Mr P Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 (edited) BALLINGTON GARDENS: A BRIEF HISTORY In 1903, Ballington Gardens were opened to the public. Initially they simply consisted of a landscaped garden set within Ballington Woods (Staffordshire, UK), this included a large man-made lake as the centre piece. The Gardens were open all year round, and the public could, for a small fee, wander at there own leisure through them. Small Shops were opened to sell drinks, Snacks and novelties. In 1905, The Lakeside Express was built around the lake. This miniature railway took visitors on a scenic tour of the gardens and woodland. A Small extension in the lake allowed for a bridge to be constructed. The outbreak of World War 1 meant that the Gardens were no longer open all year, only during the peak summer season, and continued to operate in this fashion for the remainder of the Garden's life. In 1935, a Carousel was built and named "Garden Gallopers", it's arrival brought a great boost in visitor numbers, but in 1939 with the outbreak of World War 2, the gardens shut completely. In 1977, a group of Railway Enthusiast contacted the Garden's Owners with the intention of restoring and operating the Lakeside Express. The Original Train was still on the grounds (Albeit in a terrible state, hidden in a barn) and the track was still in-place. So, work began on bringing the old railway to life, and within 2 years, it was running. To mark the 75th Anniversary of the Lakeside Express, It was opened to the public for 2 weeks during the summer of 1979, this tradition of opening has continued every year since then. In 1991, The Railway Enthusiast decided, using the funds raised by selling train tickets, to restore the Garden Gallopers in time for it's 70th Birthday, and in 1995 they succeeded. The next few photographs were taken during the last Open Day (Summer) The entrance to the gardens has remained the same since it first opened in 1903, although it's condition has deteriorated considerably. View from just inside the entrance, note the derelict remains of the old Snacks and Novelties stalls. The Saviour of the park, The Lakeside Express. Departing the Station. Crossing "Victoria Bridge" Through the "Tunnel" (this was built to keep the train in when not in use) "Garden Gallopers", the Antique Carousel. Many, including myself, thought that the Glory Days of the Gardens were long gone, but the owners of the land were approached by a consortium of local business men with the intention of re-opening Ballington Gardens as a Theme Park. This has now been given the go-ahead with the conditions that both the Lakeside Express and the Garden Gallopers remain operating within the park, the former will still be operated by the enthusiast who saved it. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Future of Ballington Gardens: Ballington Woods Theme Park I Hope to present an update to you soon, Kind Regards, Cyrill Hunt Manager, Ballington Woods Theme Park Edited February 24, 2011 by mcjaco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devol4 Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 This looks like it's going to be good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 ^ Agree, although you didnt show much what you showed was charming, which is a major plus, especially for old style parks! I am looking forward to seeing the "full park." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 Thanks guys! To be honest, what you've seen is pretty much all that's there. I asked "Cyrill Hunt" about what else is left from the old days, he said: The only things left of the gardens themselves are a few derelict (But stunning) water features lost within the woods. We hope to restore them to their former glory and route the paths past them so guests can experience the old within the new I'm really quite getting into this story-telling! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paradisecoaster Posted February 9, 2011 Share Posted February 9, 2011 You better get used to it, cause now we want it every time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted February 9, 2011 Author Share Posted February 9, 2011 And so, the story telling continues! Hello all, Cyrill Hunt here with a brief update of what's going on here at Ballington Woods, including a few photographs of the work so far. It has been decided that the park will initially be split into two areas. The Entrance is the first area, known as "Garden Square". Shops include a Food outlet, a souvenir store and an information stand. Attractions in this area include the "Garden Gallopers", a Loop-O-Plane (Name to be confirmed, Ideas welcome) and "The Bug", a junior coaster aimed at younger kids. This coaster is situated just outside of the main square, and will eventually form the basis of a third area. The Second area is "Thrill Valley", located on the far side of the lake. As shops go, just a small fast-food outlet is here. As rides go, we have the park's Headline Coaster. The "Ballington Beast", a wooden coaster that races through the woodland. Also here we have "Revolve", a Top Scan. The Lakeside Express has also had some modifications, it's tunnel has been demolished and a station has been built it's place to serve "Thrill Valley", and a second train has been built (and exact replica of the original) to increase the throughput. The Entrance to the park is almost the same (and at the moment is doubling up as a Vehicle Storage area). The original framework structure has been modified with the addition of two small ticket offices, as well as added turn-styles. (Note the hole in the fence to allow construction vehicles in and out). Garden Square, just inside the entrance. The Lakeside Express is on the right, and the sales units are on the left. In the distance can be seen The Gallopers and the Loop-o-plane. Gallopers, Loop-o-plane and the sales units. Construction is still ongoing on the end unit. The Bug roller coaster is still under construction. As is the toilet block in Garden Square. Victoria Bridge has had a full restoration in it's original colour scheme Adjacent to Victoria Bridge, this stunning original water feature has been restored and the path to Thrill Valley routed passed it. Ballington Beast's station, simple but effective. Unfortunately, we've been experiencing a few problems with the block-section computer not recognising that a train is out of section. A view from the top. Revolve is raised slightly of it's pad for a bit of tweaking. The new Lakeside Express station, built in the same style as the first station. It's only a matter of months until the park is opened to the public for the first time as Ballington Woods, so once the infrastructure is completed I will share the photographs with you. Regards, Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted February 11, 2011 Author Share Posted February 11, 2011 Hello All, Only a few days until Ballington Woods opens it's gates as a theme park, so I thought I'd share with you a few photos now the park is very nearly complete. Here's the front gate, ready to let the first guests in in a few days. Garden Square, Rose bushes have been added in the flower beds. The original plan was to have trees here, but we thought they would make the are seem too enclosed. "Garden Gallopers" and "The Fabulous Looper" give the area a traditional feel. Their signs have been affixed above their entrances. Unfortunately, "The Bug" will not open with the park, as the station is still covered in scaffold. Due to "The Bug" being unavailable, we thought hiring an attraction temporarily would help. All we could get at such short notice was this ferris wheel. Once "The Bug" is open, this will be leaving the park. Up in Thrill Valley, "Revolve" is testing. "The Ballington Beast" has had it's computer issues sorted out and has been running faultlessly. The first drop follows the hillside very closely. Followed by a pop of airtime. Twisting into the banked corner. The whole layout, as you can see it stays very close to the ground (apart from the lift) giving a great sensation of speed as you rush past the trees. The stations on the Lakeside Express have received names, here we have Garden Square Central And Thrill Valley Halt. So, as night falls, Ballington Woods moves ever closer to opening. I hope to see you in a few days, as we fling the gates open to the public. Regards Cyrill Hunt Manager, Ballington Woods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BkkMan13 Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Hehe, I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to be immature... Teehee! Ballington Gardens ! "Keeping You Happy Since 1903" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imawesome1124 Posted February 12, 2011 Share Posted February 12, 2011 Hehe, I'm sorry but I'm gonna have to be immature... Teehee! Ballington Gardens ! "Keeping You Happy Since 1903" Oh ha ha, how VERY funny. *end sarcasm* Seriously though, this park is really good, one of the more charming parks on these boards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted February 13, 2011 Author Share Posted February 13, 2011 Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Ballington Woods has opened! As the park is now open, my workload has shot up, so this update is just a few picture from the first hour of the park being open. People flocked to the park from all over the county, making it the busiest day since the gardens opened in 1903. "Barry Ballington", the park's mascot, was entertaining the guests in Garden Square throughout the day. "The Fabulous Looper", looking fabulous as it loops it's first guests. It's great to see classic rides like the Gallopers still bringing a smile to the guests Guests who have just left the Lakeside Express head for "Revolve" and "The Ballington Beast". "The Bug" was testing today, but it's entrance is still blocked and scaffold still present. Due to one of our contractor's errors, it is likely that the station's roof will have to be rebuilt. And Finally, a view of the "Big Wheel". This may be staying with us longer than we thought due to The Bug's station needing extensive work. I hope that this update has shown you what a lovely place Ballington Woods is, please come and visit us soon. Regards, Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods. P.S. Thanks for the feedack, and the incredibly immature (Yet a tiny but amusing) comment... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BkkMan13 Posted February 13, 2011 Share Posted February 13, 2011 Yeah on a serious note this park restoration is coming along quite nicely... I don't know why, but I would love to see a good ol' fashioned Arrow Suspended coaster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted February 14, 2011 Author Share Posted February 14, 2011 I've never tried to do custom supports on a suspended coaster, and I love a challenge! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BkkMan13 Posted February 15, 2011 Share Posted February 15, 2011 I've never tried to do custom supports on a suspended coaster, and I love a challenge! DO IT! Then show me how to cuz i've never even made a park on RCT3 before... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted February 15, 2011 Author Share Posted February 15, 2011 Hello all, The season is going very well so far, and we have announced our first event to celebrate this. I present to you "Ballington ROCKS!", a fantastic summer festival! The Two stages will be "Beast Stage" (In Thrill Valley) where live bands will perform and "Dance Stage" (Adjacent to The Bug) which will be the home of the DJ's for the weekend. The Beer Tent will be sponsored by local brewery "Titanic Ales" (They always go down well) where a selection of their ales will be available. This is where the Dance Stage will be (To fit it on the edge of the lake, a section of the Lakeside Express will have to be re-routed) As you can see, work is progressing well. The hope is that for next season, this area will be used to house a ride relocated from elsewhere in the park. Beast Snacks is being shortened to allow a bigger area for guests to stand and watch the bands (The Beast Stage will be located behind the photographer). Fortunately, the buildings in Thrill Valley were only built to last around 2 years, as the plan is to give the area a real theme within that time span. Good news! The Bug has now opened! It has been decided to leave the building of the station until next year as the park needed it's second coaster open as soon as possible. And I sign off this update with a photo from the Garden Gallopers, looking down Garden Square. Just before I go, I would like to take some time to tell you the rough plans for the future Year 2 (Next Year) Re-theme of Thrill Valley which will include: - Relocation of Revolve - Construction of additional small-scale food/drink/merchandise outlets Year 3 Completion of Thrill Valley re-build including: - New Coaster - Restaurant Re-theme of The Bug's surrounding area. So, it's looks like we are going to be very busy over the next few years I Hope to see you all at Ballington ROCKS! Regards Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted February 24, 2011 Author Share Posted February 24, 2011 Hello, It's been a few months since I last updated you all on what's happening at the park, and Ballington ROCKS! has been and gone, so for those who missed the event I have gathered the best photos here. We'll start with a few from 2 days prior to the event. The food unit in Thrill Valley looking slightly shorter. The Beast Stage sits at the end of Thrill Valley. Dance Stage and the Lakeside Express. A view from the stage, you get a good idea as to it's position in relation to The Bug The Titanic Brewery Beer Tent is situated near to Victoria Bridge, ready to serve the masses! And now, we move on to the event itself! The Beast Stage with local band "LeStrade" playing. This guy was loving it! The all important Beer Tent received good number throughout the event Dance Stage between acts, the crowd was heading towards the Beer Tent. And last but by no means least, rides in the dark! The Ballington Beast was very popular over both nights. It's a very different ride at night! Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond our control, the Pyrotechnics company that were designing the fireworks display had to pull out at the very last minute, leaving us no option but to remove them from the bill. To compensate for this, rides were opened for an extra hour in the evening. Next update will include further details of next year's retheme of Thrill Valley, and possibly clues to the what the next coaster will be! Regards Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the ghost Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Very Nice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jps294 Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Love this park! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted February 27, 2011 Author Share Posted February 27, 2011 Thanks for the positive comments! It's very much appreciated Anyhoo, onwards to the land of updates! Hello, Alot has happened since my last update, and the park is now closed for the winter. This means that we have lots of pictures to catch up on. Just a few shots from the last day of the season first. Last Chance for riders to board the Ballington Beast through it's original station. The food outlet unit will also be rebuilt ready for next season. The fence stands where the Beast stage was during the festival, this area will be home to the new coaster in year 3. Revolve will be relocated for next season, it will begin to form a mini area with The Bug whick will receive a theme in year 3. Many happy guests leave the park after the final day of the season, it will be a very different park next year. Anyway, on to the construction updates! These next few photographs were taken 5 weeks after the season's end. Revolve has now been dismantled ready to for it's relocation. The paving has been removed and scaffold in position on Ballington Beast's station ready for it's new theme. A theme was on the cards for the Beast since it's initial design, but it was decided to spread the cost of a the area over 2-3 years. The Beast was part one, the Theme is part two, and the second coaster for the area will be part 3. As regards to the coaster type, I can reveal nothing yet except that it's no longer really in production, but it still is... Hope that confuses you! Anyway, I have here the press release for the new area: "Deamonia Lane" The Legend: Deamonia Lane, Ballington Town, has been cursed for hundreds of years. The dense woodland that surounds it is home to two terrible spirits, damned to battle for all eternity. This was nothing more than a legend until one of the Beasts revealed itself to the locals. It's power was terrifying and the residents fled. Many visitors claim to have seen the second beast soaring through the air, while others say that it dives beneath the earth. Nobody knows when or if the second beast will ever rise, but something is definitely stirring in the forests... I also have for you the poster used to promote the new area: These next images are the most recent construction updates, taken about 4 months after the end of season. They both show Revolve's new brick pad partially built into the lake, the lake needed to be drained to allow for construction of it. You can see the queue will go over the Lakeside Express via a bridge, while the exit will be a simple level crossing. I cannot show you much of Daemonia Lane yet, but here's a sneak peak at the Ballington Beast's entrance... (The scaffold is not part of the theme) The station and queueline will be completely enclosed, but that's all for now! Hope you're as excited about this as I am! Regards, Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BkkMan13 Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 Aww I liked the original station . Oh well, where did you get the CS for that station anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted March 11, 2011 Author Share Posted March 11, 2011 I got it off Vodhin's site, not certain of the name of the set though! Onwards to the Update! ---- Hello, The park is now open for it's second season, and the new area "Daemonia Lane" has been very well received by those who have visited. No photo (Except the teaser of Ballington Beast's entrance) had been released of the area before opening day, so it was wonderful to see the joy on people's faces as they arrived on the Lane. The effort put in by all the staff to get the area ready for opening is a credit to them. We begin with photographs of the area just minutes before the park opened. The entrance to the area, just behind this is the former pad for Revolve. This is the view that hits you as you enter, the station for the Ballington Beast. The entrance is the first doorway, the second is a gift shop, and the third is the ride exit. The interior of the station. It is split into two sections, this is the offload/onload area, behind the camera is the holding area for the second train. Just to the right as you enter the area is this building, it will eventually become a restaurant. Next door to the future restaurant and opposite the Beast's station is the Lakeside Express's new entrance structure. The small food outlet has been connected to the main Beast building to add to the street scene. An overview of the whole area from the Beast's lift. You can see the area for the new coaster next year, and work has already begun. And this is where the area will continue onwards. The digger is roughly where the new coaster's station will be. Revolve in it's new lakeside location, viewed from it's queueline bridge. This shows the bridge and level crossing that have been built to allow Revolve to be located here. Zero hour arrives, and the gates are opened... The guests enter, and Ballington Bear is on hand to provide entertainment. The queue for the Lakeside Express to take people across the Daemonia Lane. As a train arrives at the Lane, guests head straight for the Beast! The entrance to the Beast, quite an imposing structure! The queueline is totally enclosed within the building. As guests ride the Beast, they get a fantastic look at the future coaster site. Meanwhile, over at Revolve, guests climb the stairs over the bridge to experience being flung above the lake! That brings this update to a close, we hope to have more information on events and attractions soon, and also vertical construction is due to start on the new coaster very soon so we may have some pictures of that as well! But for now I am going to leave you with a night shot of Daemonia Lane... Regards, Cyrill Hunt, Manager, Ballington Woods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freefallXL Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 OH! What a sweet little park with flair! The story behind, is interesting and the places are looking really peacefull and nice! Good job!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericm95 Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 I really like that building. Great job! Have you ever tried using path covers! I think it would look way better with path covers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger01 Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Very nice buildings! However, I think you should change the cars on the woodie to a more Tradirional car type. Like the 3x3's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr P Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 Very nice buildings! However, I think you should change the cars on the woodie to a more Tradirional car type. Like the 3x3's. I tried that initially, but they didn't look right going into the banked corners. ----Added---- I really like that building. Great job!Have you ever tried using path covers! I think it would look way better with path covers. I have considered it, but I haven't seen any that keep with the parks image. What sets of covers would you recommend? Thanks for the nice comments everybody! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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