NEWS: New Whalom group aims to revive Whalom Park

[jedimaster1227]

http://www.telegram.com/article/20100520/FLASH/5200423

 

For more than 100 years, fans flocked to Whalom Park to relax on the Ferris wheel, tackle the Scrambler, scream on the wooden roller coaster and laugh themselves silly in the Fun House. Long before Six Flags and other massive entertainment complexes, the park, located on Lake Whalom, served as an escape from the daily routine. People traveled across the state or down the block to enjoy the rides, take a twirl in the ballroom or roll along in the skating rink.

 

Whalom Park was established in 1893. By the time its doors closed in 2000, Whalom Park was listed as the 13th-oldest amusement park in the country. The park has since been purchased by developers seeking to build high-end condos on the site.

 

But fans hope the ride never ends. A group of dedicated Whalom Park supporters has formed the New Whalom Park Ownership Program in an effort to build another park based on the Whalom brand. The group’s website speaks of a future park that will be “family-friendly, family-priced and green.” They hope this park will appeal to those who still mourn the loss of Whalom Park.

 

And according to Scott Lanciani of Leominster, chairman and CEO of New Whalom Park Ownership Program LLC, their numbers are significant. “It’s just phenomenal, the interest we’ve had,” he said. “People still miss that park. When Whalom closed, everyone in this area was devastated. They closed our backyard attraction, and we had no say.” The group originally hoped to rebuild on the original site. With that option no longer viable, they considered a possible location in Winchendon, but that did not work out.

 

In addition to seeking backers for a new amusement park, the group is considering a museum to house Whalom memorabilia. One possible site is the land across the street from the park, where the parking lot was located. Mr. Lanciani has already acquired a potential collection for the museum. During the time when the former park was being dismantled and demolished, he walked the property to check out the inventory. He even rode the roller coaster three days before it was torn down.

 

He had been talking “on and off”with the developers in an effort to secure some of the vintage items. Earlier this month, his persistence paid off. Mr. Lanciani was allowed to take a complete roller coaster train and a car from a vintage ride for the future museum collection. “These are good pieces for the museum,” he said. “That’s a good start.”

 

His group has taken a first step toward returning traditional family entertainment to the area. It has hosted several activities, through the Whalom Event Series, to raise awareness of the efforts to build a new park while offering traditional family activities. The group has previously sponsored roller-skating events and family dances. Its latest event will be black-light night bowling from 7 to 9 p.m. May 22 at Putnam Street Bowling Alleys, 14 Putnam St., Fitchburg. The cost is $10, $6 for children, and includes two strings of bowling and shoe rental. To keep these events going, the New Whalom Park Ownership Program is seeking sponsors for upcoming events. Individuals and businesses can sponsor a portion of one event or the entire series.

 

Each sponsor will be credited through the group’s website, social media outlets such as Facebook, on event fliers and at each event. Mr. Lanciani hopes the group’s efforts will bring back the family entertainment that the area enjoyed for more than 100 years before the last ride screeched to a stop. “The community loved it because it was basically your backyard,” he said.

 

For more information on New Whalom Park Ownership and event sponsorship opportunities, visit www.newwhalom.com or contact Mr. Lanciani by e-mail at slanciani@newwhalom.com or by calling (978) 697-0289.

[John Peck]

How could he have ridden the coaster three days before it was torn down? The Lift Motor had been sold and power was cut to the park.

 

This park wasn't making money. Maybe it could have been saved then, but I doubt it.

 

Maybe we'll see a mini version of it like "Pier Park" in Panama City Florida.

[robbalvey]

This is one of those "I'll believe it when I see it" situations. The community didn't want the park. They didn't support it. If they did, it wouldn't be closed down today.

[John Peck]

^ Yep, It feels like Geauga Lake.

 

Not to change the subject, but I really wonder if any operators contacted Cedar Fair about buying it.

 

Anyway... back on topic... Prior to its destruction, the Save Whalom Park effort began selling "Whales" (tickets) for $100 each. I bought one in hopes the park could be reopened, but after nearly two years of failed efforts, they sent me a refund.

[gisco]

This is one of those "I'll believe it when I see it" situations. The community didn't want the park. They didn't support it. If they did, it wouldn't be closed down today.

 

 

I'm with you. They have no land and they have no money. I don't think it will ever happen.

[jmicha]

I used to live one city away from Whalom Park and would visit either the beach or the park at least four days a week in the summer. My first coaster was the Flyer Comet and I have so many memories of this place, but it's gone. The area didn't support it, it didn't make money, and it just wasn't meant to be. I supported the whole buying of 'whales' thing and bought three, but those efforts didn't work for a reason. It's time to let it remain a (good) memory and move on.

[Steelinwood]

I hope this works out but I doubt it. I actually talked to some of the acers supporting this at Nor' easter and they seem enthusiastic, but... you know . I'de really like to see Paragon Park Rebuilt.

[mrceagle]

How could he have ridden the coaster three days before it was torn down? The Lift Motor had been sold and power was cut to the park.

 

This park wasn't making money. Maybe it could have been saved then, but I doubt it.

 

Maybe we'll see a mini version of it like "Pier Park" in Panama City Florida.

 

That was a mix up on the papers side. He road the coaster 3 days before the park closed. The first goal is to build a museum and attached entertainment attraction. Pier Park is a good example of returning a small attraction in place of a lost attraction.

 

jmicha - The park was making money. The park was paying all operating expenses through the corporate picnics every other General guests was pure profit. At it's small size it wasn't hard to make money. But, the park fell into corporate hands who with effort took majority control of the park. they then rain down teh park and set their sights on selling developers.