Are any of the rides from Rocky Point still in use at other amusement parks? We found out.
WARWICK – The start of summer in Rhode Island used to be marked by the rides powering up at Rocky Point Amusement Park.
That ended when Rocky Point closed in 1995 after a 148-year run.
But the rides, well, that’s another story.
“Are any of the rides from Rocky Point still in use at other amusement parks?” a What and Why RI reader asked. “Someone on Facebook said the Corkscrew was at a park in Washington, that’s what made me wonder.”
In this case, that post on Facebook was right. Here’s what we found out about the Corkscrew and other Rocky Point rides:
What happened to the Corkscrew when Rocky Point closed?
Let’s start with the Corkscrew, arguably the most recognizable Rocky Point ride.
Innovative when it was first installed in 1984, it featured one 360-degree loop and two twists of the track that resembled corkscrews.
It was the first of its kind in New England when it was installed, and the first riders described it to The Providence Journal as feeling like “getting tossed around in a clothes dryer,” “strapped on a giant runaway roller skate” or “riding a simulated space capsule at NASA headquarters.”
Photos: Remembering RI's amusement park Rocky Point: What was your favorite attraction?
When the park closed, the Corkscrew was in high demand. First, it was bought at auction by Blue Bayou Water Park in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for $805,000, according to archives. But that sale fell through, and it went to Enchanted Parks in Federal Way, Washington.
Today, Enchanted Parks is known as Wild Waves Theme and Waterpark, and the Corkscrew – which features a different paint job – is still one of the main high-thrill rides.
“We are thrilled to let you know that this awesome roller coaster is still a favorite among our guests at Wild Waves Theme & Water Park,” said Pam Bugbee, the director of sales and marketing at Wild Waves in an email. “The park opens for the season on May 18th, and your reader will be happy to know that The Wild Thing will be operational throughout the entire season.”
She added, “rest assured, we are taking care of The Wild Thing for all our guests to enjoy."
What about the other Rocky Point rides?
A good number of the other rides are still in operation, according to former Providence Journal employee George LaCross, who runs an amusement park blog and is an administrator of the Facebook Group Rocky Point Park Remembered!
The other rides in operation are, according to LaCross:
Cyclone Coaster: It was "purchased at the April 1996 auction by Sandspit Cavendish Beach in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, Canada.”
Enterprise: Now known as the Flyin’ Tiger, it’s at Dixie Landin’ in Baton Rouge.
Flume: This one traveled quite far from Rhode Island, as it was purchased by Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines, "where various components were installed in its Jungle Log Jam flume ride.”
The grand carousel: By contrast, this one is much closer, at Atlantic Beach Park in Westerly, “where it operates, minus the Rocky Point horses. Atlantic Beach uses other horses, mostly from its former vintage Illions Carousel.”
What and Why RI is a weekly feature by The Providence Journal to explore our readers' curiosity. If you have a question about Rhode Island, big or small, email it to klandeck@gannett.com. She loves a good question.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rocky Point rides are still operational at these amusement parks
