Enchanted Parks Announces Plans For Two New Roller Coasters

Federal Way, WA -- Enchanted Parks, the leading amusement and waterpark in the Pacific Northwest, announced today its has applied for a permit to the City of Federal Way to add two new roller coasters to the north end of Enchanted Village by 2003.

"The two new roller coasters will be separate rides constructed of wood and steel respectively," said long-time Federal Way resident and Enchanted Parks' President and Owner Jeff Stock. "Both rides provide a different experience for coaster enthusiasts. The approximately 110-by-140-foot wood-framed ride will be one of the ten largest in the nation, and is being designed to rival some of the country's most popular wooden-coasters. It promises to give riders the opportunity to relive the nostalgic roller coaster experience. In contrast, the steel coaster will be sleek in appearance and provide an ultramodern, 21st century ride experience."

Construction for the respective wooden and steel coasters will cost approximately $20 million, and will be built within the designated area and height requirements established by the Federal Way Annexation Agreement.

"We are excited about Enchanted Parks' investment in building two new roller coasters," said Federal Way Mayor Mike Park. "The regional and national park patrons these coasters will attract will also contribute greatly to our local economy by promoting the economic development of Federal Way and creating additional jobs for young people."

The 70-acre Enchanted Parks site, which includes Wild Waves and Enchanted Village, has been a part of South Puget Sound for more than two decades. Currently, hundreds of thousands of visitors enjoy Enchanted Parks annually, and the amusement and waterpark provide close to 1,000 seasonal jobs.

"Enchanted Parks is an established contributor to South Sound tourism, and the addition of these coasters will raise Enchanted Parks to a new level of regional tourism, enhancing economic development for the state, said Doug Sutherland, Pierce County Executive.

According to Stock, the positive reactions from park guests to the recent Wild Thing, Konga River and I-5 Dive Skycoaster additions were the driving force behind convincing him to move forward with the construction of two world-class roller coasters.

"Enchanted Parks' decision to add two world-class roller coasters to Enchanted Village will extend its tourism reach throughout the Pacific Northwest allowing neighboring counties in Western Washington to reap the economic benefits Enchanted Parks contributes to King County," said King County Council Chairman Pete von Reichbauer.

More information on Enchanted Parks, Enchanted Village and Wild Waves can be found at their Web site at www.wildwaves.com.