Kennywood's Kangaroo Bounces Back With Big Award

WEST MIFFLIN, PA —The new version of the beloved Kangaroo at Kennywood has received a Publisher's Pick Renaissance award in the Golden Tickets Awards ceremony, the amusement park industry's version of the Academy Awards.

Kennywood responded to guest pleas for its return by partnering with Premier Rides to modernize and restore the ride, enhancing it with new theming, lighting and a dedicated logo for the first time ever.

“The return of the Kangaroo is nothing less than extraordinary,” said Tim Baldwin, Golden Ticket Awards communications director for Amusement Today. “Kennywood faced uphill odds in not only bringing it back but to make it look brand new — this shows an authentic dedication to the fans as well as the long, rich history the park is known for.”

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. The ride is the last of its kind operating in the world.

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