for the park, with new scenery, improved areas, expanded parking, and more.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA, USA 01/21/04 - By: Devin Olson -

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk plans to appeal a decision made by the Santa Cruz Planning Commission rejecting plans for a twin 125-foot S&S Double Shot launched freefall towers at the boardwalk.

The majority apposed to the structures believe that they would disrupt views of the ocean and become an eyesore. Previous arguments called the towers a danger to migratory birds.

Seaside Co., which operates the Beach Boardwalk, downsized original plans made eight years ago for 185-foot towers, acknowledging objections made when the first towers were proposed in 1996.

Hanayashiki Amusement Park, Tokoyo, Japan 01/21/04 - By: Carl F -

Hanayashiki Amusement Park in Tokoyo, Japan has now shut its doors. The park was forced to close after building up 8.2 billion yen in liabilities.

The park opened in 1853 as a flower park. In 1949, the Togo Company took over as operater of the amusement park and added their only roller coaster in 1953.

Theme park concept, Incheon, Korea 01/19/04 - By: Carl F -

In an attempt to create job opportunities, encourage foreign investment, and boost the economy, the city of Incheon is trying to attract a theme park to the area.

This idea for a theme park comes from a plan that was first started in October of last year. The plan has created several special economic zones in the city in which outside companies would recieve several incentives, as well as tax breaks, for building in these areas.

It was reported that discussions have already begun between the city and Lego Land, Universal, and Walt Disney Company. If Incheon's economic zone is completed on schedule, construction on a new theme park could begin as early as 2008.

Florida Citrus Festival, Winter Haven, FL, USA 01/19/04 - By: Josh Davidson -

A seat containing 3 children ages 7, 11, and 12 was thrown from a ride at the Florida Citrus Festival at 1330, Saturday. At the time of the accident there were 30 people on the 10 seat spinning ride. The children are being treated at Lakeland Regional Hospital and one was flown to Tampa to be checked for internal injuries. The accident is the first in the eighty year history of the Florida Citrus Festival in Winter Haven, Florida.

Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, Aurora, OH, USA 01/18/04 - By: Carl F -

The Sheriff Deputy presence that Six Flags Worlds of Adventure has had since 1994 has now come to an end.

Starting when the park was still Geauga Lake, there were uniformed Sheriffs working security for the park. However, these were not fully trained Deputies. Dan McClelland, first-year Sheriff, was quoted saying, "They wore the uniform, but their level of training often was not consistent with the rest of the department". By working security at the park, it was seen as an easy way for rookies to beef up resumes and earn extra money, that was fully paid by Six Flags.

McClelland made the decision to end this practice because of criminal investigations, excessive paperwork, and even lawsuits that have come from Deputies' work at the park. He says that this has caused the department embarrasment over the years and it is time to put this to and end.

Dreamworld, Coomera, Queensland, Australia 01/17/04 - By: Devin Olson -

Around four-dozen were stranded above Australia's Dreamworld today for three and a half hours on the Kodak Skylink Chairlift, with four riders established to be in 'immediate danger'.

The incident was brought about when sudden violent winds blew a tree limb across the chairlift's cables and brought the ride to a halt.

Four firefighters were able to rappell the riders down from their cars on the chairlift and bring them to safety.

The incident is currently under investigation by Workplace Health and Safety department officials.

Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL, USA 01/17/04 - By: Devin Olson -

Details have been released on Six Flags Great America's rides, which the park has announced will be installed in a 'new' themed area. Mardi Gras will be the new name of Great America's expanded and updated Orleans Place section which will contain most of the five new rides.

The highlight of the more than $6 million two-acre expansion will be a Reverchon-designed spinning wild mouse coaster named Ragin' Cajun, the first mouse-type ride in the Midwestern United States and thirteenth coaster in the theme park. Other new rides in Mardi Gras will be Jester's Wild Ride, a family flat ride; the King Chaos Huss Top Spin attraction; and the Big Easy Balloons.

In addition, Revolution, a secondhand Huss Frisbee relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure, will be added to the County Fair section and move the park's Ameri-go-Round carousel to another location. Further improvements will include the repainting of Batman: the Ride and Demon.

Six new shows will also be introduced to Six Flags Great America when the park opens for the 2004 season on Saturday, May 4th.

Celebration City, Branson, MO, USA 01/15/04 - By: Kevin Russell -

According to the monthly newsletter from Silver Dollar City, there will be two new attractions at Celebration City for 2004.

The park, famous for the 2003 Ozark Wildcat, is reciving a Chaos ride. The Celebration City newsletter reads 'you'll experience 3-dimensional rolling and rotating sensations all in one crazy spinning and tilting platform ride!'

The other ride will be a plane-themed spinning ride. It is named the Flying Circus and is described this way: "take to the sky as you circle in a swooping 80 foot interactive climb and dive flight ride!"

Paramount's Carowinds, Charlotte, NC, USA 01/15/04 - By: Devin Olson -

Prepare to boldly go where no man has gone before at Paramount's Carowinds in 2004. That's because the park has announced the first Star Trek-themed coaster, to be named BORG Assimilator when it opens this spring.

The flying coaster is currently under construction at Carowinds after being relocated across the country from Paramount's Great America of California, where it opened in the year 2000 as the world's first flying coaster with the name Stealth.

Completely rethemed and given a new lime and black color scheme, riders will board the coaster on an island in the center of a lake located in Paramount's Carowind's Paramount Plaza section, before boarding a train in lay-down position and climbing the tallest lift in the park, at 115 feet in height.

A half-roll sends passengers into the 'flying position' as the first of four half-inversions and three complete inversions during the experience.

For more details on the BORG Assimilator, check out our Ride Gallery preview page for the upcoming ride.

Waldameer Park, Erie, PA, USA 01/15/04 - By: Devin Olson -

It has been made official that Pennsylvania's Waldameer Park plans to add a new steel coaster for 2004 which will be the most expensive single addition to the park since it opened in 1896.

Waldameer's new coaster will be a spinning coaster, but it is unknown what the manufacturer is or whether it will be a custom design.

The Erie, Pennsylvania park currently operates two coasters: Herbert Schmeck's classic 1951 Comet and the 2000 Ravine Flyer 3 kiddie coaster.

Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, Hot Springs, AR, USA 01/14/04 - By: Devin Olson -

Vekoma's twenty-third Suspended Looping Coaster installation finally has a name. The inverted coaster, being installed at Arkansas' Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, has been given the name Gauntlet.

The name was chosen from submissions that Magic Springs and Crystal Falls received in response to a contest to come up with the name. The winner, Becky Branch, will receive a free season pass.

On Tuesday, the yellow track for Gaunlet's lift hill was topped out at 110 feet. This will be the first Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster model to feature improvements such as below-lift catwalks for convenient access to the train in the event of a breakdown, and modified trains for improved smoothness and comfort.

Vekoma SLC models feature five inversions: a dual-looping 'Avalanche' or 'Rollover' loop, Sidewinder, and double-roll contained within 2,260 feet of track.

Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH, USA 01/14/04 - By: Devin Olson -

A parking tax imposed in 2003 which may have been aimed at Cedar Point could be repealed as soon as the 26th, and the Sandusky, Ohio city commission has asked the city's department of law to do so.

Despite the eight-percent municipal parking tax going into effect in the early part of last year, Cedar Point refused to raise parking prices for the 2003 season. The move cost the park $372,000.

It is confirmed that Cedar Point plans legal action if the tax is not repealed.

Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, Aurora, OH, USA 01/14/04 - By: Devin Olson -

A Wisconsin woman who was visiting Ohio's Six Flags Worlds of Adventure in July of 2000 was hit in the head by an unidentified object that was thrown at the train she was riding in on the wooden coaster Villain. The impact left skull fractures, and surgery was required to remove a damaged portion of her skull.

Now, Terri Wang and her husband are suing the Six Flags park for prior knowledge of previous incidents which involved objects being thrown at the ride. She has stated that Six Flags failed to take any action against the matter, which could have prevented the injury.

Wang claims permanent head injury, and filed the lawsuit with the Portage County Common Pleas Court on the 14th.

Walt Disney Company, Orlando, FL, USA 01/13/04 - By: Carl F -

The on-going battle between Michael Eisner and Roy Disney is still raging strong. Now, Roy Disney now has a new angle to use against Eisner.

A Disney art studio in Florida has now closed it's doors and put over 250 employees out of a job. This studio was responsible for such recent Disney movies as Lilo and Stitch and Brother Bear. The Disney company says that this closure is part of the company wanting to focus production at their Burbank California studio.

Roy Disney has seen this a different way. He was quote saying this, "Once again, the Eisner regime has emphasized short-term gains over long-term value." This war between Disney and Eisner seems to see no end yet, even after Disney parks breaking attendance records over the past holiday season.

Upcoming Theme Park, Williams, AZ, USA 01/13/04 - By: Carl F -

Plans for a new theme park in Arizona are now moving forward once again. The council of Williams, Arizona has passed judgement on a new theme park that would be themed to the 19th century.

However, there is one condition that they have added for the theme park to become a reality. This stipulation is that the park, if built, would have to find it's own source of water.

If completed, the park will have three phases of building. The first phase would be the theme park itself, which is planned to include such 19th-century items as a railroad, railroad depot, a steamboat, underground gold mine, shooting arcade, a rodeo arena, along with a courthouse and gallows. The second and thrid phases of the park would include a lodging area for the park.

The agreement that the Williams City Council signed also says that if built, the park must obtain at least 550,000 guests in the first year of operation before they will let the second phase begin.

Worlds of Fun, Kansas City, Missouri 01/13/04 - By: Kevin Russell -

The train at Worlds of Fun is getting a new addition. They are adding a second train to the ride and that will increase the capicity of the ride. Also the picture of the brochure was released at the rehiring party. The pic will be in the forums.

Pratten Park, Gold Coast, Australia 01/13/04 - By: Carl F -

A 6 year old girl is now hospitalized after falling from a ride at a Gold Coast park.

This accident happened on the 28 year old Sizzler ride. It has been reported that the girl put her feet up into the seat of the ride and folded her legs under her. The girl was then not restrained by the lap bars. It was also reported that the operator of the Sizzler yelled to the girl and then proceeded to hit the stop button for the ride. At that time, the girl was thrown from the ride and suffered head injuries by hitting her head on the metal frame of the ride.

At last notice, the girl is in critical but stable condition. The Sizzler remains closed for the police investigation but officials said that it did pass the first safety inspection.

Disneyland, Anaheim, CA, USA 01/13/04 - By: Carl F -

As the flashing lights and buzzers went off at the entrance gate to Disneyland, Bill Trow of Australia thought that the security alarm had been set off. He couldn't be more wrong!

When Mickey Mouse came running up to him and confetti began to fly, he finally relized what happened. He had become the park's 500 millionth guest.

To award him and his family, Bill and Ann-Marie Trow and their 5 year old daughter were given VIP access to all the rides and were also treated to a free lunch and dinner at the park.

Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, FL, USA 01/09/04 - By: Devin Olson -

A boy riding Men in Black at Universal Studios Florida may have to have a toe amputated after hanging his leg from a ride vehicle Thursday and sustaining injuries to his foot.

The 11-year old reportedly extended his leg out of the car for the interactive dark ride as it was approaching the unloading platform, and it became jammed between the platform and vehicle.

Unnamed Indoor Waterpark, Gurnee, IL, USA 01/09/04 - By: Devin Olson -

$130 Million is expected to be the price tag of an indoor waterpark and resort ready to be officially proposed for Gurnee, Illinois which would be built within a close proximity to Six Flags Great America.

Great Northern Resorts of Minnesota is expected to make the the proposal for the 60,000 square-foot waterpark along with an eight-story hotel and conference center.

These latest indoor waterpark plans are one of many which have been confirmed recently in a growing trend that continues to sweep the East and Midwestern United States.

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark & Resort, Sandusky, OH, USA 01/09/04 - By: Devin Olson -

A new indoor waterpark has been officially confirmed and named which will be installed in Sandusky, Ohio.

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark and Resort will bring indoor aquatic thrills with an African theme to Sandusky a year after nearby Cedar Point unveils their own indoor water complex Castaway Bay, becoming the third such indoor park in the city of Sandusky.

The Kalahari indoor waterpark will cover 80,000 square feet of space, and adjoin a large hotel as part of a major resort.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Arlington, TX, USA 01/09/04 - By: Devin Olson -

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, located adjacent to Six Flags over Texas, has been confirmed to be receiving one of Six Flags' four ProSlide Tornado slides in 2004.

The first Tornado was confirmed for Six Flags Fiesta Texas' Armadillo Beach waterpark, leaving two locations for the slides unknown at this point.

Drievliet Park, Rijswijk, Netherlands 01/08/04 - By: Devin Olson -

A Maurer Sohne spinning wild mouse has been confirmed for the Netherlands' Drievliet Park which formerly traveled with a fair circuit in Germany.

Dubbed Xtreme, the coaster will be a Spinning Coaster 2000 model from Maurer Sohne with a lift height of fifty feet and nearly 1,400 feet of track. The coaster will contain banked turns along with more traditional unbanked mouse corners, with the highlight of the ride being a vertical hairpin curve.

Xtreme joins over a dozen wild mouse-type rides that have been confirmed for this year.

Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL, USA 01/07/04 - By: Devin Olson -

A spinning wild mouse and three other new rides are among new attractions confirmed to be opening this year when Illinois' Six Flags Great America begins its 28th season of operation.

The Crazy Mouse, built by Reverchon, will stand at five stories in height and spin riders through a maze of hairpin corners and dips at up to 20 miles per hour, and will become Great America's fourteenth coaster track.

Meanwhile, a Huss-crafted Frisbee flat ride, relocated from New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure where it operated as Pendulum, will swing passengers over the park while a Huss Top Spin model loops thrillseekers in the air.

More family-geared attractions being added to the Six Flags park are a Balloon Race ride from Zamperla along with several new shows.

Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA 01/07/04 - By: Carl F -

Despite the high terrorist alert in the United States, Walt Disney World in Florida broke several attendance records over the holiday season this year.

Michael Eisner, Chief Executive of Disney, told reporters that the park experienced the best day in it's long 33-year history. This may confirm that Disney is going through the very gradual business improvement after a period of decreasing attendance.

No specific numbers have been reported at this time, but a rough figure of 200,000 people visited Disney World each day during this past holiday season.

Let's all hope that this become the new trend for the entire theme park world!

Tokyo Disneyland, Urayasu, Japan 01/07/04 - By: Carl F -

Today, someone confessed to calling in the bomb threat to Tokyo Disneyland in December of 2003. Kenji Sato, a 32 year old unemployed man from China, admitted that he called in the threat to Tokoyo Disneyland along with 10 other similar calls before the date of January 4th, 2004.

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka also received a similar bomb threat in December, but Sato has not admitted to calling that park yet. As of the last report, officers were interrogating Sato about the call made to Universal Studios Japan.

Six Flags over Georgia, Austell, GA, USA 01/06/04 - By: Devin Olson -

Several new family-sized attractions have been confirmed for Six Flags over Georgia's 2004 season, including what will become the park's only kiddie coaster.

The kiddie coaster will be the park's first such type of ride since the 1967 Mini Mine Train was removed in 1993. Chance-Morgan Rides has been named as the manufactuer.

Other additions will be a Gondola Wheel ferris wheel, and a rotating Balloon Race flat ride from Zamperla.

Six Flags Elitch Gardens, Denver, CO, USA 01/06/04 - By: Devin Olson -

In 2004, Six Flags Elitch Gardens will recieve the first coaster of its kind in America. A new steel coaster named Half Pipe by its creator, Intamin AG of Switzerland, will be the second ride like it in the world when it opens at the Denver park this spring.

The Half Pipe will, as its name implies, roll along a vertical U-shaped layout, with two 100-foot towers rising up into the sky. The main innovation in Intamin's design are the ride's vehicles, which rotate as they travel the shuttle course.

During the two-minute ride, passengers will experience four and a half g's and speeds up to 44 miles per hour as they travel back and forth over 230 feet of steel track, being powered by Linear Induction.

Sarkanniemi Amusement Park in Finland is home to the world's first Half Pipe model from Intamin, which opened in early 2003.

This coaster will be the third at Elitch Gardens to feature a shuttle layout following Arrow Dynamics' Sidewinder and the 1999 Vekoma Boomerang.

The Half Pipe is the first coaster to be confirmed in the financially-troubled Six Flags chain for 2004.

Kennywood Park, West Mifflin, PA, USA 01/06/04 - By: Carl F -

According to a Kennywood Park official, the admission costs may be going up and the number of new attractions going down.

If this happens, it will be because of West Mifflin changing the amusement tax rate to a flat 5%. Kennywood's director of community relations Andy Quinn says that the prices for 2004 will remain the same as they were for the 2003 season. However, any future price increases would more than likely be from $.50 to $1.00.

With the tax being increased, this means the park will have less money to spend on improvements for the park.

Luna Park, Sydney, Austrailia 01/03/04 - By: Kevin Russell -

Sydney's Luna Park is finally set to reopen in March of this year. is the site which the park's info is on. The park has ride including a bumper car ride and many more rides. Hopefully more parks in the future will reopen to the height they used to be.

Unnamed Theme Parks, Noida / Rohini, Delhi, India 01/02/04 - By: Devin Olson -

International Amusement Ltd. is joining forces with Unitech construction to bring two major new theme parks to India as early as 2005.

The larger of the two parks in the works will encompass 142 acres of land in Noida, India, while the second project, located near a park that International Amusement currently operates named Appu Ghar, will max out at only 62 acres.

A goal of the new parks is to bring the theme park concept to India more than the country's ten current parks have in the past. Along with the rides, the theme park projects will include water parks, hotels, shopping, and dining.

Phase one will include the theme and water parks, while the second phase will include hotels and shopping malls. The final phase would include entertainment regions around the parks.

Construction on the parks is already underway, with slated opening of the first phases set for May of 2005.