Hersheypark - background:
Three hours from NYC, 2 hours from Philly, Hershey PA-- aka "Chocolatetown USA"-- was founded by chocolate tycoon Milton Hershey to house his employees. He also built an amusement park for his workers: the present-day Hershey Park theme park is a major attraction, with roller coasters and other rides.
Guests can stay at the classic Hotel Hershey, with kids' club, and spa with chocolate-themed treatments; or at Hershey Lodge, which has complimentary family activities.
- read more, and see photos, about Hershey PA
2007 is the 100th anniversary of Hersheypark, and an auspicious time for a major expansion: a $19M new waterplay experience called "The Boardwalk", specifically.
The Boardwalk
Located near the Midway inside Hersheypark, the Boardwalk reprises the style of the class seaside boardwalks of the Northeast. The aim is to give families "a trip to the seashore and a day at an amusement park."
Hershey PA, of course, is a long way from any seashore. But, no worries: tons of sand will be brought in.
The Boardwalk will feature:
- five new water-based attractions (see below)
- reconfigured access to two existing water rides (Canyon River Rapids and Tidal Force)
- beach-style lounge chairs and shaded areas
- lockers and showers
- food, skill games, and retail outlets, with the Boardwalk theme
The new area will cover 4.6 acres, and hold 323,000 gallons of water; each of the new attractions will have high-tech filtration and use recycled water and rainwater.
East Coast Waterworks:
A water-play structure --world’s largest, at time of building-- with slides, bridges, crawl tunnels, and 200 interactive water toys (squirters, buckets, etc.)
Coastline Plunge:
Four waterslides including a giant funnel called the "Tornado" and a "bowl" known as the "Cannonbowl"
Bayside Pier:
48,000-gallon pool with zero-depth-entry, ramp slide, and waves
Waverider:
The waves keep coming, and your job is to surf 'em. Two riders can compete
Sandcastle Cove:
tot pool with giant sandcastle play structure
Centennial Celebrations
The big news for Hersheypark's centenary is of course the razzmatazz of the new Boardwalk, waterslides, etc. But guests will also find new shows in the Park, fireworks displays, and special programs at Hershey Resorts.
