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Welcome back and come on in, the water's fine! There has been some discussion of the updates over the last couple weeks! Based on what I've seen on FB it's getting a mostly positive response and I think it's a great way to engage/pump up the local GP. I assume the big billboard coming down will open up a new walkway but even if not it does at least open the sightlines. And it will be really nice if Lloyds is open again as a shopping venue. I can still remember when they had the giant pickle barrel there, lol.

I really hate coming back to this thread after a while and seeing some people being negative. In the meantime has anyone bothered to mention all the updates the park has been posting? I enjoy this group especially people like teacherkim, but come on now people- enjoy the park and it's interesting future under Cedar Fair co-op. Things sound like they are already turning things to 11, give them a year or two. Edit: Added park PR about the carousel:

Universal has finally announced the details of their third Orlando theme park Universal Epic Universe, starting with the gateway land, Celestial Park! https://media.universalparksusa.com/press-releases/universal-orlando-resort-shares-first-official-look-and-details-about-its-highly-anticipated-new-theme-park-universal-epic-universe/ In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will unveil its next gamechanger for theme park entertainment with the debut of its most ambitious theme park yet: Universal Epic Universe. Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion and innovation that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attraction, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic. The addition of Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park will also transform the award-winning resort into a weeklong vacation destination filled with the most compelling experiences imaginable. Today, Universal Orlando reveals more details about Celestial Park – the heart of Universal Epic Universe and the first world guests will encounter at the new theme park. CELESTIAL PARK With acres of rolling gardens, chasing waterways and strolling pathways, Celestial Park puts the “park” back in “theme park.” As soon as guests enter the imaginative world, they’ll embark on a journey of discovery, thrills and excitement as they wander through lush living gardens nestled along shimmering waters surrounded by stunning architecture inspired by astronomical and mythological elements. Here, guests can relax while taking in the sights and sounds around them, board a shooting comet for an exhilarating roller coaster adventure, dine on delectable cuisine, shop exclusive merchandise to commemorate their visit and more. PORTALS TO OTHER EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS Plus, Celestial Park will be the gateway to explore the four additional worlds of Epic Universe – each bringing to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations. Through a set of majestic portals that capture the imagination and creativity of each world, guests will embark on a transformative experience as they journey from Celestial Park to: • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, where guests will discover a different era of the wizarding world in an all-new land that blends 1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series; • SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, where guests will enter the iconic green pipe and discover a new way to play as they step into the worlds of beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Donkey Kong; • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, where guests can soar with dragons in a colorful world filled with Viking adventures based on the wildly popular How to Train Your Dragon film franchise; • and Dark Universe, where guests encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery. CELESTIAL PARK ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES Here are additional details about some of the other wonders guests can enjoy while exploring Celestial Park: • Starfall Racers, a dual-launch racing coaster that sends guests rocketing through the skies aboard comets in a race to see who’s the fastest of them all. Reaching speeds up to 62 mph and heights up to 133 feet along 5,000 feet of track, Starfall Racers will be Epic Universe’s most thrilling coaster experience with unique maneuvers such as the “Celestial Spin,” in which the two coaster vehicles perform an inverted crisscross while speeding through the air – creating an “out-of-this-world” adrenaline rush. • Constellation Carousel – the grand centerpiece of Celestial Park. Here, explorers of all ages will take a fantastical whirl aboard constellations that glide forward, backward – and even make 360-degree rotations – through the milky way in a choreographed dance of music and starlight. • Astronomica, an interactive wet-play area that also doubles as a giant compass rose to the many wonders of Epic Universe, featuring crystal blue fountains that spring to life and dance around guests; • An array of unique dining experiences ranging from full-service restaurants to quick-service locations that offer something for every palate, including Atlantic – a full-service “surf and turf” restaurant set inside a Victorian aquarium complete with captivating views of Celestial Park; and The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant – where diners take a culinary journey across Asia as they enjoy authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai fare in this full-service restaurant accented with neon dragons and ethereal lanterns. Additional “must-eat” locations within Celestial Park include The Oak & Star Tavern, where guests can enjoy savory barbecue, Pizza Moon, which will serve up a tasty menu featuring a variety of pizzas, and more. • Incredibly detailed retail locations, including the Nintendo Super Star Store, where guests can shop an assortment of merchandise themed to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD; Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets, where guests can satisfy their cravings with a unique selection of sweet treats, and more. • Plenty of exciting entertainment, including various fountain shows throughout Celestial Park’s seven acres of water where a multitude of fountains sway, dance – and even reach heights up to 135 feet in the air – to music and interactive lighting from day to night. And located inside Epic Universe at the end of Celestial Park is Universal Helios Grand Hotel, designed to transport guests to a world where the heavens and earth unite – complete with 500 rooms, one-of-a-kind views and its very own dedicated entrance into the theme park. Plus – in addition to raising the bar for theme park innovation, Epic Universe is Universal Destinations & Experiences’ latest development to integrate energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices.

This park is dying. No coasters this year. Sad to see. Breaking - Big News Out of #LakemontPark Lakemont Park, a longstanding attraction in the Altoona area, announces significant changes for the 2024 Spring/Summer season. The Park grounds have been a focal point for our community for 130 years, and how the land has been used continues to evolve based on the needs of Blair County residents. As our community grows, develops, and changes, Lakemont Park has to adapt and change, too. This 2024 season at Lakemont Park will look different than in years past, as we transition to new and improved events and activities to serve our guests better. The 2024 season will feature four batting cages, four basketball courts, two volleyball courts, two mini-golf courses, and ten pavilions. Notably, the amusement rides, including Skyliner and Leap The Dips, will not be operational during the summer season due to declining attendance, increased maintenance costs of two wooden rollercoasters and rides, and other financial challenges. Andrea Cohen, President of Lakemont Park, expressed, “This was a difficult decision to make. We hope our community will find new ways to enjoy our beautiful grounds as we update the Lakemont Park experience.” Some things will not change. Lakemont Park will continue to host the Central Blair Recreation Commission Men’s Summer League. The Park will also continue to host school picnics in the spring as well as the camps in the summer. And, planning for the 2024 Holiday Lights on the Lake is already underway, as we are excited to continue hosting this longtime tradition. Lakemont Park land, owned by Blair County, is intended for parks and recreation. “We met with a few businesses and organizations to use the grounds for recreational sporting events and welcome the opportunity to discuss new business ventures,” noted Cohen. We invite collaboration with the community to explore new uses and improvements and we are open to renting our facilities for community events, including music festivals, craft shows, car shows, fundraising walks, yard sales, and more. Interested parties can contact Lakemont Park at info@lakemontparkfun.com. “Our community has enjoyed the Park grounds since 1894. Lakemont Park is a perfect event gathering place, allowing family and friends to connect outdoors. We enjoy partnering with local organizations to host their special events and fundraisers, using our conveniently located facility,” stated Cohen. Reservations for the 2024 season are now being accepted through the Park office. The pavilions offer a unique opportunity where guests can bring their own food or hire Snappy Chef for a catered event. Visitors will have access to 36 mini-golf holes at The Links at Lakemont. The 700 Park Avenue ∙ Altoona, Pennsylvania 16602 Phone (814) 949-7275 Fax (814) 949-9207 Rabbit Hole course embraces a Pennsylvania Woodlands theme that local artist Michael Allison designed. Harris Mini-Golf of Wildwood, NJ, designed the Keystone Falls 18-hole course, which is a challenging, regulation-sized, ADA-accessible course featuring a stone waterfall and ponds. Special discounted tickets for mini-golf groups of 20 or more are available, and classic yard games can be rented through the office. The four baseball/softball batting cages cater to both team usage and individuals of all ages for practice and entertainment. A limited number of seasonal staff positions are available to assist with operations, grounds, special events, and organizing Holiday Lights on the Lake. Applications can be found on our website at lakemontparkfun.com or by emailing info@lakemontparkfun.com. SEASONAL SCHEDULE • Mid-April through Early June: Batting cages and mini-golf • Wednesday to Friday: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm • Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm • 48-hour notice required for 30-60 minute batting cage rentals • June-August: During school summer vacation • Wednesday to Friday: 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm • Saturday and Sunday: 1:30 pm - 8:30 pm • Closed Monday and Tuesday, including holidays • Once school starts: Weekends only until Labor Day weekend • Sunday of Labor Day is the last day of the season

They've already said that the initial renovation plans with Kumbak are no more*, no? (EDIT: This was not officially stated by the park, just a Screamscape rumor). I think we just need to accept that it's gone and will not be coming back in any recognizable form. *Is anyone shocked? A company whose claim to fame was the horrible trains on T3 at Kentucky Kingdom doesn't exactly have the best track record.