Best Roller Coaster

Published Mar 3, 2008

Boulder Dash, Lake Compounce
271 Enterprise Dr., Bristol, Conn. 860-583-3300
Most of the thrill of a coaster comes during the very first ride, so there’s no point in revisiting the same ones over and over again. That’s why you’ll want to try the heart-pumping Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce, which—even though it’s the nation’s oldest amusement park—is off the radar of many New Yorkers. It got its name because it was built into the side of a mountain. Since its debut in 2000, this tree-canopied ride has quickly become a coaster-junkie favorite, because it is fast (reaching 60 mph), long (two-and-a-half-minutes), and delivers plenty of stomach flips (biggest drop: a solid 115 feet). Whizzing through the foliage, it represents nature’s fury.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with LakeCompounce.org–meeting some of the members and interacting with all of you on the forum. I’m also very appreciative of the way Lake Compounce management and staff took me and the other members in and made our contributions seem very welcome and even important to the park’s operation. These days, I just don’t have the extra time and creative energy that I’d like to put into the site. Frankly, I think the LakeCompounce.org visitors and members deserve to have someone at the helm with more time, energy, and creativity to spend on the site. Even though I am stepping down, that does not mean I love the park any less. I’m still a Lake Compounce fan and look forward to continuing to build the relationships that I made when I started the site in 2004. And of course, I will still drive for Boulder Dash.

-Joshua B

Kennywood Entertainment said Tuesday it agreed to sell its amusement park holdings to Parques Reunidos of Madrid, Spain, which made an offer as part of a plan to consolidate family entertainment venues worldwide.

Financial terms were not disclosed. The sale is expected to close in March.

Source

BRISTOL/SOUTHINGTON, CT (November 1, 2007) Lake Compounce Family Theme Park, America’s oldest continuously operating amusement park and Connecticut’s largest water park, has completed a very successful 161st season. Perfect weather, new attractions and top-notch family entertainment were some of the elements responsible for the success of the season. Attracting families not only from Connecticut, but also New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Jersey, Lake Compounce remains a family favorite, rich with history and tradition, as well as offering unique attractions and contemporary rides.

New this summer, Zoomer’s Gas ‘n Go was a big hit with drivers of all ages as they hopped into a mini vintage Corvette set on a 1950’s themed roadway, complete with a drive-in theater and nostalgic gas station.

“Lake Compounce enjoyed one of its best seasons ever—we had great weather, great attendance surpassing last season, and we will capture this momentum to build on our tradition for the future,” said General Manager Jerry Brick. “This year, we spent nearly $4 million on new attractions and improvements to the park, which proved very successful with our guests,” Mr. Brick continued.

In 2008, plans call for Lake Compounce to continue its commitment to friendly guest service, cleanliness and preserving history. Designated smoking areas will be added, the Zoomerang loop coaster will have a new color scheme, and various buildings throughout the park will see improvements. Park officials continue with plans for the water park expansion, which should bring about new water attractions as early as 2010.

Thanks to Lake Compounce Fan Forum member Ben James Ben for finding this.