Kennywood Being Refurbished, Opening Earlier In 2022

WEST MIFFLIN, PA —The Kangaroo is on the verge of a comeback. The Thunderbolt and Phantom's Revenge are being freshly painted. The Old Mill has received a facelift.

Those are just some of the events that have happened at Kennywood since the 2021 season ended in early January. The amusement park is being spruced up in anticipation of its two-year 125th anniversary celebration beginning this year that kicks off on April 16.

"We've done a lot for one off-season," Kennywood spokesman Nick Paradise said Wednesday during a media tour of the park. "We're gong to have a bigger, better season than ever."

The sight of saws in use, the sight of painters with their brushes out and bricklayers working on a new front-entrance amenity were among the flurry of activity transpiring Wednesday.

What does that mean for the park? Essentially this:

Parking and entrance

Changes will make Kennywood's parking lot navigation easier . The addition of a massive a massive carousel horse will greet visitors as they walk to newly painted entrance buildings. Security is being adjusted so patrons won't have to wait as long to enter and the park's famous entrance-exit tunnel will have new landscaping and a nostalgic feel. The entrance-exist runnel is being repainted and features bricks

Kandy Kaleidoscope

Undergoing a complete makeover, the inside of the shop is being reconfigured to make ordering and checking out easier. New floor-to-ceiling windows are being added.

The Old Mill
Kennywood’s oldest ride, in operation since 1901, is getting a new facade.

Kangaroo

After a year's absence, a modernized version of the popular ride is being installed. The new concrete foundation was poured on Monday and the ride is expected to debut during the Memorial Day weekend.

Additionally, the cottage restrooms near the Jack Rabbit are being modernized; the Jack Rabbit is getting a paint job and an entrance makeover that includes a mural; the Thunderbolt, Phantom's Revenge and Racer also are being repainted; new directional signage is being installed and the beer garden is being refreshed.

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