Lake Compounce
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| Location | Bristol, Connecticut  |
|---|---|
| Address | 271 Enterprise Drive Bristol, CT 06010 |
| Phone numbers | (860)-583-3300 (860)-589-7974 fax |
| Website | www.lakecompounce.com |
| Owner | Kennywood Entertainment |
| Opened | 1846 |
| Previous names | Lake Compounce (1846-1985), Hershey Lake Compounce (1986-1987), Lake Compounce Festival Park (1988-1995), Lake Compounce (1996-Present) |
| Operating season | for 2007 May 12 through October 31st |
| Area | 332 acres |
| Rides | 44 total
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| Slogan | New England's Family Theme Park |
Lake Compounce is a theme park located in Bristol, Connecticut, United States and a part of the neighboring town of Southington, Connecticut; the lake itself lies completely in Southington. It is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, having operated since 1846. The park covers 332 acres (1.3 km²) of land.
Contents |
[edit] Legend
The lake's name is derived from Chief John Compound, a Mattatuck/Tunxis Native American. On December 2, 1684, his wife and several tribal members affixed their waxed fingertip marks to a deed that conveyed the "Compound's Lake" to a group of white settlers, including John Norton, who had migrated to central Connecticut from Massachusetts, for pennies on the dollar and miscellaneous trinkets, including a large copper tea kettle. According to legend, when Compound learned he had been hoodwinked, he paddled into the lake tied to his kettle and drowned. The legend also claims the spirit of Chief Compound still lives at the lake.
[edit] History
[edit] Early days
The park's roots trace back to 1846, when a descendant of John Norton, Gad Norton, hired a scientist to blow up a raft. Though the experiment failed, Norton noted that thousands of people had shown up for the event and was inspired to open a park. He put a path around the lake, set up picnic tables, allowed public swimming and rowing on the lake, built a gazebo for lakeside band concerts and built a few rides. Lake Compounce had officially opened to the public as a picturesque picnic park. The park prospered as a picnic park through the post-Civil War era.
In 1851 Isaac Pierce, a successful "California Gold Rush 49er," joined forces with Norton; the two established the firm of Pierce and Norton. In 1875 Norton and Pierce petitioned local legislators that their residences be "set off" from the town of Southington to the town of Bristol. A sheep roast was held in appreciation of those legislators and friends who helped secure the granting of that petition. In this quiet manner, the famed "Crocodile Club" was established and, in 2000, celebrated its 126th reunion.
The casino, the first permanent building on the property, was built in 1895 with a restaurant downstairs and a ballroom upstairs. A full-course dinner cost fifty cents. Public transportation also began that year as the Bristol and Plainville Tramway Company; later, the Southington and Compounce Line brought thousands of parkgoers to Lake Compounce by trolley.
Around that time, Timothy Murphy of Savin Rock, Connecticut, began to assemble the carousel. Combining the works of four master carvers, Looff, Carmel, Stein and Goldstein, Lake Compounce purchased it for $10,000 and it opened to the public on Memorial Day, 1911. This carousel is now included in the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1914 the Green Dragon, Lake Compounce's first electric-powered roller coaster, opened to the public. It was torn down in 1926, and in 1927 was replaced by the Wildcat, a wooden classic designed by Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, which is still running to this day.
The 1930s brought more growth. The casino ballroom was expanded to include an enormous dance floor without walls, so that people could dance under the stars. Huge windowed walls and a high arched ceiling were added in 1937. On Easter Sunday, Glenn Gray and the Casa Loma Band opened the Starlite Ballroom to a full house of big-band enthusiasts. From Dorsey to Calloway, Basie to Kenton, James to Goodman, the ballroom was packed for each performance. The all-time attendance record of 5,000 was set in the spring of 1941, when Tommy Dorsey's reorganized band featured a young up and coming vocalist, Frank Sinatra.
In 1933, citing the effects of the Depression and the automobile, trolley service was discontinued to the park, which dealt it a difficult blow. Lake Compounce purchased a miniature steam railroad designed and built by British actor William Gillette, portrayer of Sherlock Holmes in 1943. The train made its inaugural run in 1944 when more than 100,000 passengers rode on more than 35 tons of 17 gauge steel track which completely encircled the lake.
Lake Compounce prospered during the 1940s and 50s as unique picnic/amusement park. Local entertainers appeared as a weekly attraction on the Lake Front Stage and featured such talent as Tex Pavel, Colonel Clown, and Slim Cox and the Cowboy Caravan. In 1959, an 18-hole miniature golf course was added (later removed in 2004).
[edit] Changing hands
Through the next several decades little changed until the late 1960s and 70s when the park's attendance numbers were dropping. Lake Compounce remained under the ownership of the Pierce and Norton Corporation until 1966, when Edward G. Pierce, Isaac's grandson, sold his interests to the Norton family. The Nortons continued to own and operate the park through 1985. That year the park was sold to HERCO. HERCO immediately invested millions to renovate the park and unfortunately ran into trouble and delays. They opened the park as "Hershey Lake Compounce" in July 1986. The formerly free admission park now had admission fees and the park was still only partially renovated. This led to disappointing attendance numbers. After further renovations and another disappointing season, Hershey Corporation abruptly backed out in the winter of 1987.
In 1988, Joseph Entertainment Group bought into the park and renamed it "Lake Compounce Festival Park". JEG constructed a 20,000 seat outdoor amphitheater and hosted large acts including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, former Beatle Ringo Starr, UB40, The Allman Brothers, Funkmaster Flex, and Phil Collins. An infamous moment occurred here during a 1990 MTV tour stop, in which the group Milli Vanilli were caught in the act lip syncing.
It became apparent that JEG's focus was on concert promotion and the amusement park was neglected. In 1991, exposing the financial troubles of Joseph Entertainment Group, the company bounced a check to would be performers Guns N' Roses, who then refused to play. Later JEG was found to have been almost $1 million behind in taxes and had not refunded ticket-holders for 15 canceled concerts. They eventually filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
From 1986 through 1996, Lake Compounce experienced the "decade of the roller coaster." Financial troubles and empty promises from a string of four owners had severely tarnished the park's image. During this decade, Lake Compounce had a checkered history including mountains of unpaid bills, a barrage of lawsuits and a string of unsuccessful turnaround attempts.
Over several seasons a group led by Steven Barbarino managed to open the park on a very limited basis and eventually re-purchased the park. They sought a new group to manage the park. Several expressed interest, including Anheuser Busch, Lego, and Funtime Inc. In 1994 Funtime agreed to manage the park and began full-time operations again in 1995. However, midway through the year Funtime was bought out by Premier Parks which had earlier purchased competitor Riverside Park. Premier Parks opted out of its contract with Lake Compounce to focus on Riverside Park, leaving Lake Compounce in peril once again.
[edit] Kennywood era
Early in 1996 an agreement was signed with current operator Kennywood Entertainment, owners of Pittsburgh's historic Kennywood amusement park. After many years of financial troubles and management issues Kennywood devoted itself to creating a clean, family-oriented and family-themed amusement park. Every year since, the park has enjoyed much success and many millions of dollars in renovations and improvements including Boulder Dash, which received the 2004 Golden Ticket Award for the #1 rated Wooden Roller Coaster by Amusement Today. In 2005, Boulder Dash took the #2 spot and in 2006 tied for 3rd in the Golden Ticket Awards for the best wooden Roller Coasters. Boulder Dash also was voted #1 Wooden Roller Coaster in the World by the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Over the last 10 years, Kennywood has invested nearly $70 million in rides and attractions.
Between 2001-2004, the park suffered from some bad publicity due to a series of accidents at the park. In 2001, a 5-year-old boy drowned after going down the "Lake Plunge Slide" [1]. In 2004, a 6-year-old boy was killed after a limb from a dead tree fell on his head near the former mini-golf area. Two park employees have also died in accidents since 2001. A groundskeeper was trimming weeds under the Boulderdash track during the park's regular morning ride testing. The coaster was on a test run, and due to the loudness of the weed trimmer, the man never heard the train coming, was partially decapitated, and died [2]. Also, an employee jumped onto and held on to the Tornado ride as it was still moving after the ride cycle, and was dragged under the ride when his clothing got stuck [3]. The ride was closed indefinitely at the request of the victim's family and was later replaced by Twister in 2000.
For the 2004 season Lake Compounce added the 185 ft. (56.4 m) drop tower, Downtime. For the 2006 season Lake Compounce added a brand new S&S Screamin' Swing ride titled "Thunder 'N' Lightning." The multi-million dollar attraction, featuring two giant swing arms, holds 32 passengers who are catapulted to heights of almost 100 feet at 60 miles per hour, with four Gs of force.
Also in early 2006, there was a dispute between Lake Compounce and preservationists about the fate of Gad Norton's original 200-year-old farmhouse. The park knocked it down to make way for a maintenance and office building.
On November 1, 2006, the shooting of a portion of the film Reservation Road took place at Lake Compounce. The film is being directed by Terry George and stars Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Connelly, Mira Sorvino and Elle Fanning.
[edit] Today
Lake Compounce has has grown to include four roller coasters and close to forty rides. The park also includes a large water park by the lake, "Splash Harbor". The water park includes several slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and an interactive complex, making it the biggest water park in Connecticut. Lake Compounce is known for offering free Pepsi soda to all guests and employees who visit the park. Private catered events take place for such companies as the local Bristol based ESPN and Pfizer. The park also hosts a 4th of July firework show over the lake every year.
During October the park transforms itself into a Halloween experience for adults and children. The midways are decorated, and many of the park's rides are run in the dark. Produced by Graveyard Productions, the haunted house is dubbed "The Haunted Graveyard". The experience consists of a a 45-minute walk-through of catacombs, castles, special effects, and graveyards, as well as many other houses being added every year. The Haunted Graveyard started in 1991 and found a home a Lake Compounce in 2001. Portions of the proceeds are donated towards Juvenile Diabetes research.
[edit] New additions
When the park opens for the 2007 season on May 12, several new rides will be opening, including a 1956 Corvette car ride, Zoomer's Gas N' Go. Construction began July 31, 2006 alongside the park's Zoomerang Coaster on the north end of the midway. Children as young as two will be able to ride this '50s themed attraction. Ten small-scale cars at a time travel the 1,000 ft. long roadway. The cars are powered electrically by low voltage via an undercarriage roller system and brushes connected to a copper hot rail on the track. The driver or occupant of the ride will not be able to alter the car's speed, but will be able to steer it slightly as the wheels straddle the track. The loading area is themed as a gas station, and along the track are nostalgic billboards, a drive-in, and other landmarks built to match the scale of the cars. A replica of a repair shop will house the cars that are off the track and in for repairs. The attraction features an on-ride photo system.
A new balloon ride called Rainbow Riders has been added in the Garfield's Circus World section. Rainbow-colored balloons will carry passengers 25 feet in the air and slowly spin around. Rainbow Riders will be installed where the Caterpillar Train was located. The Caterpillar Train has been moved to a nearby covered pavilion and will be surrounded by new theming. Additionally, there is a new cabana boat to transport guests across the lake to the catering pavilions, the Compounce Mountain Sky Ride, and Thunder Rapids Raft Ride.
[edit] Future additions
Future plans include doubling the size of the Splash Harbor water park. This will require the moving of nearby Mount Vernon Road to the north to give the park more room for expansion. The work on the road move is expected to cost $3 million while the additions to the water park are expected to cost $15 million. [4]
[edit] Gallery
 Boulder Dash |
 Boulder Dash |
 Wildcat |
 Zoomerang |
 Thunder N Lightning |
 Down Time |
 Wave Swinger |
 Ghost Hunt |
 Carousel |
 American Flyers |
 C.P. Huntington Train |
 The Lake |
 Thunder Rapids |
 Saw Mill Plunge |
 Anchor Bay |
 Lake Plunge |
 Green Dragon |
 Rainbow Riders |
[edit] Attractions
[edit] Roller coasters
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Boulder Dash | A 4,700 foot long wooden roller coaster designed by Custom Coasters International. The ride is designed to take advantage of Lake Compounce's hilly terrain and forested scenery. Height restriction - 48 inches. |
| Kiddie Coaster | A small steel roller coaster scaled specifically for children between 36 inches and 56 inches in height. |
| Wildcat | Beginning operation in 1927, the Wildcat is one of the oldest continually operating wooden roller coasters in the world. During the 2006-2007 off season the Wildcat had magnetic brakes installed, and will resume operation at the start of the 2007 park season, when there are plans to run two trains. Height restriction - 48 inches. |
| Zoomerang | A Vekoma Boomerang shuttle coaster, Lake Compounce's Zoomerang is one of almost fifty examples of the design worldwide. The Lake Compounce Zoomerang is the 35th model of its kind to be built and the first to use Vekoma tains instead of the Arrow Dynamic ones. Height restriction - 48 inches. |
[edit] Amusement rides
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| American Flyers | Flying scooters built by Bisch-Rocco in 1937. The ride operated at several parks over its 70-year history before settling down at Lake Compounce in 1997 as the Flying Scooters. The ride was removed in 2001 for Mammoth Falls and returned to the park, relocated, refurbished, and redecorated in 2003 as the American Flyers. Height restriction - 48 inches for riders, or 36 inches if accompanied by an adult. |
| Bumper Cars | A bumper car hall with approx. 17 cars running at one time. During the "Haunted Graveyard" in October, the ride's lights are turned out and replaced by strobe effects and fog fills the building. Height restriction - 48 inches. |
| C.P. Huntington Train | A family train ride which navigates alongside the east shore of Lake Compounce itself, traveling through Splash Harbor. The locomotive is modeled on an 1863 locomotive, a 2-1-2 style and pulls six passenger cars. Height restriction - 42 inches, although anyone under this height may ride if accompanied by an adult. |
| Carousel | Built in the mid 1890s, the carousel was crafted by four master crafters who produced 49 horses, two chariots, and a goat. The ride was relocated to Lake Compounce in 1911 and was refurbished in 2003. Height restriction - 46 inches, although anyone under this height may ride if accompanied by an adult. |
| Down Time | Installed in 2003, the S&S Power Turbo Drop began operation for the 2004 operating season. Height restriction - 52 inches. |
| Enterprise | A HUSS Enterprise, refurbished in 2006. Height restriction - 54 inches. |
| Ferris Wheel | Constructed by Chance and opened in 1997, the ferris wheel bears 20 gondolas. Height restriction - 46 inches, although anyone under this height may ride if accompanied by an adult. |
| Ghost Hunt | An interactive haunted house ride designed by Sally Corporation which opened for the 1999 season. Riders are loaded into one of eight two-seater cars and provided with a "ghost blaster", which they use to shoot ghosts and score points. Height restriction - 42 inches, although anyone under this height may ride if accompanied by an adult. |
| Lakeside Trolley | An open-air trolley car that began service in 1911 between New Haven, Connecticut and Lake Compounce. Refurbished in 1997, the 75-passenger car shuttles rides from one end of the lake to the other. Height restriction - 46 inches, although anyone under this height may ride if accompanied by an adult. |
| Musik Express | A rock 'n' roll-themed Music Express. Height restriction - 46 inches. |
| Pirate Ship | A HUSS-designed pendulum ride, complete with visual theming, including a working waterfall. Height restriction - 48 inches, although those over 38 inches may ride with an adult. |
| Rotor | A 1997 installation, the Chance Rotor is one of only a small number still operating in the United States. Height restriction - 46 inches for this centrifugal ride, although those over 42 inches may ride with an adult. |
| Saw Mill Plunge | An Arrow Dynamics-designed log flume ride. Like Boulder Dash, Saw Mill Plunge takes advantage of the hilly, wooded terrain to enhance the ride experience. Height restriction - 46 inches, although those over 36 inches may ride with an adult. |
| *Sky Coaster | A high-thrill free-fall ride which requires an additional fee. Height restriction - 42 inches. |
| Skyride | A chairlift that takes passengers for a scenic 25-minute ride, covering 750 vertical feet. |
| Thunder N' Lightning | A S&S Power Screamin' Swing, opened in May 2006. Height restriction - 48 inches. |
| Thunder Rapids | A 120,000-gallon raft ride manufactured by Hopkins and installed in 1997. Height restriction - 42 inches, although those over 36 inches may be accompanied by an adult. |
| Twister | A "Tornado" installed in 2000. Height restriction - 48 inches, or 38 inches with an adult. |
| Wave Swinger | A Chair-O-Planes ride. Height restriction - 46 inches. |
| Zoomer's Gas N' Go | A '50s themed attraction with 1956 Corvette cars. Ten small-scale Corvettes at a time travel the 1,000 ft. long roadway. The cars are powered electrically by low voltage via an undercarriage roller system and brushes connected to a copper hot rail on the track. The driver or occupant is not able to alter its speed, but is able to steer the car slightly as the wheels straddle the track. |
(*) Additional Fee Required
[edit] Water rides
| Water Ride Name | Restrictions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Bay | Over 42", 36-42 w/Adult | Lazy river with optional water slide |
| Clipper Cove | Under 40" w/Adult | Pirate ship-themed soak zone |
| Compounce Cabana Boat | Under 42"/Adult w/Life Jacket | Pontoon boat, transports riders across the lake |
| Keeper's Cottage Pool & Slides | 54" Max | Kiddie-themed area and slides |
| Lake Plunge | Over 46", 46"-56" w/Life Jacket | Enclosed tube slide that dumps riders into the lake |
| Lights Out | Over 46" | Enclosed spiral slide around a lighthouse |
| Mammoth Falls | Over 48", 36-48 w/Adult | Family style, partially enclosed tube slide |
| *Swan Boats | Under 46"/Adult | Paddle boats |
| Twister Sisters | Over 46" | Three open, inter-twisting slides |
(*) Additional Fee Required
[edit] Kiddie rides
| Name | Height Rules | Comparable full-scale ride |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic Express | 56" Max | Musik Express |
| Caterpillar Train | 54" Max | C.P. Huntington Train |
| Drum Circus | 56" Max | Twister |
| Fantasy Carousel | 56" Max | Carousel |
| Flying Elephants | 54" Max | |
| Garfield's Drop | 38-56", 38-42 w/Adult | Down Time |
| Kiddie Coaster | 36-56" w/Adult | Wildcat |
| Little Critters | 54" Max | Bumper Cars |
| Little Dare Devils | 56" Max | |
| Rainbow Riders | TBD | |
| Swinger | 54" Max | Wave Swinger |
- During the October season, Kiddleland, Splash Harbor, and rides located on the park's south end are closed.
[edit] Attraction Timeline
- 2007: Zoomer's Gas N' Go, Rainbow Riders, Compounce Cabana Boat
- 2006: Thunder N' Lightning, Cirque En Vol Outdoor Stage, Panini Grill
- 2005: Anchor Bay, Swan Boats (removed in 2007), Starlight Theatre
- 2004: Down Time, Garfield's Drop Zone, Carousel Cafe
- 2003: Clipper Cove, American Flyers
- 2001: Mammoth Falls, The Haunted Graveyard (October Event)
- 2000: Boulder Dash, Twister
- 1999: Ghost Hunt and Ghostly Games Complex, Lake Plunge, Mark Twain (removed in 2007)
- 1998: Sky Coaster, Splash Harbor, Lights Out
- 1997: Flying Scooters(removed in 2001), Bumper Cars, Rotor, Thunder Rapids, Zoomerang, Giant Wheel, Skyride, Lakeside Trolley, C.P. Huntington Train, Top Spin (removed in 2003), Drum Circus, Kiddie Coaster
- 1995: Twister Sisters
- 1988: 20,000 Seat Outdoor Amphitheater (removed in 1997)
- 1987: Saw Mill Plunge
- 1959: 18-hole Miniature Golf Course (removed in 2004)
- 1927: Wildcat (rebuilt in 1985)
- 1914: The Green Dragon (removed in 1926)
- 1911: Carousel (new building in 2003)
- 1895: The Crocodile Club
[edit] 2007 shows and entertainment
| Venue Name | Featured Entertainment |
|---|---|
| Starlight Theater | Rockin' on Route 66 |
| Outdoor Stage | Cirque En Vol |
| Garfield's Circus World Stage | Garfield the Great and Friends, The Adventures of Molly Molecule, Meet and Greet Garfield |
| Street Entertainment | The Three Cylinders, Smilin' Sam the Ice Cream Man |
[edit] Shops and stands
[edit] Food
| Name | Offerings |
|---|---|
| Carousel Cafe | Grilled chicken sandwiches, quarter-pound burgers, veggie and turkey burgers, foot-long hot dogs, curly fries, onion rings, fruit & yogurt parfaits, bottled water and milk |
| Croc Pot | Prime rib sandwiches; seafood; ham, turkey and chicken wraps; salads; coffee; hot and cold teas; and milk |
| Fried Bats | Fried dough & fried Oreos, bottled water, cold teas and milk |
| Funnel Cake Factory | Funnel cakes with fruit and ice cream toppings, soft ice cream and sprinkles |
| Harborside Pizza | Hand-stretched pizza, whole or by the slice |
| La Fiesta | Soft tacos, burritos, taco salads, nachos supreme and churros |
| Panini Grille | Stuffed grilled sandwiches, including BLT, Caribbean chicken, eggplant with ricotta and mozzarella, and turkey; individual caesar salads; and grilled chicken salad wraps |
| Parkside Diner | Fried fish fillets, kielbasa and kraut, quarter-pound burgers, foot-long hot dogs, french fries, onion rings, bottled water and milk |
| Potato Patch | Fries with a variety of toppings, chicken tenders, boneless buffalo wings, and baked potatoes |
| Sweet Treats | Cotton candy, popcorn, and sno-cones. |
| Trolley Stop | Soft ice cream, slushies, and hot pretzels. |
[edit] Retail
| Shop | Offerings |
|---|---|
| Chuckles | "Fun stuff" including toys and games; wheelchair, stroller, and wagon rentals. |
| Good Times Gifts | T-shirts, other clothing, and accessories. |
| Splash Harbor Beach Shoppe | Swimwear, gifts, and everything else needed for Splash Harbor. |
| Yankee Emporium | Lake Compounce-branded gifts, souvenirs, and clothing. |
[edit] Games
- Front Games
Hot Shot, Short Range, Skee Ball, Water Race Game, Whac-a-Mole, Cat Rack
- Ghostly Games
The Big One Crane, Fish R' Jumpin, Hi-Stryker, Scale Game, Ring a Ghoul, Graveyard Golf
- Back Games
Top 2 Glo, Gone Fishin, Lobster Flop, Duck Pond
[edit] Visiting Information
[edit] Admission/Parking
Admission information is based on 2007 Prices:
- Season pass: $74.95
- Regular Admission (52" and taller): $33.95
- Junior Admission (Under 52" tall): $24.95
- Senior Admission (Over 60 years of age): $16.95
- After 5 P.M. : $17.95
- Ages 3 and under: Free
- Parking per car: $5.00
[edit] Park Hours
During the regular season, Lake Compounce opens daily at 11:00 AM EST; during peak season it closes at 8:00 PM Monday-Thursday and at 10:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
During October, the rides at Lake Compounce open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 5:00 PM; the Haunted Graveyard walk-through expirence begins at dusk, and closes at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 10 PM on Sundays.
[edit] Addresses
Main Gate Address: 271 Enterprise Drive Bristol, CT 06010
Mailing Address: 822 Lake Avenue Bristol, CT 06010
[edit] Sister parks
| Amusement parks owned by Kennywood Entertainment |
|---|
|
Idlewild and Soak Zone - Kennywood - Lake Compounce - Sandcastle Waterpark |
[edit] External links
- Official website
- Haunted Graveyard official website
- Fan site
- National Amusement Park Historical Association
| Rides at Lake Compounce |
|---|
|
American Flyers | Boulder Dash | Carousel | C.P. Huntington Train | Down Time | Enterprise | Ferris Wheel | Ghost Hunt | Lakeside Trolley | Musick Express | Pirate Ship | Saw Mill Plunge | Skycoaster | Skyride | Thunder N' Lightning | Thunder Rapids | Twister | Wave Swinger | Wildcat | Zoomerang | Zoomer's Gas N' Go |
