Quassy Amusement Park Discussion Thread

[Goliath513]

This coaster will be like Millennium Force for Quassy compared to the other coasters in the park. I wonder if they will remove the Mad Mouse, which has managed to pass safety inspections long after it should have failed, for this?

[Wood Dragon 1988]

This is good news.

 

Smallish coasters have been on the GG website for years, it is about time one of these gets built!

 

I don't know much about Quassy, having byepassed it for Rye Playland when I was up that way, but I do know that it is a tiny park. Something like this is the PERFECT fit, especially for me considering I love wooden coasters.

 

This gives me reason to go back to New England again, to pick up the three Quassy credits, and to ride Purple SROS and Dash!

[philthephorce]

I guess some of the comments of the guests on the East Coast Tour got back to park management, and now they want to raise themselves above mere speed-bumpdom.

 

Great for them!

[CHILLERLC1]

I should get the Wild Mouse before and if this wooden coaster gets approved? I was thinking 2009 would be the year I'd aggressively get those missing Quassy credits. I was warned about Wild Mouse's lifeline.

[Airtime&Gravity]

Apparently the locals who live near the park didn't notice it when they chose to live next to it.

 

 

MIDDLEBURY - Residents voiced concerns about noise and depreciation of property values at a Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing Thursday, February 5, on Quassy Amusement Park's application to remove the Mad Mouse roller coaster, bocce court and horseshoe pits, relocate a volleyball court and add three new rides.

 

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The three proposed rides are a wooden roller coaster, a water slide and a drop tower ride.

 

The application for the water slide, which would be sited along the lakeside, is currently before the Conservation Commission because a portion of the proposed slide is within 150 feet of the lakeside setback area.

 

The drop tower, called Free'n Fall, is a carriage that moves vertically up and down along a 35-foot high track. The applicant proposes placing this ride adjacent to a ticket booth which the commission already agreed the park could remove.

 

The proposed wooden roller coaster, estimated to run on a 1,200-foot track, will replace the bocce court and horseshoe pits. The volleyball court, also within this area, will be relocated to the west of its current site.

 

The applicant proposes to have the new roller coaster ready by 2010, the drop tower by 2011 and the water slide by 2012.

 

In a letter to the commission, Dean and Linda Yimoyines, who have been living on Lake Quassapaug since 1984, told commissioners, "The park is an eyesore, an unwanted neighbor which continues to interfere with our right to quiet enjoyment... We implore you to stop inch-by-inch expansion of the park and to protect the rights and interests of the many adjoining and surrounding property owners."

 

John McDonald, whose family property lies to the west of the park, complained about screaming people, noise pollution and the consequent depreciation in property value.

 

Linda Shapiro, who lives behind the lake, reported she has gone to the police several times with Mr. McDonald to complain about the noise. However, since Middlebury has no noise ordinance, the police said there was nothing they could do.

 

Attorney Michael McVerry, representing Quassy, submitted material to commissioners about the park's history, site plans drawn by Curtiss Smith of Smith & Co., Engineers and Surveyors, acoustical studies addressing the noise pollution from rides and a letter from the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department.

 

Mr. McVerry said his client received 11 complaints last summer about the noise.

 

Activities on the McDonalds' property or at the former Yacht Club could be held accountable, he said.

 

Bennett Brooks, president of Brooks Acoustics Corporation, for Quassy, presented a study of the Boulder Dash roller coaster at Lake Compounce.

 

The Boulder Dash, a wooden roller coaster with cars running on metal wheels against metal tracks laid on a wooden structure, is similar to the proposed roller coaster at Quassy.

 

Mr. Brooks said the proposed roller coaster for Quassy is "a thrill ride for small children... a much smaller type of foot print" compared to the larger one at Lake Compounce.

 

The Boulder Dash travels at 65 mph. The proposed Quassy roller coaster is expected to travel at 32 mph.

 

Mr. McVerry specified the roller coaster was for "family rides" and not for teenagers seeking a Six Flags level of entertainment. At Six Flags, Mr. McVerry said the drop tower climbs to 100 feet. The proposal for Quassy's Free'n Fall is 35 feet.

 

Mr. Brooks scaled down the results from the Boulder Dash according to the parameters of Quassy's proposal, then projected them out to the nearest property line, Mr. McDonald's.

 

The result was 48 decibels (dBA), equivalent, Mr. Brooks said, to a quiet voice.

 

Sixty-two decibels, Mr. Brooks said, is the sound of a quiet conversation. As one moves further away, he explained, toward other property lines, the noise decreases due to distance.

 

Mr. Brooks said hydraulic pumps for the proposed water slide, called the Bullet Bowl, and the Free'n Fall will be enclosed in a motor house and will not contribute to the noise.

 

Ms. Shapiro questioned the effects not just of one ride, but the cumulative effects of all three. She said that since Middlebury does not have a noise ordinance, state's noise regulations would govern the park and brought a copy of the Connecticut Regulations for the Control of Noise for the commission.

 

State noise regulations allow a noise limit of 62 decibels.

 

"This project is well within the state regulations," Mr. Brooks said, "and it is at such a low level, that it would essentially blend in with the background."

 

"I don't consider assimilated noise survey particularly accurate," resident David Shapiro said. "It's un-validated. We don't know the data... it's all completely hypothetical. I don't think this commission should be vulnerable to a false sense of complacency."

 

"This is science," Mr. Brooks said, inviting the commission and members of the public to check the accuracy of his studies for themselves.

 

Though Commissioner Bill Stowell said he agreed with the scientific calculations, he suggested to Mr. Brooks that it was unfair to talk about just one ride and its numerical value.

 

"You can't talk about one ride being 48 decibels and not include the other noises."

 

Mr. Stowell questioned the impact all the rides together would have on neighbors and the disruption to their lives.

 

"I think they have a valid point... There's a lot more than just a 48. It's not all science and acoustics," Mr. Stowell said.

 

Engineer Curtiss Smith of Smith & Co. presented the site plans which, he said, fit the criteria specified by the state.

 

The only effects of the proposal, he said, would be a change in the area coverage: an addition of 2,663 square feet of new rides and a reduction of 3,344 square feet of pavement due to new rides.

 

Attorney Paul Pollock, on behalf of the McDonald family, said Mr. Smith's site plans show both paved and grass parking.

 

Grass parking is not permitted, he said, quoting parking regulations. Shrubs, landscaping and the specification of "one tree for every ten cars" for parking lots have not been taken into account, he said.

 

Mr. Pollock also raised concerns about non-adherence to setback regulations and lack of a buffer area required by CRD regulations between Quassy and other properties.

 

He disputed the site plan's footprints which, he said, only takes into account the rides' square footage. He said accessories, such as fencing, and extra areas around the rides, were not taken into account.

 

"There are a number of things he [Mr. Smith] doesn't include in his coverage that fit within recreational, business and service facilities."

 

Mr. Pollock believed the applicant had not taken into consideration Quassy's beach, private party, picnic and Lakeside Theater. These, he said, are all paid admissions and fall under the commercial, recreation or business regulations.

 

According to Planning and Zoning regulations, "All commercial, recreation, business services and accessory facilities are limited to 20 percent of the total land area for permanent or semi-permanent amusement installation.

 

"At least 25 percent of the total land area must be devoted to landscaped open space... The remaining 55 percent is restricted to parking use and service roads."

 

Mr. Pollock presented a new site plan with the footprints only of each ride transposed onto the open area of the park. He said it totaled less than the maximum allowance of 20 percent.

 

Mr. Smith site plan, Mr. Pollock said, conveniently helped all the rides to fit within the 20 percent limit, because Mr. Smith was not taking into account accessories that should be included.

 

"He's taken a very restrictive interpretation of the regulations," Mr. Pollack said. "It doesn't make sense."

 

Mr. Pollock said the park already has parking problems and if Quassy's new site plans were approved, there would not be any parking left.

 

"This board has to put a common sense interpretation of what the regulation says.

 

"The application cannot be granted based on what has been presented before you," Mr. Pollock said. "Leaving aside the noise, leaving aside the other things, the site plan itself doesn't meet the requirements.

 

"If you continue to let them add piece, by piece, by piece," Mr. Pollock told commissioners, "without living up to their requirements and responsibilities, then the regulations might as well be thrown out."

 

Mr. McVerry, for Quassy, challenged the "common sense" approach. Quassy Amusement Park, he noted, has been in existence since well before the commission's regulations and should not be required to comply with those regulations.

 

He emphasized Mr. Brooks' tests as scientific and based on empirical facts.

 

"He doesn't just pull numbers out of the air. This is what the man does for a living."

 

Mr. Smith defined a park ride's coverage as consisting of the mechanical components that one rides on and not the accessories. He said he did not feel it appropriate to count the other areas as a building or a ride.

 

Commissioner Curt Bosco asked Mr. Brooks and Mr. Smith what the net gain or reduction would be with respect to noise levels and land coverage of the new proposal.

 

Mr. Brooks said there would be a net reduction in noise level. Mr. Smith said there would be a net gain of 0.4 percent in area coverage.

 

"Negligible, basically," Mr. Bosco said.

 

Chairman Terry Smith read letters of support the commission has received for the application.

 

Betty Proulx, director of Parks and Recreation, supported Quassy Amusement Park's proposal.

 

"The Commissioners and I are impressed with the choice of new rides and the thought that Quassy has put into this enterprise."

 

Resident Traci Griffin and Charles W. Bray, president and CEO, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, both highlighted Quassy Amusement Park's support of the community and several fund-raising programs.

 

"Change is a part of life," residents Wayne and Sandra Sullivan wrote, "let's not let it get in their way."

 

Click

 

I hate stupid people

[CoasterLine]

The park isn't new. Easy solution if you don't like noise, don't buy a house right next to an amusement park.

 

But then again, Americans have a tendency not to use common sense about 105% of the time.

[Speeddeamon128]

I should get the Wild Mouse before and if this wooden coaster gets approved? I was thinking 2009 would be the year I'd aggressively get those missing Quassy credits. I was warned about Wild Mouse's lifeline.

 

Your not missing much. That wild mouse scared the crap out of me & I don't plan on riding it again

[coasterqueen13]

it looks like a good family oriented ride!

[Carnage]

Your not missing much. That wild mouse scared the crap out of me & I don't plan on riding it again

 

The wild mouse scared me pretty good too.

 

And the kiddy coaster rolled back on the lift hill on us.

[CHILLERLC1]

I should get the Wild Mouse before and if this wooden coaster gets approved? I was thinking 2009 would be the year I'd aggressively get those missing Quassy credits. I was warned about Wild Mouse's lifeline.

 

Your not missing much. That wild mouse scared the crap out of me & I don't plan on riding it again

 

It's more for the fact I need a second rider. I hope to accomplish that with my cousin this year. Past years I went to SFNE or LC alone and drove by.

[SeaWhippet]

The good news is that The Gravity Group's junior woodie has been approved!

 

But the not-so-good news is that the Herschell Mad Mouse will be removed.

 

www.amusementtoday.com/

[thrillerman1]

Well I'm all for progress, but shoot that is my fav mouse I've ever ridden! Hopefully some other park can pick it up although it sounds like it's very costly to maintain.

[SeaWhippet]

I agree that it would be unfortunate to lose this ride. It's made quite an impression on Quassy guests over the years. Plus, it's one of the few remaining Herschell Monster Mice (Mouse).

[robbalvey]

Have you seen Quassy's new Gravity Group Wooden Roller Coaster yet?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLMwPVMtEbM

[Moose]

No, I hadn't seen it.

 

It looks like a great little fun filled coaster. I'll definately have to head out there to ride it.

[alpengeist04]

I remember seeing pictures of the proposed layout, but this is the first time seeing a POV. ...Looks like a pretty good layout for a junior coaster.

 

Thanks for the link, Robb.

[Hercules]

Tiny but it looks like it has a lot of pop! Definitely should be a winner for Quassy!

[raptor6]

This ride looks surprisingly good. Pretty cool layout for being so small. The POV on youtube shows a nice rate of speed and maybe a nice dose of airtime. I'll definitely try to stop at the park when I am in the New England area.

[technfxrick]

I was searching RCDB today trying to plan some trips for next year, and it looks like this has been pushed back to 2011, has anyone else heard anything about this?

 

http://www.rcdb.com/4495.htm

[robbalvey]

I had heard they needed to push it back, but it's still happening.

 

--Robb

[triggernel]

Nice punch in such a little package. The little ones, I'm sure will love it.

[jedimaster1227]

Quassy has provided us with a press release announcing their latest addition for the 2010 season:

 

There’s 35 feet of soaring, swooping, sheer family fun coming to Quassy Amusement Park for the 2010 season.

 

“Free Fall ‘N,’” a new ride built in Europe for the lakeside facility, will make its debut when Quassy opens for the 102nd season of operation on Saturday, April 24.

 

“This family drop tower is the first phase of our multi-year plan to update equipment and infrastructure at the park,” noted Eric Anderson, a Quassy co-owner. Custom built for the park by SBF Visa Group of Montagnana, Italy, “Free Fall ‘N’” will gently lift up to 12 riders – adults or children – to the top of the tower before making a series abrupt drops. “We’ve ridden these drop towers, and they are extremely exciting – an ideal fit for our demographic,” Anderson added.

 

Final details of the unit being constructed for Quassy were ironed out during the recent International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) annual Expo in Las Vegas, Nev. “We really took a production unit and customized it to the height and color schemes we wanted,” the park owner asserted.

 

The tower ride will also be the first unit produced by SBF Visa Group incorporating a state-of-the-art light emitting diode (LED), computerized lighting system. “These lights are incredible,” said Quassy owner George Frantzis II. “They’re a show in themselves and lend to our continued efforts in going ‘green’ – using less energy in park operations.”

 

Facelift For Catered Area

 

The Fieldside Pavilion, Quassy’s largest area for catered group outings, has received an extensive facelift for 2010. An all-new stainless steel food preparation and service area has been built in the pavilion during the off-season as well as other improvements made. “Basically, the entire inside of the structure will have a brighter, more modern atmosphere,” Frantzis said of the project. The huge structure was built in 1952 and can host groups of 500 to 3,000 persons. Its adjacent great lawn area has volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, bocce and baseball.

 

Numerous other infrastructure projects have been completed during the fall and winter. Quassy’s popular “Trabant” ride, a park staple since 1965, was totally refurbished by the facility’s safety and maintenance department.

 

Economic Impact

 

Quassy’s renovations are expected to have positive economic impact throughout the area as well. “Regional accommodations that package vacation stays with us realize the value of having modern attractions nearby,” Frantzis explained. “These partnerships have grown extensively over the past couple of years, and much of that can be attributed to the park’s progressive nature in updating, yet preserving a family atmosphere.” “The impact tourist attractions have on the business climate locally is very substantial,” the park owner added. “Visitors not only pay for accommodations, but also meals at restaurants, gasoline and a variety of other goods and services. We’re happy to recommend to our guests local places to go out to dinner and other places of interest – we do that on virtually a daily basis when we’re open.” “The unique thing here is that we have been careful to preserve the nostalgia of Quassy while making essential updates,” Anderson interjected. “Change has been necessary – especially over the past few years – to remain competitive. At the same time, we’ve continued with a good balance of the old and the new. Everyday we hear guests comment about the classic rides like the ‘Tilt-A-Whirl’ and ‘Little Dipper’ coaster, and at the same time compliment us for having the initiative to build ‘Saturation Station.’”

 

The state-of-the-art interactive water play area was the first installation of its type - an SCS “WaterColors” modular system – in the world when it opened in June of 2003. The park added two gigantic “Tunnel Twister” waterslides to complement the attraction in 2006. Quassy plans to add other attractions to the waterpark in coming years.

"Free Fall ‘N”

[itsasamccormick]

A local fair company in central Indiana, (poor jacks amusments) has a ride like this. It is very intense and the lighting is incredible! fun ride and good Capacity.

[John Peck]

I'm glad they are putting work into that Trabant. They take very well-care of their equipment.

[CorkscrewFoley]

Quassy are still getting the GG woodie, right?

 

As for the tower, I think it should be a great addition.