Park, individual, supplier each recipents of
2008 Publisher’s Pick

Xocomil Waterpark ------Paul Nelson------Zamperla

Xocomil waterpark a free sight to behold in Guatemala

Quality.

It’s what every amusement facility strives for. Some rise to the challenge to meet that goal, some don’t.

For Ricardo Castillo, quality was the number one goal when he set out to build a theme park resort outside of Guatemala City, Guatemala.

He pulled together 33,000 independent companies (representing more than 400,000 employees) and asked if they would contribute one-percent of their total payroll each month to help fund the construction of a themed resort. The catch, admission to the theme parks would be free to the workers who contribute to the fund. Eighty-nine percent of all money collected would go toward the construction of the resort, with the remaining 11 percent going towards administrative fees.

The resort began with a simple hotel. Pools, cabins and restaurants would soon follow. In Nov. 1997 the Xocomil waterpark opened to guests.

Designed by Canada’s Whitewater, this heavily themed and landscaped park features 11 Whitewater attractions to choose from. After entertaining more than 1 million guests in its opening year, the park became a spring board for the resort to build the Xetulul theme park as well as more hotels and other amenities on the property.

Thanks to the ground work laid by Xocomil, the IRTRA Resort now employs 3,000 workers and has entertained more than 38 million visitors to date.

As the numbers will tell you, Xocomil is quality, Disney quality and AT’s Park of the Year.

Top

Paul Nelson made Waldameer a career and success story

Paul Nelson had the best of both worlds.

At the young age of 11, he began work at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa. Little did he know that a friendship his mother had with the parks owners would result in him having two sets of parents
and a career at the park.

At that young age of 11 he made a promise to the then owner of Waldameer, Alex Moeller, that he would take care of his wife, Ruth, should he die before her. The Moeller’s had no children and he wanted to make sure the park would be secured for the future. To do that, the Moeller’s adopted Paul, with the blessings of Paul’s mom. He honored that promise taking care of Ruth and his mom until their deaths, all the while inherting and running a park.

During his 51 year tenture, he knew the park needed its famous and signature Ravine Flyer wooden roller coaster brought back to life. What he didn’t know is that would take 15 years to get the coaster approved to be built.

But like every other challenge he has met in life, Paul met the coaster challenges with open arms. He resolved issues with neighbors, the state, wetlands and more. He endured three different coaster companies, but kept the same designer, Larry Bill. Finally his building permit was granted. Eighteen months later the Ravine Flyer II made its debut.

With a daughter and son-in-law working in the park, Waldameer’s future has never been brighter. Amusement Today is honored to name Paul Nelson as our 2008 Person of the Year.

Top

Zamperla delivers 180+ rides per year, coasters newest hit

For Italy-based Zamperla, one has to go back to the mid-1800’s to trace its very beginnings when Giovanni Zamperla started a traveling equestrian circus to entertain at special events in towns and villages.

The second generation, Antonio Zamperla, took ‘amusement’ to a new level in the 1960’s when he started the concept of building amusement rides.

Under the Zamperla brand, the company would give birth to many must-have kiddie rides like the Mini Airplane, the Convoy and the Balloon Race. Zamperla would build a reputation for its creative theming ideas, brightly painted fiberglass decorations and affordable pricing.

Now led by the third generation, Alberto Zamperla, the company has improved its quality and led the industry in creativity that has allowed the company to experience unprecedented growth. Zamperla now produces more than 180 rides each year and has a product catalog in excess of 60 different rides. It has expanded to the United States and beyond to employ a global workforce of 450 associates.

From the early day kiddie rides to major thrill rides, Zamperla has built for every size of park imaginable. Most recently, the company has launched entire roller coaster and water ride divisions.

The next time you are in a park and you hear the laughter and screams of a child or a family on a ride, it’s a good bet they are on a Zamperla ride. AT salutes Zamperla as our 2008 Supplier of the Year for its longevity and creativity.

View the complete list of winners!
Click here to download 2008 Golden Ticket Awards Bonus Section PDF file (13.6 mb)

Top