Theme & Thrill LIGHTING DESIGN
a proud partner of
APPLYING ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES
TO THE ART OF ILLUMINATION
Engineer-Led Innovation
At KCL Engineering, we don’t just work within existing boundaries—we engineer beyond them. Our expertise drives every phase of a project, from concept and technical development to seamless system installation, ensuring clients achieve their vision without compromise.
Research-Driven Approach
We approach attraction lighting with a research-driven mindset, always exploring what’s possible—not just what’s been done. Our goal is to empower park owners with groundbreaking solutions that set them apart as industry pioneers.
Unbiased Expertise
KCL Engineering remains vendor-neutral, ensuring that every design solution is tailored to our clients’ best interests—not dictated by brand affiliations. Our only commitment is to delivering the optimal solution for each unique project.
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.
MANUFACTURER/TYPE
Gerstlauer/Euro-Fighter
The Monster Roller Coaster Design Process
With five inversions and a design meant to surprise riders at every twist and turn, the first task was to document the direction riders would be traveling at each moment.
Selecting and spacing fixtures to achieve the intended effect and color output was imperative.
The Monster Roller Coaster Design Process
Computer modeling and actual track testing prior to installation ensured the lighting design would yield the desired effects.
With infinite possibilities, the lighting system can illuminate the tracks and structure in any color and movement imaginable, controlled through 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 showstopper 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
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
& Thrill
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
SkyCoaster
LIGHTING SYSTEM
Structure-Mounted Lighting
HEIGHT
250 FT
FEATURES
Second Tallest Skycoaster in the World
Large Structure Lighting Women of Achievement Bridge
Des Moines, Iowa
Large Structure Lighting
Financial Center Facade Lighting
Des Moines, Iowa
Large Structure Lighting
Riviera Stage at Riverview Park
Des Moines, Iowa
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” -
Theme & Thrill
LIGHTING DESIGN
ATTRACTION LIGHTING
Roller Coasters
Sky Coasters
Ferris Wheels
Flat Rides
Towers
PARK LIGHTING
Masterplans
Street and Pathway
Building and Structure
Retrofits
SPECIALITY LIGHTING
Calming Rooms
3D Projection Mapping