Enchanted Forest Water Safari Explained

Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Location:Old Forge
Location2:Adirondack RegionNew York
Location3:U.S.
Previous Names:The Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks (1956-1988)
Status:Operating
Slogan:"Enchanted Forest, Water Safari – where the fun never stops *dun dun*"
Rides:50+
Water Rides:32+

The Enchanted Forest — Water Safari (originally known as The Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks and often called the Enchanted Forest and Water Safari) is an amusement park/water park. It is the largest water park in New York and is located within Old Forge, in the Adirondack region.[1]

History

The park was opened as The Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks in 1956 by A. Richard Cohen, a hardware store owner and commissioner for the Adirondack Authority in charge of the development of ski centres on Whiteface and Gore mountains. When opened, it had 35 employees and encompassed 35acres of swampland. Admission was $1 for adults and 25¢ for children. Over time, the park expanded in size to its present 60acres.

The design for the park, incorporating a large circus tent and a series of houses with themes from children's nursery rhymes and fairy tales, was based upon research by Cohen's daughter and wife, whom he sent to several amusement parks across the country to study how they worked. Concept watercolor paintings for the park were done by Russell Patterson, who also worked on the designs of the several individual fairy tale houses in the park.

The only mechanical ride at the park in 1956 was a train, the Enchanted Forest Express, that traveled around the park. However, this changed during the 1960s when more rides were introduced to the park.

In 1977, Cohen sold the park to the Noonan family. In 1988, the park's name was changed to Enchanted Forest Water Safari, after a major expansion that added numerous waterslides to the park. Following the success of Wild Waters (two 350feet waterslides) that had been added in 1984. Leading to opening Raging rapids water slide and the tadpole hole kid's water area in 1986. [2]

In 1999 a further expansion titled Adirondack Expedition added 8 more water rides to the park along with another kiddy play area called the Sawmill.

In March 2024 the park and an adjacent hotel and campground also owned by the park was sold to Florida based hospitality company Innovative Attraction Management for an undisclosed sum.[3]

Rides and attractions

Water rides

Amusement rides

Former rides

Water rides

Calypso's Cove

Adjoining the park is Calypso's Cove, a small amusement park which includes an arcade, go-karts, rock climbing, mini-golf, batting cages, bumper boats, and a zip line.

Campgrounds

Additionally, the park adjoins to campgrounds with classic cabins in Adirondack style, as well as RV accommodations. A pond with row and peddle boats, as well as several rec rooms and shower/restroom facilities are also included.

Other information

In addition to the water and amusement rides, the park also has two daily circus shows (at noon and at 4 pm), a petting zoo, a small museum dedicated to the park, and multiple video game arcades and side show games throughout the park. The park has a no smoking policy, but areas are designated for those who wish to smoke. Dogs on leashes are allowed in the park.

The "White Arch" located in the parking lot was brought to Old Forge in 1967 and first placed at the park in 1968. It is one of eleven white arches that was originally used at the 1964 New York World's Fair.[10] [11]

The park also has an area in the back dedicated to circus performances such as acrobatics and animal shows.

Incidents

Further reading

43.7°N -132°W

Notes and References

  1. Book: The Enchanted Forest of the Adirondacks. Kiddie Parks of the Adirondacks, (NY). Rose Ann Hirsch. 2006. Arcadia Publishing. 0738544701. 97 - 116.
  2. Web site: Got History? We Do!. June 20, 2021.
  3. Web site: gherbert@syracuse.com . Geoff Herbert . 2024-03-05 . Enchanted Forest Water Safari gets new Florida-based owner . 2024-03-06 . syracuse . en.
  4. Web site: New Rides - Enchanted Forest Water Safari. Enchanted Forest Water Safari. June 18, 2020.
  5. WaterSafari. Water Safari. Enchanted Forest Water Safari. 1268210946410979328. ‼Exciting progress on the NEW Rides‼ Here you can see the Skybox Drop Floor Launch Pads for our, The Mamba Strike, Kilimanjaro's Revenge, and the colorful tube racers of Serengeti Stampede! Who's Ready⁉ . June 3, 2020. June 18, 2020.
  6. WaterSafari. Water Safari. Enchanted Forest Water Safari. 1405857895741378563. Today’s the day we’ve been waiting for!! WE'RE OPEN!! GET WET!! Park opens at 10 am! #WaterSafari #WhereTheFunNeverStops. June 18, 2021. June 20, 2021.
  7. WaterSafari. Water Safari. Enchanted Forest Water Safari. 1157007648904155137. August 1, 2019. October 31, 2019. Serengeti Surf Hill and Killermanjaro are leaving Enchanted Forest Water Safari at the end of this season Say goodbye the right way by enjoying these thrilling water rides before they go! #LastChanceToRide #WaterSafariResorts.
  8. WaterSafari. Water Safari. Enchanted Forest Water Safari. 1168191862739542016. September 1, 2019. October 31, 2019. LAST CHANCE! Ride now or forever hold your peace! Tomorrow is your #LastChanceToRide Killermanjaro and Serengeti Surf Hill before they're gone forever! ⌛⌛.
  9. WaterSafari. Water Safari. Enchanted Forest Water Safari. 1168463658298556423. September 2, 2019. October 31, 2019.
    1. LastChanceToRide Today is the last day Killermanjaro and Serengeti Surf Hill will be a part of @WaterSafari. Let's send them off with a warm farewell!...
    .
  10. Web site: World’s Fair souvenir celebrates its 50th birthday in West Hempstead. LI Herald. Rossana Weitekamp. August 29, 2014. June 20, 2021.
  11. WaterSafari. Water Safari. Enchanted Forest Water Safari. 1390728352538009603. In 1968 our famous "White Arch" was placed in front of @WaterSafari. It was originally shown at the 1964 World's Fair in NYC. 1 of 11 arches created to act as entry gate markers for the world's fair that year. Several still exist to this day. #SplashBackFriday . May 7, 2021. June 20, 2021.
  12. News: Firefighters accused in Enchanted Forest Water Safari break-in . 2013-09-23 . 2021-07-19 . CNYCentral.
  13. News: Upstate NY couple accused of public sex act at Enchanted Forest Water Safari . 2017-07-29 . 2021-07-19 . NewYorkUpstate.
  14. News: Woman dies from asthma attack at Enchanted Forest Water Safari . 2021-07-19 . 2021-07-19 . WKTV CBS.