Theme and Thrill Flip Book 2025

Theme & Thrill LIGHTING DESIGN

a proud partner of

Applying engineering principles to the art of illumination

Engineering-Led

As engineers, we do not limit our designs to what already exists, rather engineer our way to the desired result. Clients benefit from KCL Engineering’s technical expertise during every phase of a project: from idea creation, technical development, through system installation.

Research-Based

KCL Engineering takes a research-based approach to all attraction lighting projects. And just as important as knowing what’s been done is knowing what’s not been done. We want all park owners to have the opportunity to be first.

Impartiality

A benefit of working with KCL Engineering is our impartiality. Clients can trust that design solutions are based off of their best interest and not the result of an allegiance to a particular vendor or manufacturer.

The Monster debuted as Adventureland Park’s first new ride in 20 years with a lighting system that was first of its kind in the world. The combination of color-changing ground mounted LED lighting and dynamic color-changing track lighting with unlimited programming abilities provided an intrigue and emotional thrill found on no other roller coaster on the globe.

KCL Engineering attributes the success of this system to the company’s engineering expertise, ingenuity, and a competitiveness to design what has never been done before.

The Monster Roller Coaster design process

With five inversions and a design intended to surprise riders with every twist and turn, in order to design a lighting system for The Monster, the first order of business was documenting which direction riders would be traveling at every moment.

Fixture selection and spacing to produce the intended effect and color output was imperative.

Computer modeling and actual track testing prior to installation ensured the lighting design would yield the desired effects.

With infinite possibilities, the lighting system is able to illuminate the tracks and structure into any color imaginable, with any movement imaginable through a specialized programming software and a simple DMX controller.

Ultimate theming was Knott’s Berry Farm’s vision for lighting Hangtime. From cool wave vibes to electric chasing effects, Hangtime is a show-stopper for on-ride and boardwalk patrons alike. Revenue-generating events like Knott’s Scary Farm, Peanuts Celebration, Boysenberry Festival, and Summer at Knott’s are intensified with thematic lighting. Manufacturer/type gerstlauer/euro-fighter

ADRENALINE PEAK

Opened in 1905, Oaks Amusement Park is one of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the country. Dedicated to providing family fun to generation after generation, Adrenaline Peak was added in 2018 to appeal to thrill ride enthusiasts. The owners selected a dynamic track and ground-mounted programmable color-changing lighting system to enhance the patron experience.

manufacturer/type

gerstlauer/euro-fighter

Fun Spot

Skycoaster

Orlando, Florida

The world’s second tallest SkyCoaster at 250 ft. towers amongst the Orlando amusement park scene. This visual icon can be seen far and wide and new color-changing LED lighting offers exciting programs to attract patrons to the park while also used to promote seasons, events, and causes the park supports. manufacturer/type

tallest Skycoaster in the world

large structure lighting women of Achievement bridge

Des Moines, Iowa

Financial center facade lighting

Des Moines, Iowa

large structure lighting women of Achievement bridge

Des Moines, Iowa

large structure lighting

Des Moines, Iowa

Riviera State at Riverview Park

KCL Engineering Lighting Team

Kris Kunze, PE, Founder & CEO

Engineer by trade and entrepreneur by heart, Kris is driven to push the limits of the industry. Kris is a natural problem solver and believes that by combining engineering principles and creativity, anything is possible. With this lens he seeks to do what’s not been done before.

Tom Kendrick, Lighting Designer

Tom is a product of the roller coaster culture of Ohio. His interest in theme and thrill rides, combined with lighting design expertise and training as an electrician, makes him an invested and versatile team member from design through installation for one-of-a kind rides and attractions.

Andy Versluys, PE, Senior Electrical Engineer

Creating lighting programs comes naturally for Andy, who has a background in both electrical engineering and computer programming. These natural abilities are vital when KCL Engineering presents clients with a first of its kind solution.

Testimonials

“Just to note, that color setup is revolutionary. Keep rolling. I hope you get more of these out there on bigger rides as it can truly change the experience for both the ride and the viewer. Fantastic! Love these schemes. It works so great for this coaster. And being that most of the industry is lacking in good lighting, this is a welcome change.” - CoasterForce User “Snoo” “I’m hoping to hit up this park as part of a US trip next year and will be making sure I stay for night!” - Coasterforce User “Ben”

“I’m still impressed at what that lighting did to the rides/park. A wise investment on the parks decision in my opinion.” - Adventureland Oktoberfest patron and photographer, Jason Babor

“Definitely the best lighting I’ve seen on a roller coaster. Even better than Millennium Force’s rainbow lights!” - YouTube User “Techno Ghoul” “That’s beautiful! Perhaps the best lighting on a coaster in the world”YouTube User “João Spegiorin”

“Holy cow that’s some of the best night lighting I’ve seen. I was impressed with the full track green, but then having the lights turn red just in front of the train, SO COOL” - YouTube User “Keith Davis”

“Cool ride, made even better with the nighttime lighting effects!” - YouTube User “MetalSmasherGaming”

“I was honestly speechless, the light package is stunning!” - YouTube User “Dan the Coaster Man”

“This ride is the best in terms of lighting in the industry. Hulk is nice too, but it cannot ever beat this. Thank you so much for your absolutely stunning work. I’m certainly looking forward to future projects from you guys!”CoasterForce User “GuyWithAStick”

“Wow, incredible photos. I love the blue and purple lighting the best, but all the different versions look fantastic. Great job!” - Coasterforce User “Serena”

“Uhhh so hopefully we get more of this KCL engineering LED lighting at other parks :-O looks epic how the ride literally changes color at night”Reddit User “khan0sseur”

“More parks need this type of lighting package. It’s simply too good to pass up ” - Reddit User “somethingsteamroll”

“Changes the entire ride mood and dynamic! Will pair great with park holiday themes as well.” - Reddit User “FlyRobot”