Kennywood To Bring Back Classic Retired Ride

WEST MIFFLIN, PA —Many Kennywood patrons were hopping mad when the amusement park announced a year ago that the beloved Kangaroo was one of four rides that were being retired. Kennywood is rectifying that mistake by bringing a modernized version of the ride to the park next year.

"The iconic Kangaroo will return fully refurbished and ready to thrill riders with its unique
ride experience – a rite of passage for younger guests seeking bigger thrills," Kennywood announced on its Facebook page.

In partnership with Premier Rides, one of the amusement industry’s leading ride manufacturers, Kennywood will completely refurbish the Kangaroo. This work will include an LED lighting package, vibrant new colors, and state of the art operating systems while still providing the
classic “flying coaster” feel, the post stated.

Kennywood is letting people vote on whether the ride's logo and theming should be classic or modernized. Voting will occur online through Sunday; results will be announced on Nov. 24.

The Kangaroo debuted at Kennywood in 1962, and though not officially considered a roller coaster, creator John Norman Bartlett dubbed it a “flying coaster" due to the single, sharp slope in its circular track that ride cars shot up into a joyous airtime moment of weightlessness.

It quickly became a park favorite for its simple fun, and in 1974 served as an inspiration for Kennywood’s first mascot: Kenny Kangaroo. When it returns in 2022, Kangaroo will once again be the last ride of its kind operating in the world.