Thunder Eagle will not be rebuilt!

[Absimilliard]

It was announced today that a judge rejected the demands of MSSI Inc. owners of skiing resorts and 2 waterparks. They wanted to build a small amusement park next to their small Cascades D'eau waterpark.

They bought a carousel, bumper cars, go-karts, observation tower and the Thunder Eagle wooden coaster (it came from a defunct park in Pigeon Forge, TN) and wanted to install them in 2003. Unfortunately, the citizens of Piedmont, the small village the park is in protested, arguing it would be too noisy and "too high", as a zoning law passed by the city doesn't allow any buildings that are more than 30 feet tall.

 

Never mind the facts: the water park already has a water slide tower that is 90 feet tall and that the water park is right next to an highway, without anyone living close to it! MSSI took them to court and the judge rejected. Also, what's interesting is that the leader of the citizens of the city that protested against it became mayor after!

 

Rumors are saying that MSSI is looking at installing the park somewhere else. If I was them, I'd close the Cascades D'eau waterpark too. Its fledging at best and only does 80000-90000 visitors a year. Let the village deal with the hole in their budget.

[Scaparri]

Since so much time had passed since it was removed, I had a feeling that it was probably never going to be rebuilt.

[Bk1870]

I was just in Pigeon Forge and was remembering this coaster. I saw it one late and dark night a few years ago before they tore it down in Pigeon Forge and went to go and ride it...but soon figured out it was closed.

 

What else was at the "defunct park" where this was located? And has anbody rode it? Was it any good?

[Jonathan]

I have been on it. It was by far the smoothest roller coaster I have ever been on, and also by far the most boring roller coaster I have ever been on. Completely forceless.

[Bk1870]

The "smooth" aspect sounds neat, but after looking at picures...it does look rather "meh." But still sad to see it be lost after a short life!

 

But seriosly, do people expect for a new "ghetto" park on the strip to succeed like that? Especially with a roller coaster. It was kinda hidden too. Not really on the road. I mean, all the go-kart places with bungee jumps and now screamin' swings are good with mini-golf and everything else...but a full blown coaster? Especially with Dollywood there.