Historic amusement park Kennywood, along with Sandcastle and Idlewild & SoakZone, has changed hands, now joining the family of attractions managed by Herschend Family Entertainment. The completion of the acquisition adds these beloved Pennsylvania spots to a portfolio that includes Dollywood and the Harlem Globetrotters. Herschend, making the announcement today, solidified the expansion of its themed attractions domain, signaling a new chapter for the parks. WTAE reported that the deal had been in the works since March.
Following the acquisition, Herschend has grown to employ a total of 22,000 people and now operates 49 properties. Known as the world's largest family-held themed attractions company, according to Chris Herschend, a board chair and third-generation owner, whose statement was detailed by CBS News Pittsburgh, the company aims to steer the parks with a commitment to business integrity, community engagement, and an approach that prioritizes its employees first.
Herschend has acquired the lease at the top of Kennywood's fairy-tale rise, a company focused on preserving the park's historic appeal while optimizing operational efficiencies. This season is focused on "listening, learning, and building relationships," a refrain echoed by the company's leaders as they navigate the transitional phase. No immediate changes are expected as the company seeks to listen and learn from the communities and patrons connected to the parks.
