Playland (Vancouver)

Playland Amusement Park
Previously known as Happyland (1929–1957)
LocationVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Coordinates49°16′58″N 123°02′12″W / 49.2827°N 123.0366°W / 49.2827; -123.0366
StatusOperating
Opened1929; 95 years ago (1929)[note 1]
OwnerPacific National Exhibition[note 2]
SloganCome and join the fun!
Operating seasonMay–September
Attendance378,000[note 3]
Area6.1 hectares (15 acres)[3]
Attractions
Total40[1]
Roller coasters4
Water rides1
Websitewww.pne.ca/playland/

Playland Amusement Park is an amusement park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The amusement park is located at Hastings Park and is operated by the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), an organization that hosts an annual summer fair and exhibition adjacent to Playland. Playland opened at its current location in 1958, although its predecessor, Happyland, operated at Hastings Park from 1929 to 1957. Playland was formally made a division of the PNE in 1993.

Playland operates seasonally, opening from May to September every year. The park also reopens in October for its annual "Fright Nights" Halloween themed events. As of 2024, the park operated 40 attractions, including 4 roller coasters. Additional rides are brought in from West Coast Amusements during the PNE's annual summer fair from mid-August to Labour Day; nearly doubling the number of rides at the park.

History

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Predecessor

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The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) has hosted a number of amusement rides since it opened in 1910; with an early roller coaster installed in 1915.[4] However, a permanent amusement complex was not built until the 1920s.[4] Built at Hastings Park, several rides were opened by 1926, including a Shoot the Chute ride and a new roller coaster, the Giant Dipper, to replace the one built in 1915.[4]

Although the first rides were opened by 1926, Playland's predecessor, Happyland, did not fully open for its first regular season until 1929.[1] Happyland was operated by several companies while it was open, including the British Columbia Amusement Company;[5] and the Pacific Amusement Company.[6] The park continued to operate until 1957, when amusement park operations were moved to its present location.[7] The original site was demolished after the amusement park's relocation;[7][8] with the site later being used for Pacific Coliseum.[9]

Playland

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A rollercoaster at Playland in 1960, two years after Playland was opened to the public

Construction for the modern amusement park occurred from December 1957 to 1958, with the park opening in time for that year's PNE exhibition.[10] Reopened as Playland, the park featured several new attractions including the Wooden Roller Coaster, the country's largest at the time of its opening.[11]

Although it was located adjacent to the PNE's fairgrounds, the amusement park did not formally become a division of the Pacific National Exhibition until January 1993.[8]

In 2001, the park begain operating Halloween-themed events or "Fright Nights" during the month of October.[1] During this time, haunted houses are set up inside the amusement park and employed monsters are roaming the park scaring patrons. Most of the parks regular amusement rides are in operation. The haunted houses have been owned and managed by ScreamWorks Inc., a Calgary-based company.[citation needed] Fright Nights event and its including the haunted houses were managed by the PNE and Playland beginning in 2009.[citation needed]

In 2009, the Wooden Roller Coaster was designated with "classic" and "landmark" status by the American Coaster Enthusiasts.[12]

Attractions

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Stalls used to house the carnival games at Playland. The Wooden Roller Coaster is visible behind the stalls.

As of 2018, Playland is home to 39 attractions.[1] Interactive attractions at Playland including a climbing wall, face painting, the Glass House funhouse, and mini golf.[13] Playland also has a haunted house attraction and shooting gallery, although these attractions are not included in the park's admission fee and require an additional fee for entry.[13]

The amusement park also has an arcade and a number of carnival games; including a balloon popping darts game, ring toss, Skee-Ball, and Whac-A-Mole.[14]

In addition to interactive attractions, the park also holds a number of amusement rides, including three roller coasters. In November 2022, the PNE announced it acquired a launched roller coaster from Zamperla for $9-million,[15] with plans to open the new roller coaster in 2024.[note 4]

Roller coasters
Name Ride manufacturer Year opened Type or model Ride class[note 5] Ref(s)
ThunderVolt Intamin (original); Zamperla 2024 Accelerator Coaster Thrill [16]
Bug Whirled SBF Visa Group 2017 Spinning figure 8 roller coaster Family [17][18]
Kettle Creek Mine Coaster E&F Miler Industries 2004 Mine train roller coaster Family [19][20]
Wooden Roller Coaster Designed by Carl Phare & Walker LeRoy; Built by Carl Phare 1958 Wooden roller coaster Extreme [21]
An Enterprise ride at Playland
The Flume, a log flume ride at Playland
Hell's Gate, a Top Spin ride at Playland
Other amusement rides
Name Ride manufacturer Year opened Type or model Ride class[note 5] Ref(s)
Atmosfear Funtime[note 6] 2011 66-metre-high (218 ft) swing ride Extreme [24]
Balloon Explorers Zamperla 2013 Samba Tower Balloon Race (ride) Family [25][26]
The Beast KMG Company 2015 Pendulum ride Extreme [27][28]
Breakdance HUSS Park Attractions 2005 Breakdance Extreme [29]
Cap'n KC Kids [30]
Choppers Hampton Kids [31]
Cool Cruzers Hampton Kids [32]
Dizzy Drop Moser Rides 2017 Rotating drop tower Family [33][34]
Enterprise HUSS Park Attractions 1984 Enterprise Extreme [35]
Flume Mack Rides 1985 Log flume Family [36]
The Flutterbye Zamperla 2017 Magic Bikes Family [37][34]
Gladiator HUSS Park Attractions 2005 Troika Extreme [38]
Hell's Gate HUSS Park Attractions 2000 Top Spin Extreme [39]
Hellevator S&S – Sansei Technologies 2000 60-metre-tall (200 ft) drop tower Extreme [40]
Honeybee Express Zamperla 2008 Train ride Family [41]
Merry-Go-Round D.H. Morgan Manufacturing 1991 Carousel Family [42]
The Pirate Ship HUSS Park Attractions 1984 Pirate ship Extreme [43]
Rock-N-Cars Majestic Manufacturing 2018 Bumper cars Family [44][45]
Scrambler Eli Bridge Co. 1979 Scrambler Family [46]
Sea to Sky Swinger Zamperla 2019 Swing ride Family [47][48]
Skybender Zamperla 2022 Gryphon Extreme [49]
Super Slide 2008 Amusement park slide Family [50]
Teacups Zamperla 2013 Teacups Family [51][26]
Westcoast Wheel Mulligan Engineering 2007 Ferris Wheel Family [52]

Past attractions

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Past attractions at Playland included the "Nintendo Power Zone", an area where guests could play the latest games for Nintendo and PlayStation video game consoles; and a maze built out of covered chain link fencing. Corkscrew was the last roller coaster removed from the amusement park, closing in 2018.

The Jet Scream II (later renamed Super Big Gulp) at Playland in 1987. The ride was later removed from the park in 1994.
Removed rides
Name Ride manufacturer Year opened Year closed Type or model Ref(s)
Calypso Schwarzkopf
Crazy Beach Party HUSS Park Attractions 2004 2021 Frisbee [49]
Corkscrew Vekoma 1994 2018 Corkscrew with Bayerncurve roller coaster [53]
Dragon Coaster Zamperla 2003 Powered roller coaster [54]
Ferris Wheel Eli Bridge Co. 1924 2006 Ferris Wheel
Drop Zone[note 7] Skycoaster Company 1998 2022 Skycoaster
Giant Octopus Eyerly 2004
Music Express Mack Rides 1980 2021 Music Express [49]
Raiders 2014 Jungle gym
Rainbow HUSS Park Attractions 1984 2003 Rainbow
Revelation[note 7] Gravity Works 2000 2022 Skyscraper [55]
Scooters Floyd & Baxter 1966 2013 Bumper cars [45]
Super Big Gulp/Jet Scream II Anton Schwarzkopf 1972 1994 Jet Star 2 roller coaster [56]
Tilt-A-Whirl Sellner Manufacturing 2004 Tilt-A-Whirl
Wave Swinger Zierer 1980 2018 Swing ride [48]
Wild Mouse Princeton Machine 1979 2008 Wild Mouse roller coaster [57]
Zillerator DPV Rides 1996 1997 Galaxi roller coaster [57]

Temporary rides

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In addition to the permanent rides installed at the amusement park, West Coast Amusements (WCA) also brings in temporary rides to Hastings Park for the PNE's annual fair from mid-late August to early September.[58] WCA operates a travelling carnival circuit whose inventory includes over 100 amusement rides such as Ferris Wheels, Hurricane, Music Express, and Scrambler.[58][59] However, the lineup of rides that the WCA brings to the PNE varies from year-to-year.

Film setting

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The amusement park has been used for the filming of several films. The 1999 Canadian teen-drama film Rollercoaster, was shot at the park. The opening scenes of the horror film Final Destination 3 were also shot at the park, utilizing the now-retired Corkscrew roller coaster, seen in the film as "Devil's Flight", and the Hellevator tower as "High Dive". Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days was filmed at Playland for the boardwalk scene, where the Corkscrew and The Revelation ("Cranium Shaker" in the movie) rotating arm ride were shown along with many smaller rides. The Nickelodeon original movie Splitting Adam was also filmed at Playland's water park. The 2010 film Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore was also filmed at Playland, highlighting the now-retired Wave Swinger ride.[60] The 1996 film, Fear was shot there in the summer of 1995. In 2016, The Edge of Seventeen starring Hailee Steinfeld filmed a scene with co-star Hayden Szeto featuring the Westcoast Wheel and mini-golf course along with the background scenery in screen.

Notes

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  1. ^ The year 1929 was when Happyland amusement park was fully opened at Hastings Park.[1] Happyland was later demolished and the amusement park was moved to its current location, renamed Playland, in 1958.
  2. ^ The Pacific National Exhibition is an organization managed by the City of Vancouver.[2]
  3. ^ From 2010 to 2018, the park averaged 378,000 guests annually, with 300,000 guests visiting during its regular season, and 78,000 visiting during the parks "Fright Nights" in October.[1]
  4. ^ The coaster is a refurbished Intamin Hydraulic Launch Coaster called Senzafiato that was originally located at Miragica in Italy [16]
  5. ^ a b The following is the ride's type as described by the park
  6. ^ The ride was installed by the Ride Entertainment Group, who handles all Funtime operations in North America.[22][23]
  7. ^ a b The following attraction is not included in the park's admission free, and guests are required to pay an additional charge to ride the attraction.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "2018 Pacific National Exhibition Annual Report" (PDF). 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  2. ^ "Hastings Park/PNE Master Plan" (PDF). vancouver.ca. January 2011. p. 2. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  3. ^ "History & Legacy". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  4. ^ a b c Cramp 2010, p. 50.
  5. ^ Breen & Coates 1982, p. 82.
  6. ^ Breen & Coates 1982, p. 108.
  7. ^ a b Cramp 2010, p. 120.
  8. ^ a b Bingham, Russell (4 March 2015). "Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Historica Canada. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  9. ^ Mackie, John (23 August 2019). "This Week in History: 1947 — The PNE returns after a five-year break during the Second World War". Vancouver Sun. Postmedia Network. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  10. ^ Cramp 2010, p. 137.
  11. ^ Morrison, Andrew (22 August 2014). "The History Behind Playland's Ancient, Iconic Wooden 'Coaster'". Scout Vancouver. Scout Publishing. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  12. ^ "Playland roller-coaster wins classic status". CTV News. BellMedia. 12 July 2009. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  13. ^ a b "Attractions". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  14. ^ "Games". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  15. ^ Nadalini, David; Nassar, Hana Mae (4 November 2022). "PNE announces new roller coaster, 'fastest of its kind in North America'". vancouver.citynews.ca. Rogers Digital Media. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  16. ^ a b "unknown - Playland (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)". rcdb.com. Roller Coaster Data Base. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  17. ^ "Bug Whirled". rcdb.com. Roller Coaster Data Base. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  18. ^ "Bug Whirled". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  19. ^ "Kettle Creek Mine". rcdb.com. Roller Coaster Data Base. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  20. ^ "Kettle Creek Mine Coaster". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  21. ^ "Wooden Roller Coaster". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  22. ^ "Projecft Portfolio". www.rideentertainment.com. Ride Entertainment Systems. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  23. ^ "Star Flyer opens in Vancouver". Park World Magazine. 5 August 2011. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 22 November 2013.
  24. ^ "Atmosfear". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  25. ^ "Balloon Explorer". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  26. ^ a b "Playland introduces two new rides for 2013, opens May 4". DH News. Daily Hive. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  27. ^ "'The Beast' is Playland's newest extreme ride - take an inside spin with us". CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 16 May 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  28. ^ "The Beast". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  29. ^ "Breakdance". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  30. ^ "Cap'n KC". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  31. ^ "Choppers". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  32. ^ "Cool Cruzers". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  33. ^ "Dizzy Drop". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  34. ^ a b Chan, Kenneth (22 April 2017). "3 new rides coming to Playland this year". Venture Vancouver. Daily Hive. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  35. ^ "Enterprise". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  36. ^ "Flume". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  37. ^ "The Flutterbye". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  38. ^ "Gladiator". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  39. ^ "Hell's Gate". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  40. ^ "Hellevator". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  41. ^ "Honeybee Express". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  42. ^ "Merry-Go-Round". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  43. ^ "The Pirate Ship". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  44. ^ "Rock-N-Cars". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  45. ^ a b "Playland replaces the original Bumper Cars with new ride". DH News. Daily Hive. 19 December 2017. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  46. ^ "Scrambler". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  47. ^ "Sea to Sky Swinger". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  48. ^ a b Wong, Denise (6 May 2019). "Say goodbye to Playland's 'Wave Swinger' and hello to the 'Sea to Sky Swinger'". News 1130. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  49. ^ a b c "Vancouver's Playland will have a new thrill ride this summer: Skybender". www.vancouversun.com. Vancouver Sun. 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  50. ^ "Super Slide". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  51. ^ "Teacups". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  52. ^ "Westcoast Wheel". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  53. ^ "Corkscrew". rcdb.com. Roller Coaster Data Base. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  54. ^ "Dragon Coaster". rcdb.com. Roller Coaster Data Base. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  55. ^ "Drop Zone". www.pne.ca. Pacific National Exhibition. 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  56. ^ "Super Big Gulp". rcdb.com. Roller Coaster Data Base. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  57. ^ a b "Wild Mouse". rcdb.com. Roller Coaster Data Base. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  58. ^ a b Crawford, Tiffany (17 July 2016). "Critics fear moving dates of PNE would disrupt carnival circuit". The Province. Postmedia Network. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  59. ^ "Weset Coast Amusement Rides". westcoastamusements.com. West Coast Amusements. 2016. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  60. ^ "Splitting Adam (TV Movie 2015) - IMDb". IMDb.

Further reading

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