PowerPark is a large scale karting and amusement park in Alahärmä, Finland. It is located along Highway 19, 66 kilometres (41 mi) north of Seinäjoki and 76 kilometres (47 mi) east of Vaasa. The main karting track already resembles an F1 circuit and has previously hosted the Karting World Championship, but they also have a hectare-large indoor track, the largest in Europe.[citation needed] Other than that the resort also contains a restaurant, large hotel, a camping area with cottages and all sorts of amusement rides.
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| Location | Alahärmä, Kauhava, Finland |
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| Coordinates | 63°13′42″N 022°51′35″E / 63.22833°N 22.85972°E |
| Status | Operating |
| Opened | 1999, rides area 2002 |
| Owner | Lillbacka enterprises |
| Operating season | May to August (rides area) / throughout the year |
| Attendance | 400,000–450,000 (2015)[1] |
| Area | 160 ha (400 acres) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 42 |
| Roller coasters | 6 |
| Water rides | 2 |
| Website | www |
PowerPark was founded by Jorma Lillbacka, an entrepreneur and financier from Alahärmä, and according to estimates by Talouselämä magazine, Lillbacka has invested 100–200 million euros in the amusement park since its establishment.[2] In 2015, PowerPark had as many as 450,000 visitors.[3] In a study conducted by Taloustutkimus Oy, the PowerPark experience park was rated the best leisure center in Finland in 2010,[4] 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.[5] The South Ostrobothnia Tourism Prize (Etelä-Pohjanmaan matkailupalkinto) was also awarded to PowerPark in 2010.[6]
PowerLand
editMajor rides
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| Name | Manufacturer | Model | Opened | Ride type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbird | GCI | Wooden Coaster | 2006 | Rollercoaster, wood |
| Cobra | Vekoma | Boomerang | 2005 | Rollercoaster, looping |
| Junker | Gerstlauer | Infinity Coaster | 2015 | Rollercoaster, looping |
| Joyride | L&T Systems | Coaster 47x21 | 2003 | Rollercoaster |
| Neo's Twister | Fabbri | Mouse 40 | 2011 | Rollercoaster |
| Piovra | Moser's Rides | Polyp | 2004 | Thrill ride |
| Pitts Special | Gerstlauer | Infinity Coaster Custom | 2020 | Rollercoaster |
| Typhoon 360 | Technical Park | Typhoon 360 | 2004 | Spectacular |
| Booster | Fabbri | Booster | 2003 | Spectacular |
| Music Express | Barbieri | Musik Express | 2002 | Thrill ride |
| Dragon Tower | Moser's Rides | Mach Tower | 2012 | Freefall |
| Giant Wheel | Fabbri | Giant Wheel 34 | 2003 | |
| La Paloma | Zierer | Wave Swinger | 2005 | |
| Bumper Cars | Gosetto / cars IE Park | Bumper Cars | 2003 | |
| Fiesta Mexicana | Zamperla | Star Flyer | 2007 | Thrill ride |
| Pegasus | Technical Park | Pegasus | 2008 | Spectacular |
| Kwai River | Interlink LG | Log flume | 2013 | Water ride |
| Enterprise | Huss | Enterprise | 2019 | Thrill Ride |
In 2007, a worker died after being hit by the Typhoon ride. According to the news, she was retrieving a shoe. After the incident, the park was closed earlier than usual and both workers and customers were given crisis aid.
Family rides
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| Name | Manufacturer | Model | Opened | Ride type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dino Safari Jeep | Zamperla | 2002 | ||
| Crazy House | Barbieri | 2003 | ||
| Time Machine | 2005 | |||
| Galeon | Zamperla | Rockin' Tug | 2007 | Thrill ride |
| Mine Train | Zamperla | Family Gravity Coaster 80STD | 2007 | Rollercoaster |
| Devil's Mine Hotel | Gosetto | Dark Ride | 2007 | |
| Real Snacks Jetski | Zierer | Jet Skis | 2013 | Thrill Ride |
| Balloon Tower | Technical Park | Balloon Tower | 2008 |
Kiddie rides
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| Name | Manufacturer | Model | Opened | Ride type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jumping Star | Zamperla | Jumping Star | 2002 | |
| Rio Grande Train | Zamperla | Rio Grande | 2003 | |
| Wild Horse Carousel | 2002 | |||
| Mini Jets | Zamperla | 2003 | ||
| Mini Tea Cup | Zamperla | Teacup Ride | 2002 | |
| Chain Carousel | Sopark | Wave Swinger | 2002 | |
| Mill River | 2005 | |||
| Chuck Wagon | Zamperla | Ferris Wheel | 2005 | |
| Jump Around | Zamperla | 2007 | ||
| Pirate Ship | Lappset | 2002 | ||
| Captain Hook | Zamperla | 2009 | ||
| Lion King | Technical Park | Flying Twist – Aladino | 2011 |
Removed rides
edit| Name | Manufacturer | Model | Opened | Ride type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tapis Volant | Fabbri | Flying Carpet | 2002–2005 | Thrill ride |
| Dark Ride | Emiliana Luna Park | Ghost Train | 2005–2006 | |
| Mega Drop | Fabbri | Freefalll | 2002–2011 |
Horse centre
editThe Riding Centre of PowerPark is being completed and will start its operations in 2008. The centre is located in a peaceful place, behind a small woods, in the vicinity of PowerPark. The Riding Centre will provide horse treks of different kinds in South Ostrobothnian landscapes.
References
edit- ^ "Info | Powerpark".
- ^ Silander, Maria (September 15, 2006). "Kevät tuo huvipuistoihin uudet härvelit" [Spring Brings New Fun to Amusement Parks]. Talouselämä (in Finnish). Retrieved March 6, 2021.
- ^ Vuoden matkailuyritys hätyyttelee kävijöissä jo Särkänniemeä - Tunnettuus silti "yhä varmasti alhaisinta" (in Finnish)
- ^ "Yllätysnimi nousi parhaaksi huvittelupaikaksi" [Surprising Name is the Best Place for Fun]. Kauppalehti (in Finnish). November 26, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2021.
- ^ "PowerPark jatkaa Suomen parhaana vapaa-ajankeskuksena" [PowerPark Continues To Be Finland's Best Leisure Center]. YLE (in Finnish). Retrieved March 6, 2021.
- ^ "Etelä-Pohjanmaan matkailupalkinto Powerparkille" [Power Park Receives Southern Ostrobothnia Tourism Award".]. YLE (in Finnish). Retrieved March 6, 2021.
External links
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Media related to Powerpark at Wikimedia Commons