Hersheypark

Hersheypark
Hmich176 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Hersheypark
Location	Hershey, Pennsylvania
Coordinates	40.2865°N 76.6548°W
Owner	The Hershey Company
Opening date	1906
Season	Spring–Winter (varies)
Area	121 acres
Rides	76+
Coasters	14
Water rides	20+

Hersheypark is a family amusement park in Hershey, Pennsylvania, founded in 1906 by Milton S. Hershey as a leisure destination for employees of The Hershey Company, linked historically to developments in Derry Township, Pennsylvania and the industrial town planning associated with early 20th-century philanthropists. The park evolved alongside transportation advances such as the Hershey Transit trolley and later highway connections like Interstate 78 and U.S. Route 322, becoming a regional attraction comparable to venues like Cedar Point, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Knott's Berry Farm. Its growth intersected with cultural institutions including the Hershey Symphony Orchestra and educational entities such as Lebanon Valley College.

History

Hersheypark's origins trace to Milton S. Hershey and the corporate trajectory of The Hershey Company and its leadership figures linked to the Hershey Trust Company and philanthropy exemplified by the Milton Hershey School. Early 20th-century leisure trends reflected by the park paralleled developments at Coney Island, the World's Columbian Exposition, and municipal parks like Rockefeller Park; these influences are evident in municipal planning histories in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. Expansion phases occurred during eras tied to the Great Depression and post-World War II suburbanization that influenced parks such as Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. Notable milestones include the introduction of early roller coasters contemporaneous with the Golden Age of Roller Coasters, additions during the 1970s energy crisis era, and late 20th-century themed expansions that mirrored strategies used by Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Rides and Attractions

The park's roster has featured classic attractions alongside modern innovations found at parks like Europa-Park, Alton Towers, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Coasters include steel and wooden designs influenced by manufacturers such as Intamin, Bolliger & Mabillard, Great Coasters International, and Arrow Dynamics. Water attractions and flume rides reflect engineering practices comparable to those at WhiteWater World and Schlitterbahn. Flat rides and family attractions have parallels with collections at LEGOLAND and regional amusement facilities like Kennywood and Lake Compounce. Accessibility and guest flow draw on operational standards similar to those promulgated by IAAPA and safety frameworks akin to those used at Epcot and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

Entertainment and Events

Seasonal programming includes themed offerings comparable to Halloween Horror Nights, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and regional festivals such as State Fairs of Pennsylvania. Concerts and live entertainment have featured staging approaches used by venues like Hersheypark Stadium and touring circuits connected to Live Nation Entertainment and AEG Presents. Holiday events align with traditions observed at Christmas markets and winter festivals like Gaylord Hotels winter celebrations. Community outreach and charitable events tie into organizations such as the American Red Cross and local cultural institutions including Hershey Theatre and the AACA Museum.

Park Layout and Themed Areas

The park's master plan uses themed neighborhoods similar to those at Universal Studios Florida and Disney California Adventure Park, with land use informed by regional examples like Dorney Park and Sesquicentennial Park. Transportation nodes echo transit-oriented designs seen in Union Station (Washington, D.C.) and parkway connections resemble those near Hersheypark Stadium and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Architectural and landscape motifs reflect influences similar to Colonial Williamsburg and corporate town planning as practiced by Pullman, Chicago. Guest amenities and retail areas follow merchandising strategies comparable to Mall of America and branded partnerships with The Hershey Company subsidiaries.

Operations and Safety

Operational protocols incorporate standards advocated by ASTM International committees and industry best practices promoted by IAAPA, with training and inspection regimes comparable to those at Disneyland Paris and Tokyo DisneySea. Emergency response coordination mirrors interoperability models used by municipal responders in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and healthcare partnerships with institutions like Penn State Health. Maintenance cycles and manufacturer refurbishments align with procedures used by the roller coaster industry leaders such as Rocky Mountain Construction and component suppliers like Rockwell Automation and Siemens. Regulatory oversight involves state agencies similar to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture amusement ride inspection functions and federal workplace safety standards akin to OSHA frameworks.

Attendance and Economic Impact

Annual visitation patterns show parallels with regional attractions including Hershey Gardens and Indian Echo Caverns, contributing to a tourism economy comparable to that of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and the broader Susquehanna Valley corridor. Economic studies of amusement parks cite multiplier effects like those documented for Dollywood and SeaWorld San Diego, affecting hospitality partners such as Hershey Lodge and The Hotel Hershey, and retail clusters akin to The Outlets at Hershey. Employment metrics and seasonal labor trends resemble those at Six Flags Over Texas and Busch Gardens Williamsburg, influencing local tax bases and municipal services in Derry Township and Dauphin County.

Category:Amusement parks in Pennsylvania Category:Tourist attractions in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania