Lake Compounce Amusement Park to Get New Owner in Major Acquisition
Bristol, CT – One of Connecticut’s most beloved amusement parks, Lake Compounce, is set to change ownership as part of a major acquisition deal. On Tuesday, Herschend Enterprises announced that it has signed an agreement with Parques Reunidos to acquire all of Palace Entertainment’s U.S. properties, including Lake Compounce in Bristol, Kennywood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
A New Chapter for Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce, the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America, has been a staple of family entertainment in Connecticut for more than 175 years. The park, known for its thrilling rides, water attractions, and historic Boulder Dash wooden roller coaster, has been under Palace Entertainment’s ownership for years. Now, it will become part of Herschend Enterprises, a company known for operating popular theme parks and attractions such as Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, and Newport Aquarium.
Herschend CEO Andrew Wexler expressed excitement about the transition:
“We look forward to building upon the strong foundation that Palace Entertainment has created and welcoming these properties and hosts into the Herschend family of brands. The teams at these parks have done an incredible job building beloved destinations in their communities, and we look forward to learning from them, growing together, and building on their success. This is an exciting opportunity for all of us to continue creating exceptional experiences for guests and meaningful opportunities for our teams.”
What This Means for Visitors
For longtime visitors of Lake Compounce, the acquisition raises questions about potential changes or upgrades. Herschend Enterprises is well-known for investing in guest experiences, adding new attractions, and improving park amenities. This could mean more rides, seasonal events, and guest benefits in the coming years.
While specific details about Lake Compounce’s future under Herschend’s ownership have yet to be announced, past acquisitions by the company have resulted in significant expansions and improvements at their properties. Many expect Lake Compounce to receive similar enhancements, making it an even more exciting destination for families and thrill-seekers alike.
A Growing Theme Park Portfolio
With the acquisition of Kennywood, Dutch Wonderland, and Lake Compounce, Herschend strengthens its presence in the U.S. amusement park industry. The company is known for family-friendly entertainment, themed experiences, and high-quality attractions, making it a strong fit for Lake Compounce’s legacy.
As the transition unfolds, guests can look forward to updates from Herschend and park officials about potential upgrades, changes, and new attractions.
Lake Compounce will continue to operate as usual during the transition, ensuring that families can still enjoy their favorite rides, summer waterpark experiences, and seasonal events without disruption.
Conclusion
The acquisition marks a new era for Lake Compounce and other Palace Entertainment properties. With Herschend Enterprises taking over, visitors can expect exciting new developments while still experiencing the history and nostalgia that make Lake Compounce a cherished Connecticut destination.
For now, thrill-seekers and families can continue to enjoy the park’s attractions while looking forward to the potential improvements and additions that may come under Herschend’s leadership.
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