Sandcastle Turns 30: From Railroad Yard To Water Park

PITTSBURGH, PA - In 1987, Kennywood Entertainment made a huge public splash that still makes waves three decades later. The then-owners of the West Mifflin amusement park purchased an old railroad yard along the Monongahela River that once served US Steel's Homestead Works and unveiled an ambitious plan to turn it into a water park.

It wasn't easy. Seven miles of railroad track had to be removed from the site, according to a Carnegie Mellon University publication. Dense vegetation along the riverfront had to be cleared. Construction efforts were hampered by the Mon frequently overflowing its banks and flooding the park's lower level.

But those obstacles eventually were overcome and in July 1989, Sandcastle opened for the first time.

The park has undergone many changes in its 30 years. Some non-water-related attractions have been eliminated over the years, including a go-cart and mini-golf area. Attractions have been added, most recently in 2013 with the Dragon's Den behind the boardwalk area.

But one constant over the years is that thousands of people flock to the park annually to escape the heat in one of the 15 waterslide attractions, the Mon Tsunami wave pool, the always-crowded Mushroom Pool, the placid Lazy River and the two children's areas.

The park opens for the summer on May 25. Sandcastle spokesman Tyler Saxon said that while there currently are no plans for a formal celebration of the park's 30th anniversary, there are some new things this year that guests will notice:

• A new food stand has opened along the boardwalk - the Healthy Hut, featuring sandwich wraps, salads, smoothies and fresh fruits and veggies.

• Among the park's new snacks are a churro ice cream sandwich, a loaded potato twister and a chocolate dip cone.

• A "Live for Summer" sign has been added outside of the maintenance shop and the Snack Shack and Rita's building have been freshly painted.