Welcome to Connecticut for NEAAPA’s 110th Summer Meeting! We are excited to assemble entertainment industry professionals from all over the Northeast for two days of networking, food, and fun at member facilities. On behalf of our Board and membership, I would like to extend a warm THANK YOU to the Lyman Orchard Golf Club, Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, and Lake Compounce Theme Park for hosting our gathering.
I would also like to thank Dave Oberlander, your immediate past-President, for his leadership and guidance over the past two years. Our members are fortunate to have an extremely engaged Board of Directors and a dedicated group of volunteers on numerous committees who keep the organization functioning.
As we now have most of the pandemic-related challenges in our rear view mirror, we are looking ahead for organization growth and prosperity within our new normal. Membership throughout the region, and New York in particular, is increasing, events are now fully back to life, legislative initiatives are continuing, and training is progressing better than anticipated.
We are also pleased to announce a major initiative over the next year. We have officially begun the planning and preparation phase of the NEAAPA Academy. The goal of the NEAAPA Academy is to provide online training tools to all members. Training videos will be made available that are specifically-designed to showcase our industry as a whole. Although each video will be a general training topic, we will showcase the fact that individual Team Members are contributing their time and talent to a larger, broader collection of different types of venues, facilities, manufacturers, and suppliers. We will discuss how the guest experience in the Northeast can be elevated at all levels by sharing historical knowledge about why we do what we do to a new generation.
Thank you for your continued support. As always, we are stronger, safer, and more informed as an industry when we work together.
Regards,
Chris Nicoli NEAAPA - Board PresidentAnnual Meeting Recap Page 2
NEAAPA Academy Page 6
Luna Park’s 120th year Page 6
Gateway Ticketing’s 35th year Page 7
New GM at Lake Compounce Page 8
RWS Brand Relaunch Page 8
E&A Celebrates 40th Year Page 9
Big E Court of Honor Concerts Page 10
Chloe Hausfeld to Baynum Page 10
Ryan’s New Location Page 11
Mikayla Arnold back to RSA Page 12
Proposed ASTM Standard Page 12
Water Country’s 40th Year Page 13
Splish Splash Certification Page 13
SKYnext is back Page 14
National Ride Operator Day Page 14
Nashua, N.H. - Nearly 140 people from across the NEAAPA Region and beyond came together to learn, network, and celebrate two outstanding contributors to the attractions industry at the 110th Anniversary Education Conference & Annual Meeting, which was held at the Sheraton Nashua Hotel from March 6-8, 2023.
On March 6, sixty attendees participated in NEAAPA Education Roundtables. Over the course of 90 minutes, people rotated through the six different roundtables, each table covering a different topic. Members of NEAAPA’s Board of Directors and President’s Council led discussions on Legal and Advocacy; Marketing, Promotions, and Sales; Safety and Security; Food, Beverage, and Retail; Operations; and Live Entertainment. A reception and dinner followed this session.
Tuesday, March 7 had panels and speakers covering even more information to help members get ready for the upcoming 2023 summer season. Kicking off the day, Increasing Your Sales, Revenues, and Profitability, a panel discussion led by Michael Van Buren of New England Ice Cream, Dave Oberlander of Sodexo Live!, and Kim Imbornone of New England Ice Cream, which helped attendees learn how to have a stronger relationship with suppliers to help build up their bottom lines. That was followed by How Technology Can Add to Your Bottom Line. This session, also a panel discussion, was led by Dorothy Lewis of Xpressposts.com, Meagan Achenbach of Palace Playland Amusement Park, and Ed Rogers of Ryan’s Family Amusements of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Using phone apps and maximizing the use of your POS system can help with decreasing expenses and making your team more efficient. During lunch, members shared their craziest stories in a mini session . The afternoon classes were seminar-style. Winning the War on Talent: Using Recruitment and DEIB to Make It a Great Season! was taught by John Henderson and Allison Ebner of The Employers Association of the Northeast. They discussed ideas like the importance of having a strong Employee Value Proposition, how belonging can amp up recruitment and retention, and the impacts of unconscious bias in the workplace. The final session of the day was Emergency Management: Preventing and Preparing for an Active Shooter Event, which was led by Steven Cileli of Lock-It-Down Consulting. A retired Rhode Island law enforcement professional, Lt. Cileli walked attendees through the active shooter drill and debrief that was conducted recently at Roger Williams Park Zoo.
Later in the day was the Vendor Showcase, NEAAPA’s mini trade show, which had 11 members displaying their latest products and services. This led into the Annual Meeting Reception and was followed by the Annual
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L to R: Gary Slade - Hall of Fame inductee, Pete BartoMeritorious Service Award, Steve Gioe - President’s Award, Melissa Plante - Alan E. Ramsay Safety Award, Clara Rice for RWS Entertainment Group - Paragon Award, Ron Gustafson - Hall of Fame inductee
Keynote Speaker Richard Munch
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Meeting Dinner. During the dinner, Richard Munch of the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives and a founding member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts delivered the keynote talking about the present and future plans for the Museum, located in Plainview, Texas. This was followed by the Annual Business Meeting, led by outgoing NEAAPA President Dave Oberlander. He presented the President’s Award to Steve Gioe of The SSA Group for his continuing contributions to bolstering NEAAPA’s learning opportunities both in-person and online. Twenty new NEAAPA members and 15 members reaching a membership longevity milestone were also recognized.
The election of Officers and Directors was held, naming Chris Nicoli of Canobie Lake Park as NEAAPA’s 58th President, Erik Beard of International Ride Training as 1st Vice President, Ron Patalano of Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village as 2nd Vice President, and Charlene Conway of Carousel Family Fun Center as Treasurer. Directors elected with terms expiring in 2026 are Chris Bourgeois of Rhode Island Novelty, Joe Montalto of High Mountain Enterprises, Matt Naughton of Naughton Insurance, Individual Member Tom Tessitore, and Dennis Vourderis of Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park.
After making his first address as President of NEAAPA, Chris Nicoli turned the stage over to Awards Committee Chair John Guertin of Guertin Graphics and Awards. The Alan E. Ramsay Safety Award was presented to Melissa Plante of CLM Risk Management for her continuing work on safety both as a thirdparty inspector and as the IAAPA Expo “Safety Guardian Angel” ensuring safety for all attendees at the annual convention in Orlando, Florida. The Paragon Award for Marketing Excellence was presented to Clara Rice of RWS Entertainment Group for her work on integrating recent acquisitions JRA and ted with cohesive marketing and social media throughout all divisions. The Meritorious Service Award, presented to a NEAAPA member who has gone above and beyond for the association was given to Pete Barto of PB Amusement for his work to bring back the Golf Tournament as part of the NEAAPA Summer Meeting. Net proceeds from this event go to the Pinnacle Scholarship Program, awarding scholarships to post-secondary education students who are working for NEAAPA members.
The evening was capped off with the NEAAPA Hall of Fame inductions. Ron Gustafson and Gary Slade were this year’s inductees, joining 46 other respected individuals for their contributions to the attractions industry. Ron Gustafson recently retired from Quassy Amusement and Waterpark, and worked at the former Midway Amusement Park and for Powers Great American Midways, working in marketing, advertising, and special events. Gary Slade is the owner and publisher of Amusement Today, the nation’s only monthly publication dedicated to the attractions industry.
Sponsors of the Education Conference and Annual Meeting were: Gold Sponsors: Amusement Today, Canobie Lake Park, Dippin’ Dots, Naughton Insurance, RWS Entertainment Group, and S&S Worldwide; Annual Meeting Dinner: Premier Rides; Annual Meeting Reception: Gateway Ticketing Systems and IAAPA; Education Session Sponsors: Carousel Family Fun Center and International Ride Training; Afternoon Break Sponsors: McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance and Ralph S. Alberts Co., Inc.; Morning Break and Registration Sponsors: Santa’s Village and Zamperla; Event Badge Sponsor: North American Amusement.
L to R: Max Farr, Carl Berni, and Christine Ulaky from Canobie Lake Park; Bradford Doolittle from Haas & Wilkerson; Christian Gainer from Santa’s Village; Sandra Manougian from Fun World; George Frantzis II from Quassy Amusement & Waterpark; Joe Montalto - Membership Recruitment Committee Chair
Top Picture - L to R: Mike Bass, Dick Knoebel, and B. Derek Shaw meeting during the Vendor Showcase.
Right Picture: NEAAPA Members participating in the Roundtable Discussions.
Steve Cileli and Christian Gainer talking during the Vendor Showcase
Robbie Eicher from RWS Global entertaining the attendees during the Annual Meeting Reception
Dave Oberlander addresses attendees during the Annual Meeting in Nashua, New Hampshire
Attendees are catching up and
Top Picture - Hudson Wood (left) and Dave Oberlander talking during the Annual Meeting Reception.
Left Picture: NEAAPA Hall of Fame Picture Display at the Annual Meeting Dinner
networking during the Vendor Showcase and Annual Meeting Reception in Nashua, N.H.
During a recent meeting, the Board of Directors established the NEAAPA Academy Advisory Committee to provide guidance on creating and curating content that will be available for NEAAPA members. Lead by committee chair Matt Heller of Performance Optimist Consulting, the committee has already met and is working on having content available for 2024.
Other members of the committee include: Mikayla Arnold, Ralph S. Alberts Co., Inc.; Melissa Bamford, Baynum Solutions; Sarah Blais, Sonny’s Place; Paul Gentile, Adventureland; Steve Gioe, Level 99; Joe Montalto, High Mountain Enterprises; Ron Patalano, Roger Williams Park Zoo and Carousel Village; Miranda Winward, Canobie Lake Park.
If you have ideas or input for the committee to consider, please send an email to secretary@neaapa.com.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Luna Park in Coney Island, New York City’s most iconic destination for fun, celebrated the park’s historic expansion and the 120th anniversary of Luna Park’s original inception in 1903, on June 21. The expansion features NYC’s first 50-foot oceanside ropes courses and adventure zones, integrated roller coaster and water flume attractions, food and beverage locations, and pedestrian plazas.
“We are overjoyed to celebrate this expansion, a milestone that pays homage to the enduring spirit of fun and joy that has defined this beloved Amusement District and our community throughout its history,” said Alessandro Zamperla, President and CEO of Central Amusement International Inc. “With the addition of these new attractions, food and beverage locations, and pedestrian plazas, we are excited to continue to celebrate the legacy of Coney Island by bringing the finest amusement park experience to New York City.”
Luna Park’s return breathed new life into the historic Amusement District, reinvigorating its storied past, benefiting the small business community in Coney Island, bringing record revenues to the Riegelmann Boardwalk businesses, and providing thousands of job opportunities to the broader South Brooklyn. Through their investments and commitment, Central Amusement International Inc. was able to bring Coney Island’s Amusement District back to the focal point of business in the area and invigorate its economy with the opening of a re-imagined, re-created, and re-vitalized Luna Park in Coney Island.
Since 2010, Luna Park has introduced an array of exciting attractions and new locations for all to enjoy, seamlessly blending the charm of the past with the thrill of the future. Nestled within Luna Park are the timeless classics that have delighted visitors for generations. From the iconic Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster, which has been thrilling daredevils since 1927 to introducing The Thunderbolt, NYC’s first major steel rollercoaster in 2014, as well as newly debuted attractions including family friendly coaster, Tony’s Express, Leti’s Treasure, a flume-style water ride, and Sky Tykes and Sky Chaser ropes courses, Luna Park continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder. Additionally, guests can indulge their taste buds at Flywheel Bar & Grill and discover Urban Legend, a new open air beer garden.
58 first-time and veteran leaders came to Canobie Lake Park in Salem, New Hampshire for a day of learning. This annual educational event was headlined by John Henderson of the Employer’s Association of the Northeast of Agawam, Massachusetts. Previously, John was with IAAPA as the Vice President of Education, Training and Professional Development.
John presented a highly-interactive session that got attendees working with each other to answer questions and work through scenarios they might face in this role.
Topics included: Defining Leadership, How to Avoid Transition Traps for First-Time Leaders, Speaking in Specifics, Listening with Empathy, Dealing with Conflict, Working Effectively with Challenging Guests, and more.
Gateway Ticketing Systems®, Inc., the world leader in ticketing, admission control and revenue-generating solutions within the attractions industry, recently celebrated 35 years of being an industry leader.
Gateway Ticketing Systems initially operated as a division of the mid-Atlantic regional consulting company, Merion Software Associates, managed by Peter Grumblatt and a business partner. Grumblatt's involvement with Globe Ticket Company on a customized ticketing project for New Jersey Transit sparked his ambition to create an improved ticketing system. One of his remarkable accomplishments involved crafting a PC-based ticketing system that allowed operators to manage their own ticketing product configuration and sales accounting. He developed and shared a prototype with clients , which helped him establish one of the earliest systems of its kind within the first two years. The Company conducted a significant amount of its early work in a small outbuilding in Grumblatt's backyard, which the previous property owner used as a chicken coop.
“Looking back, it's incredible to see how much we achieved in the early days of our bus ticketing venture. Our passion for technology and the belief that anything was possible drove us forward,” said Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. President and CEO Michael Andre. “Though we had ambitious goals, we never could have imagined our platform’s impact on so many companies and families today. It's gratifying to know that our work has helped create unforgettable experiences and profitable opportunities for others.”
Thank you to the team at Canobie Lake Park for hosting this event!
Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. was incorporated on July 8, 1988, by Grumblatt in Boyertown, Pennsylvania. The company quickly outgrew its humble “chicken coop” beginnings. Grumblatt, along with Michael Andre and Darryl Moser, spearheaded Gateway Ticketing Systems' growth. They expanded their software services beyond bus lines and into various industries, such as theme parks, attractions, museums, zoos, and aquariums, resulting in successful business development.
In 1998, as the Company expanded, Grumblatt appointed Michael Andre as its president. Under Andre’s leadership, Gateway became known for its long-standing dedication to innovation and excellent customer service.
To commemorate its 35th anniversary and show appreciation for the team's contributions towards its success, the company organized a week-long employee summer summit at its global corporate office. Participants from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom came together to exchange valuable insights, generate innovative ideas and celebrate the company's significant achievement.
BRISTOL, CT Lake Compounce announced the appointment of Doug Hemphill as General Manager. Hemphill is a seasoned industry professional that brings more than 40 years of amusement industry experience to the park. The addition of Hemphill to the Palace Entertainment team showcases the organization’s continued commitment to strategically growing its leadership team by recruiting top industry talent.
“I am thrilled to join the team at America’s First Amusement Park,” said General Manager Doug Hemphill. “The park has so much to be proud of as it ramps up for its 177th season. I am looking forward to leading the park through a fantastic next chapter, beginning this season, as we reintroduce live concerts on a new state-of-the-art floating stage and continue to elevate our guest experience, retail and food and beverage operations.”
Hemphill most recently served as Corporate Vice President of Food and Beverage with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and as Corporate Senior Director of Food & Beverage Operations with Six Flags. Throughout his 15 years with Six Flags, Hemphill was instrumental in delivering year-over -year record performance, overseeing the company’s food and beverage operation, leading the charge across multiple new capital projects and implementing strategies to elevate the guest experience across all 27 Six Flags properties.
“We are pleased to welcome Doug to our growing Palace Entertainment team,” said Group Manager of Theme Parks Mark Pauls. “We know that through Doug’s leadership and invaluable experience, he will be undeniably successful in leading Lake Compounce to success and growth for many years to come.”
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. Global entertainment leader RWS Entertainment Group announced it has relaunched as RWS Global, comprised of subsidiaries RWS, ted, JRA and ARC. Celebrating 120 years of combined experience, this unifying brand reflects the breadth of the company’s capacity to deliver best-ofthe-best talent, visionary creative and decades of know-how as the go-to partner for making every live experience exceptional. The collective creativity and in-house expertise will drive elevated client and guest experiences around the world for parks and resorts, cruise lines, destinations and global brands.
“We are beyond excited to marry the superior talents and capabilities of RWS, ted, JRA and ARC under the umbrella of RWS Global,” said Ryan Stana, Founder & CEO of RWS Global. “This new creative synergy and talent pool will shatter expectations of what live experiences could and should be, reinvigorating inperson moments for both guests and brands. Four companies have become one team with endless possibilities that reach over 50 countries in six continents, creating millions of smiles each day.”
As the ‘one stop and then some shop,’ RWS Global delivers unmatched capabilities from ideation to operation, resulting in enhanced client experiences, improved visitor satisfaction and more unique surprise -and-delight moments for guests. The RWS Global team, consisting of the Creative, Administration, Talent Casting & Recruitment and Marketing & Business Development departments, will support all four subsidiaries, creating structural efficiencies and ensuring a consistent level of excellence across the brands.
Doug HemphillIn 1983, the popularity of water parks featuring wave pools, lazy rivers, water slides and activity pools skyrocketed, creating a much more challenging job for park operators and lifeguards. It became clear to Jeff Ellis and his colleagues that traditional lifeguard training was not adequate for either swimmer or lifeguard safety.
Jeff pushed the learning curve for water parks, testing techniques and protocol that led to the creation of E&A’s first National Pool & Waterpark Lifeguard Training Program®, published in 1983. E&A training established revolutionary practices such as eliminating body contact rescues and introducing rescue tube technology. The organization’s original lifeguard training program, now called the International Lifeguard Training Program®, has been translated into more than a dozen languages.
Started by Ellis in 1983, Ellis and Associates (E&A) observes a momentous anniversary this year, marking 40 years of service to the aquatics industry, including powerful milestones that have elevated swimmer safety around the world. The number of E&A Clients grows daily, and all started in Texas when Jeff, who was working in aquatic safety for the Red Cross, was called to investigate a drowning event at a new water park near Houston.
In 2004, Jeff expanded E&A’s aquatics services, launching Jeff Ellis Management (JEM) to provide complete aquatic facility management. JEM currently serves aquatic facilities small and large, from local parks and recreation facilities to large water park destinations and resorts.
Adding another layer to swimmer safety, Jeff saw a need for consistent, accountability-based swim instruction and in 2006 introduced the Jeff Ellis Swimming (JES) learn-to-swim program. JES Program Coordinators undergo rigorous training that results in certification that allows them to train swim instructors to offer programs from beginner to advanced and even adult swim.
More recently, in 2020 Jeff Ellis launched Ellis Aquatic Innovations, known as EAISafety, a suite of services that utilizes advanced technology solutions including AI, machine learning and high-tech cameras. Soon after the launch of E&A, the company created the first for the aquatics industry. The International Aquatic Safety School (IASS) and IASS East include a week intense program that includes not only aquatic safety, but principles of leadership, crisis communications, risk management and professional development.
Today, E&A is led by Senior Vice President and COO Richard A. “RAC” Carroll. RAC is active throughout the industry including roles with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code, among others. His first season as a lifeguard was in 1986 where, as a member of the Morey’s Piers and Raging Waters aquatics team, he attended his first E&A Lifeguard Training.
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. The Big E’s Court of Honor Stage will feature a diverse lineup of artists including Dokken, Megan Moroney, Ginuwine, José Feliciano, Nicky Youre and more when the Fair returns, September 15-October 1. The popular venue, located in front of the historic Coliseum, will host daily shows at 12, 2, 5 and 8pm. All shows are free with admission to The Big E. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Concerts include: Molly Hatchet (“Flirtin’ with Disaster”) September 16, 8pm; Vertical Horizon (“Everything You Want”) September 17, 8pm; Humble Pie Legacy (“30 Days In The Hole”)
September 18-19, 2pm; O-Town (“All or Nothing”)
September 18-19, 8pm; Robert Davi
Sings Sinatra (A Tribute to the Great American Songbook) September 20-21, 8pm; Dokken (“Alone Again”) September 20, 8pm; Megan Moroney (“Tennessee Orange”) September 21, 8pm; The Little Mermen (The Premier Disney Rock Band) September 22-24, 2pm; Mike
DelGuidice with his band Big Shot, September 24, 8pm; José Feliciano (“El Ultimo Adiós”)
September 27-28, 2pm; Ginuwine (“Pony”)
September 27, 8pm; Dire Straits Legacy
(“Sultans of Swing”) September 28, 8pm; Motown & More - Motown’s Greatest Hits,
September 29-October 1, 2pm; Puddle of Mudd (“She Hates Me”) September 29, 8pm; Nicky Youre (“Sunroof”) September 30, 8pm; Lonestar (“Amazed”) October 1, 8pm.
For more information on the lineup of artists performing on the Court of Honor Stage this year, visit TheBigE.com.
NEWPORT, Kent. Chloe Hausfeld, a 12-year veteran of the entertainment and attractions industry, has been appointed a Director at Baynum Amusement Solutions, responsible for developing new business and managing projects. Hausfeld began at Baynum Amusement Solutions on March 20.
Hausfeld also will be responsible for cultivating key client and vendor relationships while helping direct growth efforts for Baynum Amusement Solutions, the industry’s top service provider.
Hausfeld, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, joins Baynum Amusement Solutions after nearly 12 years with Jack Rouse Associates (JRA), part of RWS Entertainment Group, as Vice President. In her role there, Hausfeld traveled extensively to industry symposia, coordinated logistics for JRA’s activations, and provided client service and vendor relations at the events. As account executive, she also was active in client creative sessions and provided support on projects and management oversight.
“We are excited to have Chloe Hausfeld join our Baynum Amusement Solutions team,” said Walter Bowser, president, Baynum Amusement Solutions. “Her industry experience, connections and business development skills will provide an immediate impact to our continued growth. Most importantly, her positive and fun-loving attitude will be a perfect fit for our organization and clients.”
Her current professional leadership roles include membership on the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Board of Directors, member of the Space Allocation Committee, the Global Manufacturers and Suppliers Committee, and the Give Kids the World Subcommittee. Chloe was also named the Young Professional of the Year in 2017.
Chloe Hausfeld
Ryan’s has officially opened the doors to its tenth family entertainment center at the new Hanover Crossing shopping complex.
The 40,000 square-foot venue becomes the company’s first location on the South Shore of Massachusetts and the largest in scope. Two stories encompass the latest in gaming technology, from arcades and VR to axe throwing, laser tag, and of course, bowling. The center also offers a full-service restaurant, two bars, and ample function space.
“This expansion to the South Shore has been a long time coming,” said Ryan’s Managing Partner Mike Crowley. “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Hanover Crossing retail mix, with great proximity to the Boston region. We are really proud of this venue and believe it’s going to bring unparalleled gaming offerings to the region, particularly in virtual reality.”
Ryan’s has been in the business of providing family entertainment since 1958, so it’s appropriate that the space combines a sense of nostalgia with modern touches. Upon entering, visitors will see a grand chandelier and curved staircase leading to the second floor or “Upper Deck”. The massive arcade room houses nearly 100 games, including the industry’s hottest new releases, like Dodge Ball and Ship Wreck. Highlighting the arcade are several VR attractions, including King Kong of Skull Island, Storm and Virtual Rabbids.
The first floor features a massive arcade room that houses nearly 100 games, including the industry’s hottest new releases, like Dodge Ball and Ship Wreck. Highlighting the arcade are several VR attractions, including King Kong of Skull Island, Storm and Virtual Rabbids, plus sixteen ten-pin bowling lanes flanked on each end by massive TVs and comfortable seating. The lanes feature digital scoring and lane-side food service.
A sweeping staircase leads to additional gaming, food and event space on the Upper Deck. Three axe throwing lanes allow guests ages 16 and up to try their hand at the country’s fastest growing recreational sport. A futuristic Laser Tag arena emits haze and offers multiple game modes to keep guests engaged. It also features a viewing area from the outside so parents and guests can watch the action.
Flat screen TVs are in view from nearly every vantage spot in the center, ensuring that guests can watch every big game, even while playing their own games.
The venue also includes multiple areas for birthday parties and special events. A VIP Room on the first floor includes four private bowling lanes, a dedicated bar, full AV equipment and seating for up to fifty. Flanking the bowling lanes are multiple “flex style” party rooms that can be closed off for privacy. “The space was designed with ultimate flexibility in mind,” said Crowley. “We can host multiple parties at one time seamlessly or do a venue buyout for a large-scale corporate event.”
Mikayla Arnold was first introduced to the Amusement Industry in 2019 after joining Ralph S. Alberts Co. Inc. as Customer Service and Marketing Assistant. After spending time in Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, Arnold returned to Ralph S. Alberts Co. Inc. as Business Development Executive, responsible for developing new business and managing existing customer accounts.
Arnold will continue to lead and grow existing relationships with key clients and expand business relationships with prospects whose business needs pair well with the s offerings of services, solutions, & products. In addition, Arnold will be responsible for strategic planning and implementation of sales and marketing initiatives to contribute to growth efforts for The Ralph S. Alberts Co. Inc., the Amusement Industry’s premier provider of custom ride safety padding, theming components, and fiberglass ride vehicles.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Mikayla back as a team member once again. She brings a personality with energy that is unparalleled and infectious,” said Seth Alberts – President & CEO of Ralph S. Alberts Co., Inc. “Because of her vast technical knowledge of our products and services from previous employment, combined with the skills she has since developed from other industries served, we expect her to make an immediate positive impact. She will be tasked with strengthening our current customer relationships, while building an outside sales team that will be responsible for both territories and industries. I personally believe that we’ve built an internal team that’s the strongest and most cohesive in decades, and Mikayla’s return only solidifies that belief. I’m excited for our customers to share in that experience and engagement now also!”
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Penn. ASTM International’s amusement rides and devices committee (F24) is working on a comprehensive guide for lifecycle management of amusement rides.
According to ASTM International member Kelly Johnson, the guide (WK67624) will address essential questions on amusement ride standards. These include how F24 standards fit together, where one can find a list of standards available, and how one assesses a ride that’s near the end of its operational life.
“All committee members will find this new standard useful, but especially members new to the F24 community,” says Johnson. “This should be the first ‘go-to’ standard and will help direct them to the appropriate specific standard for their project. As with any ASTM standard, the initial release will contain only the basics. The task group has several requests ready to add once the standard is published and we look forward to ‘adding more meat to the bone.’”
The guide intends to fill a crucial gap in knowledge for owners/operators whose amusement devices are aging, require technical support or upgrades, or are near the end of their useful life.
Mikayla ArnoldWater Country Water Park is the very cool spot for fun this summer season as the park celebrates 40 unforgettable years with a massive park-wide transformation.
With Opening Day slated for June 3, guests can expect an all-new entrance featuring a redesigned Main Gate, a brand-new Water Country sign, refreshed parking booths and more. In addition to the entrance transformation, New England’s Largest Water Park will introduce two all-new ride experiences, Hyperlight. The reimagined attractions take the place of two of the park’s most intense water slides, Black Whole and Warp Eight. Both tubeslides will be fitted with iSlide technology, sending riders on an immersive journey through vivid lights and pulsing sounds.
“Water Country has been a staple for every New Englander’s summer since opening its gates in 1984,” said General Manager Matt Hehl. “40 looks great on us, and we can’t wait to welcome guests back this season as we celebrate four decades of fun with an all-new look and feel that will capture guests’ attention as soon as they enter the park.”
In addition to a fully transformed entrance, Water Country will also receive new wayfinding signage, a new entrance sign and photo opportunity at the start of the Adventure River and transformed restrooms near the park’s main entrance. Four popular water attractions will also be repainted with eye-catching colors, Dragon’s Den, Plunge, Racing Rapids and Hyperlight will receive new looks prior to Opening Day 2023.
Splish Splash Water Park is proud to announce its continued partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) by achieving recertification as a Certified Autism Center.™ This designation reaffirms the water park's unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for autistic and sensory sensitive individuals and their families, further solidifying its position as a leader in accessibility within the water park industry.
“Splish Splash is proud to be working with IBCCES to once again achieve recognition as a certified autism center,” said Splish Splash General Manager Mike Bengtson. “In 2019, we became the first water park in New York State to receive this designation, and our implementation of the IBCCES Accessibility Card last year was a huge success. We always strive to make our park accessible to everyone, and working with organizations such as IBCCES is evidence of our strong commitment to this goal.”
As part of the recertification process, Splish Splash Water Park team members underwent extensive training to enhance their understanding of autism and sensory awareness. By the water park equipping its staff with the necessary knowledge and skills, the park ensures that autistic and sensory sensitive guests receive support and accommodations during their visit.
To further enhance the guest experience, Splish Splash introduced the IBCCES Accessibility Card (IAC) in 2022. The IAC is a complimentary resource available to individuals who require special accommodation or services at the park. Individuals with an IAC card are eligible for the park’s ride accessibility program and are encouraged to present their valid IAC at Guest Services.
SKYnext, Skyline Attractions’ annual event for aspiring theme park industry professionals, is set to make a return this year on September 22 and 23 in Orlando, Florida. Following a hiatus since 2018, the event promises to be bigger and better than ever before with behind-the-scenes tours, exclusive speakers, and networking opportunities. SKYnext is the brainchild of Skyline Attractions, an Orlando-based amusement ride design and manufacturing firm with a portfolio of attractions around the globe.
“We are thrilled to bring back SKYnext, an event that has proven to be a game-changer for aspiring theme park professionals. The past events were resounding successes, providing students with invaluable networking opportunities and allowing them to hear from a diverse range of industry professionals,” Skyline President Jeff Pike said. “We are proud to see many past SKYnext attendees flourishing in the theme park industry, with several making notable contributions right here at Skyline Attractions.”
One of the key highlights of SKYnext is the lineup of esteemed speakers from across the theme park industry. In the past, representatives from industry giants such as Universal, Disney, RMC, IAAPA, TEA, Ride Entertainment, and SeaWorld have graced the event with their insights and expertise. Attendees can expect a similar caliber of speakers this year, promising enlightening discussions and valuable industry perspectives.
Moreover, SKYnext places great emphasis on facilitating networking opportunities. Young professionals, including college students and recent graduates, will have the chance to connect with their peers as well as representatives from various amusement industry companies present at the event.
For more information about SKYnext and to apply, please visit SkylineAttractions.com/ SKYnext2023.
International Ride Training is excited to announce that National Ride Operator Appreciation Day is on June 30th! This day is dedicated to recognizing the hard work and dedication of the ride operators who make our safe, efficient, and fun rider experiences possible. Ride operators are crucial in ensuring guests have a memorable time at your park. International Ride Training secured this day officially in the National Day Archives last year to be celebrated on this day each year.
“We know being a ride operator is the “hardest job you will ever love” and that it is “poetry in motion” when done well each and every cycle,” said Cindee Huddy, owner and managing partner of IRT. “Most people who love and enjoy rides do not realize the many simultaneous duties an operator conducts because they make it look easy! This is a chance for everyone to say, ‘We appreciate you and your hard work!’”
To celebrate National Ride Operator Appreciation Day, IRT is encouraging attractions to recognize and thank their ride operators for the hard work and dedication that they bring to the job, and to share the celebration on social media by adding photos and videos of your teams on both IRT’s and the attraction’s social media using the hashtags #nationalrideoperatorday, #internationalridetraining, and #rideoperatorsiROC. This will help spread awareness of the critical role that ride operators play in the amusement park industry.
“Enthusiasm for this national day of recognition has already spread, and plans are in the works at several attractions. A few of their ideas include donuts and cupcakes for the entire team, fun swag giveaways, a pizza party, taking photos of the operators in action, and the simple saying thank you, and we appreciate you by lots of people all day long!” said Huddy.