Drop everything! There’s 35 feet of soaring, swooping, sheer family fun coming to Quassy Amusement Park for the 2010 season.
“Free Fall ‘N, ’” a new ride built in Europe for the lakeside facility, will make its debut when Quassy opens for the 102nd season of operation on Saturday, April 24. “This family drop tower is the first phase of our multi-year plan to update equipment and infrastructure at the park, ” noted Eric Anderson, a Quassy co-owner. 
Custom built for the park by SBF Visa Group of Montagnana, Italy, “Free Fall ‘N’” will gently lift up to 12 riders – adults or children – to the top of the tower before making a series abrupt drops. “We’ve ridden these drop towers, and they are extremely exciting – an ideal fit for our demographic, ” Anderson added.
Final details of the unit being constructed for Quassy were ironed out during the recent International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) annual Expo in Las Vegas, Nev. “We really took a production unit and customized it to the height and color schemes we wanted, ” the park owner asserted. The tower ride will also be the first unit produced by SBF Visa Group incorporating a state-of-the-art light emitting diode (LED), computerized lighting system. “These lights are incredible, ” said Quassy owner George Frantzis II. “They’re a show in themselves and lend to our continued efforts in going ‘green’ – using less energy in park operations.”
Facelift For Catered Area The Fieldside Pavilion, Quassy’s largest area for catered group outings, has received an extensive facelift for 2010. An all-new stainless steel food preparation and service area has been built in the pavilion during the off-season as well as other improvements made. “Basically, the entire inside of the structure will have a brighter, more modern atmosphere, ” Frantzis said of the project. The huge structure was built in 1952 and can host groups of 500 to 3, 000 persons. Its adjacent great lawn area has volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, bocce and baseball Numerous other infrastructure projects have been completed during the fall and winter. Quassy’s popular “Trabant” ride, a park staple since 1965, was totally refurbished by the facility’s safety and maintenance department.
Economic Impact Quassy’s renovations are expected to have positive economic impact throughout the area as well. “Regional accommodations that package vacation stays with us realize the value of having modern attractions nearby, ” Frantzis explained. “These partnerships have grown extensively over the past couple of years, and much of that can be attributed to the park’s progressive nature in updating, yet preserving a family atmosphere.” “The impact tourist attractions have on the business climate locally is very substantial, ” the park owner added. “Visitors not only pay for accommodations, but also meals at restaurants, gasoline and a variety of other goods and services. We’re happy to recommend to our guests local places to go out to dinner and other places of interest – we do that on virtually a daily basis when we’re open.”
“The unique thing here is that we have been careful to preserve the nostalgia of Quassy while making essential updates, ” Anderson interjected. “Change has been necessary – especially over the past few years – to remain competitive. At the same time, we’ve continued with a good balance of the old and the new. Everyday we hear guests comment about the classic rides like the ‘Tilt-A-Whirl’ and ‘Little Dipper’ coaster, and at the same time compliment us for having the initiative to build ‘Saturation Station.’” The state-of-the-art interactive water play area was the first installation of its type – an SCS “WaterColors” modular system – in the world when it opened in June of 2003. The park added two gigantic “Tunnel Twister” waterslides to complement the attraction in 2006. Quassy plans to add other attractions to the waterpark in coming years.
About The Park
Quassy Amusement Park features more than two-dozen rides and attractions, live entertainment, a redemption arcade, games, restaurant and special events. The park is also home to Lakeside Caterers, which prepares food for group outings staged at the property. Quassy hosts company picnics, school fieldtrips, family reunions, church picnics, team building events, stags, sports team and league banquets and weddings. Families also find the park a great place to hold birthday parties, with special packages available. Schools take advantage of Quassy’s diverse educational programs as well as a variety of competitions. The park offers a new physics booklet with pages of projects for students complete while at the property. In addition the park sponsors two educational tours, a “Wacky Science” presentation and other workshops. The annual school music festival returns to Quassy in June. Sticking to its theme of providing “affordable family fun, ” Quassy is currently offering season passes. The park will continue to present its popular “50-Cent Fabulous Friday Nights” and Saturday evening carload specials this season. For more information visit www.quassy.com or call the park office at 203-758-2913.
See also:
Amusement Parks: Jumana Brodersen designs Klump Island – New play zone for Tivoli Gardens
Amusement Parks: Thirteen – Push your luck at the Alton Towers Resort!
