Kentucky Kingdom will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a new coaster – the Kentucky Flyer.
The plans were announced at a reunion of the members of “Save My Park”, who campaigned to rescue the theme park when it was abandoned in 2010.
Kentucky Kingdom’s Senior Marketing Manager, Adam Birkner said, “What better way to celebrate Kentucky Kingdom’s 30th anniversary than to add our sixth roller coaster! The Kentucky Flyer is designed by the Gravity Group, an internationally acclaimed American wooden roller coaster supplier. They’ve built coasters all over the world and generally to rave reviews.
“The Kentucky Flyer will navigate through 56-degree hairpin turns at rapid speeds, treating riders to plenty of airtime. It’s also a big plus that the unique design of the Gravity Group’s “Timberliner” coaster train comfortably accommodates a wide range of passenger sizes (beginning at 40 inches) and weights.”
The aviation themed coaster will be the sixth for the Louisville theme park. The ride is 1,280 feet long. There will be several airtime elements and the coaster will reach a speed of around 35 mph.
Kentucky Flyer will also have several banked turns and a 45-foot drop.
Kentucky Flyer coaster designed for younger thrill seekers
Korey Kiepert, Principal with the Gravity Group, explained that the ride has been designed with younger thrill seekers in mind:
“Many coasters have a minimum height requirement of 48 inches, which is the average height of an 8-year old, but the minimum height for riders of the Kentucky Flyer will be only 40 inches (when accompanied by an adult). We’re excited about providing Kentucky Kingdom a ride that will allow younger children, many for the first time, to join their moms, dads, brothers, and sisters in experiencing the exhilaration of a high-speed roller coaster. I’ll never forget when I first fell in love with roller coasters and I can’t wait for my children to have that same unforgettable experience. Our goal was to build a coaster that the whole family can enjoy, but without sacrificing the thrills that coaster enthusiasts have come to expect from the Gravity Group. The Kentucky Flyer certainly accomplishes that goal.”
The rollercoaster will open in 2019.
Image and video courtesy Kentucky Kingdom
https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/
