Darien Lake Planning To Add New Vertical Drop Roller Coaster
New York’s Darien Lake amusement park hasn’t added a new roller coaster since 2008, but that’s about to change!
Rumors have been swirling the past few years about a new coaster being constructed at Darien Lake theme park. Finally, we can say there’s some truth to those rumors. According to recent plans submitted to the Genesee County Planning Board, a new roller coaster that travels 44 to 62 mph with a completely vertical lift and a drop that goes beyond vertical is about to call Darien Lake home.
Documents filed with the town included sketches of a “Euro-fighter”-style roller coaster from Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, a German manufacturer of coasters and other rides. The drawings were labeled “preliminary information” and “work in progress”.
The Gerstlauer design ranges in height from 73 to 141 feet and feature tracks with descents of between 97 and 121 degrees, according to the sketches.
So, where will this $4.5 million dollar roller investment go? Documents show that one of the park’s oldest attractions, Thunder Rapids log ride, would be demolished to make space for the new roller coaster.
A spokeswoman for Darien Lake issued the following statement:
“The entire team at Darien Lake is committed to investing in the park and the economic development of Genesee County. We are thrilled with the new proposed ride and anticipate being able to announce the full details in the coming weeks, once the proper approvals are received”.
The Genesee County Planning Board is scheduled to review the project on Nov. 9 and offer a recommendation to Darien officials. The Town of Darien Planning Board, which holds the final authority to approve a site plan, meets on Nov. 20, 2017.
Darien Lake amusement park has been owned and operated by various companies over the past few decades such as; Six Flags, Herschend Family Entertainment, Premier Parks, and even Funtime Inc. — who also owned Geauga Lake. Just last year it was purchased by EPR Properties, a Kansas City, Mo.-based real estate investment trust. Although, EPR owns Darien Lake, Premier Parks will continue lease and operate the park.
If everything is approved, the new coaster would be open for the 2018 season. Are you excited for a new coaster at Darien Lake? Let us know in the comments below or on our socials! For tickets and more information, visit the official Darien Lake website by clicking here.
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