In a move that left many Pittsburghers pondering the future of their local amusement favorites, Atlanta-based Herschend has announced plans to acquire Palace Entertainment's U.S. attractions, including Kennywood Park, Sandcastle, and Idlewild & SoakZone. As disclosed by CBS News Pittsburgh, the acquisition also incorporates over 20 other Palace Entertainment parks nationwide. Herschend is a seasoned player in the theme park arena, with the family-owned company boasting landmarks such as Dollywood and the Harlem Globetrotters in its portfolio.
Palace Entertainment's CEO John Reilly sees Herschend as "the ideal organization to lead Palace Entertainment’s unique properties," ensuring quality experiences within its parks, a sentiment echoed in a TribLIVE release. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh community harbors a mix of nostalgia and anticipation for what the new management could bring, with locals expressing a desire for Kennywood to retain its historic charm and regional identity while undergoing structural and safety improvements and not turning into another Dollywood but rather preserving the 'yinzer' spirit intrinsic to Pittsburgh's well-loved amusement park.
Herschend CEO Andrew Wexler, reported by WTAE, stated that the company intends to "building upon the strong foundation that Palace Entertainment has created" in a statement reiterating its commitment to excellent guest experiences and meaningful opportunities for its teams. Both Herschend and Palace Entertainment have emphasized that there will be no immediate changes to the daily operations of Kennywood or the other parks as they undergo the transition period.
As Kennywood gears up for its opening day on April 12, the Pittsburgh community watches with hope and apprehension while Herschend assures that they are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for employees, guests, and communities.
