Kennywood's Open
Pittsburghers are fortunate. Sure we’ve got one of the most storied football franchises in history. And yes, Places Rated Almanac recently named the city the nation’s most livable. But on a summer day, while the “pain at the pump” is increasingly feeling more like flat out torture and airfares continue their ascent, while airline service continues its descent—for those local kids who know there’s just no way mom and dad can afford the trip to Mickey’s playground—there’s one thing Pittsburgh’s got, that means more than all the trophies and accolades, and that’s Kennywood Park.
Kennywood was established in 1898, as a trolley park: a reason for people to hop on the public transportation in their spare time. And although, like many amusement parks, it’s had its successful stretches as well as times of struggle, it’s managed to survive. This may be due, in no small part, to the park’s ability to move with the times, while still offering that quaintness that is often associated with classic amusement parks. Case in point: Kennywood, which once promoted itself as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World,” offers classic wooden coasters like the Thunderbolt, Jack Rabbit, and Racer (the last two which were originally built in the 1920s) alongside the modern Phantom’s Revenge (a reworking of the Steel Phantom first constructed in 1991). And it’s this mix of old and new, I think, that has made Kennywood so attractive to so many kids of all ages, throughout the years.
But that’s my adult opinion. Since we all know amusement parks are about the family, I thought I’d let my nieces (visiting from Massachusetts) tell you a little about what they enjoyed most during their recent visit to Kennywood. The five and seven-year-olds dictated their thoughts to grandma, while, the ten-year wrote hers herself.
Five-year-old:
Favorite Ride: Garfield (originally called “The Old Mill,” this tunnel of love style ride is the oldest ride in the park)
Notes: Got soaked at the Pittsburgh Plunge (water ride, of course); rode all the rides I could (there are height restrictions), did not ride kiddy rides; best amusement park I’ve been to.
Seven-year-old:
Favorite Ride: Racer (blue car won), Jack Rabbit because it went both slow and fast
Notes: Three wet rides, make sure you bring extra clothes and towel; Exterminator is for those who like wild rides; the park is really well made because there’s a whole bunch of rides.
Ten-year-old:
“My favorite ride was probably the Thunderbolt. I liked it because it was super fast and really thrilling. The first ride we rode was the Jack Rabbit. Then the racer, then the Log Jammer. My least favorite ride was The Exterminator because even though the first part was really cool and different because it was a rollercoaster with hills and drops all in the dark, the end was just as fast but sickening because the car would spin around and around and around as fast as can be. I really enjoyed my time at Kennywood.”
So there you have it. Really couldn’t have said it better myself.
Oh, and by the way, a note on the title “Kennywood’s Open”: it’s a Pittsburgh thing, that admittedly, I don’t hear much anymore. But just in case you’re visiting the ‘Burgh and someone nudges you, leans over, and informs you “Kennywood’s Open”—even though it’s January, and the park is clearly not open—don’t be alarmed, it’s just your friendly neighborhood Yinzer letting you know your fly’s undone.
