Cedar Point’s Ken Berryhill says good-bye after 50 years

Ken Berryhill will retire this weekend after 50 years in the amusement park business, including the past 25 as director of safety at Cedar Point.

Berryhill’s connection to amusement parks began early. His grandfather worked as a ride mechanic at Six Flags Over Texas, and his father, a school teacher, managed cash control at the same park. Naturally, Berryhill followed in their footsteps, starting with a summer job in park operations at 16. Three years later, he transitioned to the security team, setting the stage for his lifelong career.

“It was a brand-new field for me,” Berryhill reminisced last week as he prepared to bid farewell to his colleagues.

In 1999, seeking new challenges, Berryhill learned of an opportunity on the safety team at Cedar Point through industry friends. Described as “the premier job to get in the safety business,” Berryhill embraced the role, which allowed him to expand his expertise across the park’s diverse operations, from hotels and dormitories to marinas and water parks.

Throughout his tenure as director of safety, Berryhill has been instrumental in ensuring the safety of millions of guests and associates at “The Amazement Park.”

“Cedar Point will never be the same without Ken,” said Carrie Boldman, vice president and general manager. “He’s always said that this industry feels like being part of a large family that works together toward a common goal – ensuring our guests are always safe so they can have an enjoyable park experience.”

Reflecting on his lengthy career, Berryhill acknowledged the unique allure of the amusement industry. “People ask me all the time, why did you stay for so long? It was never on my mind to stay in the business. But once you’re in, it’s very hard to move on to other things. I think if you talk to most people, they’re that way. They discover it’s just a whole different world here in the amusement industry.”

Berryhill continued, “Where else can you say that when you get tired of working in your office, doing all the paperwork, you can go out and jump on a roller coaster? There’s no other place like it. It’s always something new. It’s never stale or boring. We’re always trying new events, new rides, new attractions. I just think that’s what has kept me enthralled in it for all these years.”

While talking about his proudest achievements, Berryhill highlighted Cedar Point’s exemplary safety record and the lifelong friendships he has forged. “The number of guests that have ridden all of our rides safely over the years. I was involved with an organization that created a very safe environment, a very good name, and a good experience for everybody that came to visit.”

Berryhill praised the camaraderie and dedication of his colleagues along his journey.

“This business is completely different than any other. I think it’s because of the people that work here; they become your second family. I’m just constantly amazed that we all get along so well when we have something to get done. Everybody works so hard. It’s just amazing that I got to work for so many years with so many great people. I just don’t know that I would ever have experienced that working anywhere else.”

As Berryhill steps into retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of safety, dedication, and friendship, forever ingrained in the heart of Cedar Point.