PRESERVATION EFFORTS ENSURE CONTINUED THRILLS

ORLANDO, FL – November 16, 2021 – For over 40 years, the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) has made the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters its biggest priority. Through these efforts, we are ensuring parks around the world will continue to offer riders the opportunity to make memories and experience thrills on these engineering marvels.

In 2021, the nonprofit organization continued that tradition by diligently working to bring the importance of maintaining and preserving roller coasters to the attention of the media and community, recognizing several roller coasters as well as contributing financially to their restoration.

These preservation highlights include the following:

• Designating Thunderhawk at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Comet at Hersheypark in Hershey as ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks during the Coaster Con 43 festivities to ensure riders know the historical significance of these two coasters.
• Distributing $75,000 of preservation funds during the pandemic directly to parks, including Enchanted Forest, Linnanmäki, Holiday World, Lakemont Park and the parks of IB Parks & Entertainment – Fantasy Island, Indiana Beach and Clementon Park ‒ to ensure continued operation of their coasters.
• Presenting ACE Coaster Classic recognition plaques to support Vuoristorata at Linnanmäki and Cyclone at Lakeside Amusement Park.
• Engaging local media with our concerns of imminent destruction of Conneaut Lake Park’s Blue Streak

In addition to these accomplishments, ACE is making its largest donation to continue our support of the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) in its efforts to preserve rides, artifacts and memories for those who have enjoyed the thrills of America’s roller coasters. “We have reached some important milestones at the museum over the last two years and we simply could not have done it without the continued support of the American Coaster Enthusiasts. Their donations and having the leadership of both Jerry Willard and Robert Ulrich on the board have been invaluable,” said Jeff Novotny, NRCMA president.

About American Coaster Enthusiasts
Founded in 1978, American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With over 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. ACE hosts more than 75 national and regional coaster events across North America every year and has been prominently featured on various media seen throughout the world.

Thunderhawk
Photo: Jonathan Hymes. View full-sized image.

Comet
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.

Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.