For more than a century, Kennywood has
been the Pittsburgh area's playground. Founded in 1898 at the
terminus of the Monongahela Street Railway trolley line, the park
quickly grew into a favourite summertime destination. Kennywood is
unique in that it is one of the country's few successful trolley
parks. In 1987, Kennywood was designated a National Historic
Landmark and is known today as America's Finest Traditional
Amusement Park. Many unique rides and attractions have distinguished
Kennywood over the years. Some old favourites, such as the Rockets,
Laff in the Dark, Ghost Ship, and Skooters, are long gone. Others,
such as the Old Mill, Noah's Ark, Auto Race, Turtle, Whip, and Grand
Carousel, still entertain guests today. Kennywood is perhaps best
known for its impressive collection of roller coasters, from earlier
coasters such as the Figure Eight, Speed-O-Plane, and Pippin to the
Racer, Jack Rabbit, Thunderbolt, and Phantom's Revenge coasters that
still thrill riders today.About the author
David P. Hahner Jr. is an avid
amusement park and roller coaster enthusiast and has been a lifelong
fan of Kennywood. He grew up within two miles of the park and worked
summers there while studying at the University of Pittsburgh. He has
been an active member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts since 1980
and is a member of the National Amusement Park Historical
Association and the Darkride and Funhouse Enthusiasts.
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