momo1tx Posted January 12, 2006 Posted January 12, 2006 For the last few months, I've been asking this question in my mind: Is Williams Grove actually dead? I'm very confused. I mean, looking at their website, it still says "for 2005" on the banner, but the site is listed with a 2006 copyright at the bottom. It was also updated previously to say 'Happy Holidays", and gives no mention of closing. I've heard nothing of rides for sale, except that one post, and there was no source to draw it from. So far, Williams Grove does not appear to be dead. Does anyone have a clue what's really going on?
YoshiFan Posted January 12, 2006 Posted January 12, 2006 I think the raceway is staying open which is why they updated the website. Or it could be they didn't actually 100% decide to close yet.
arson Posted January 13, 2006 Posted January 13, 2006 A few months ago, I read in the Harrisburg Patriot News (local paper) that the park would be going up for sale. It did not mention closing, but it didn't deny it, either. I remeber someone higher-up saying something to the effect of "I hope Cedar Fair comes and buys the park out." Wether it was just wishful thinking on his end, I do not know. It's a shame, but Williams Grove is so far off the beaten torust path in PA, away from Philly, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, State College, ect. It's a shame... well, maybe someone can work on putting together a foundation, and get a loan or something to save the park. I'd be for that.
TheGreatOne Posted January 13, 2006 Posted January 13, 2006 It's a shame, but Williams Grove is so far off the beaten torust path in PA, away from Philly, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, State College, ect. It's a shame... well, maybe someone can work on putting together a foundation, and get a loan or something to save the park. I'd be for that. Loans to bail a park like Williams Grove that doesn't make too much money can be tricky. Just ask Conneaut Lake. They've been riddled with debt for years now and court battles have ensued because nothing is being paid off (up until recently). -Bryan "loves small parks, even ghetto ones" Wood
rollermonkey Posted January 14, 2006 Posted January 14, 2006 Er, Williams Grove is about 20 minutes south of Harrisburg. About an hour west of Hershey, too.
hpstormrunner22 Posted January 15, 2006 Posted January 15, 2006 William's Grove really isn't far of the beaten path either. It's what, 10-15 minutes off US 15. 15 is the main route to Gettysburg, PA (which draws 2 million visitors a year) from the north and it's also used to get down to the DC area. William's Grove would be fine if they would just be able to advertise better. The only signs for the place on US 15 are road signs pointing in the direction of it. Nothing to mention there is a park there.
momo1tx Posted February 16, 2006 Author Posted February 16, 2006 I have news confirming the status of Williams Grove. I e-mailed them asking what their operating schedule was, and received this in reply: Mr xxxxx, Thank-you for your e-mail but we regret to inform you that WilliamsGrove Amusment Park will not be operationally for the 2006 season.The management of Williams Grove had been in negotiations with a operational company to operate this season. This corporation has just relayed to us this was not going to be possible so at this time we will not be operating. There has been no decision as to the sale of the park at this time. The status at this moment is only that we will not be operating this season should at any point a sale of any kind be done it will not involve Williams Grove Speedway who is now running two nights both Friday and Saturdays. We regret this decision but we feel it is in our better interest for now. Please watch for any details later in the future. Thoughts? Looks like they haven't given up yet, at least.
BarryH Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 I hope someone at least saves the Cyclone. I never got to ride it because it was broken when I visited!
robbalvey Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 That doesn't surprise me. There really isn't anything at William's Grove worth saving, at least in my opinion. Not even the Cyclone. While yes, the ride is what I would consider "entertaining" it is in pretty beat up shape, and I couldn't imagine anyone in their right mind actually wanting to "buy" it. The only reason I consider it "entertaining" it because the thing is so decrepit and rotting away, it's SHOCKING that is actually still runs. And if someone does, I'll point them to a coaster like Screachin' Eagle that's been sitting over at Americana which is a MUCH better ride. And I'm sure it's probably in better shape even though it hasn't operated in like 3 years! Seriously. If you haven't seen the shape that the Cyclone is in, go download the video: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19986 It's a total POS, really. So is the rest of the insect infested nasty park. --Robb "This is one traditional park that I would NOT bother saving!" Alvey
larrygator Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 Robb I have to disagree, The Twister is definitely worth saving. Oh man they run that at full speed and I guarantee you can not walk straight afterwards. The fun house is worth saving if it can be fixed up.
robbalvey Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 Ahh, the Twister is that Tilt-A-Whirl type thing? I don't think I ever rode it, but I'll take your word for it! --Robb
dougr Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 Hmmm... perhaps some coaster enthusiasts should get together and buy a park or something. If only there was some way for them to communicate...
CoasterFanatic Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 I could see someone buying the Wildcat. It is in pretty decent shape.
robbalvey Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 ^ Oh, yeah, that's true! I forgot about the Wildcat as we wanted to get away from it as quickly as possible during our last visit as it was infested with ticks!!! I'd rather save the Wildcat over the Cyclone. --Robb
larrygator Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 http://www.themeparkreview.com/wgrove/wgrove.htm You have a picture here of the Twister, just an eentsy weentsy bit wilder than a Tilt-a-Whirl
SharkTums Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 I would much rather see some money and saving of rides go for better attractions and parks! Still freaked out by the TICK on me!!!!
dougr Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 I would much rather see some money and saving of rides go for better attractions and parks! Still freaked out by the TICK on me!!!! I know, seeing that would freak me out too... Yikes!
Meteornotes Posted February 16, 2006 Posted February 16, 2006 Williams Grove was a dump when I was a kid. It's a dump now. It has a sort of odd charm, but it's really not a nice park. I honestly don't think it will ever be open again, though I suspect it will sit there rotting away, as there's no way they'll be able to build anything there with the race track right next to the place. I'd imagine a lot of the rides could be moved, though I have no idea what sort of shape they're in. The Cyclone could probably be pushed over by a group of pre-schoolers in an afternoon without too much effort, so I don't think that will be going anywhere... dt
larrygator Posted February 17, 2006 Posted February 17, 2006 I don't know how Cyclone survives through any snowstorm or even a windy day for that matter. The coaster is like a vampire that won't die.
robbalvey Posted January 26, 2009 Posted January 26, 2009 ^ Eagle wasn't at Williams Grove, it was at Americana. --Robb
Hercules Posted January 26, 2009 Posted January 26, 2009 Wait. Williams Grove wasn't in New Hampshire?
spaceace12 Posted January 26, 2009 Posted January 26, 2009 ^ Eagle wasn't at Williams Grove, it was at Americana. --Robb Did a search and this thread came up and couldn't remember the park so I thought this was the one.
Kennyweird Posted January 26, 2009 Posted January 26, 2009 Wait. Williams Grove wasn't in New Hampshire? Nope, Pennsylvania.
Thrillrider92 Posted January 27, 2009 Posted January 27, 2009 I disagree, what about Dante's Inferno (dark ride) it wasn't sold at the auction along with the Cyclone. I'm sure a park would come buy that little ride. It was redone I believe in the late 1980's. Some speculate it may be a lost Traver dark ride? not sure if that's true. I've never rode the ride or even been to the park but the classic dark ride has some stunts and cars worth saving.
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