It’s back: Kennywood is unretiring the beloved Kangaroo
Sometimes, just sometimes things we wish would come back, do indeed return.
The iconic Kangaroo ride at Kennywood will be back for the 2022 season, the park announced Friday.
And it will look shinier and newer – it’s been fully refurbished.
“Kangaroo is a one-of-a-kind ride that’s perfect for a one-of-a-kind park like Kennywood,” Mark Pauls, general manager of the West Mifflin park, said in a statement. “We heard our guests ask for its return, and we are excited to bring the last ride of its kind in the world back, better than ever.”
The park teased to something happening Friday on social media.
Less than 24 hours until the big reveal! Subscribe for the scoop - and watch @PGHTodayLive Friday at 9 to see it yourself!
???? https://t.co/dIyEJSsb1u pic.twitter.com/H6WRXQrTi6
— Kennywood (@Kenny_Kangaroo) November 18, 2021
The Kangaroo was the inspiration for Kennywood’s mascot, Kenny Kangaroo. The ride is being refreshed in partnership with Premier Rides, a company that manufactures amusement park rides.
The ride will have LED lighting, be painted in vibrant new colors, and have a state-of-the-art operating system.
It will still have its “Flying Coaster” feel, according to Kennywood.
“Our goal is to update Kangaroo, but more importantly, ensure we preserve the longstanding history of this timeless ride,” said Premier Rides president Jim Seay in a statement. “By modernizing the Kangaroo, we can provide many more generations of Kennywood fans the opportunity to happily hop aboard for decades to come.”
When the park announced it was removing the ride last November, Kennywood fans voiced their displeasure.
That reaction is one reason for its return, Kennywood officials said. Kennywood spokesman Nick Paradise said in surveying guests there was definitely a strong sentiment about bringing back the Kangaroo versus adding a new attraction.
“Part of what makes Pittsburgh unique is shared experiences that have been passed down through families and Kennywood and rides like the Kangaroo are part of those experiences,” Paradise said.
The ride will be placed in the same spot. Some nearby trees have been removed to allow for a larger display and to light up the area to really highlight the attraction, said Paradise.
The Kangaroo is a ride for guests of all ages.
“It’s simple but not too dull,” Paradise said. “People really look forward to riding it year after year. You never get too old to ride the Kangaroo.”
Guests will have an opportunity to select the ride’s new logo and theme. They can vote here through Nov. 21 at 11:59 p.m.
The winning theme will be announced on Wednesday.
Kennywood will provide a web series on its site so fans can follow the work of the ride.
The Kangaroo debuted at Kennywood in 1962. It wasn’t officially considered a roller coaster, but creator John Norman Bartlett dubbed it a “Flying Coaster” due to the single, sharp slope in its circular track that would move its cars up into the air.
When it returns, it will be the last ride of its kind operating in the world, according to Kennywood.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.