Amusement park goers lined up in throngs under the hot sun Thursday (July 21) morning to be the first to try out Playland’s latest attraction: the Skybender.
Playland commissioned the $2.7-million stomach-dropping ride from a renowned Italian ride construction and design company known as Zamperla. At 65 km/h, the Skybender is the fastest single-rider ride in Canada.
Playland spokesperson Laura Ballance said the attraction is classified as a “thrill ride” and requires riders to be at least four feet tall, but that it appeals to all different age groups.
She joked that riders can always tell how serious a ride will be by whether there is a roof over the operator’s area. Among amusement park staff, Ballance said a roof is an indication there could be some falling substances from the sky.
Like many public attractions, Playland suffered a difficult period during the first couple years of the pandemic. Ballance said the new ride indicates a fresh chapter for the amusement park.
“We’ve got sunny skies ahead I think,” Ballance said.
The Skybender is Playland’s largest investment in five years.
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Park staff warn me it feels far more impactful than it looks…. Height requirement is 48 inches. pic.twitter.com/xcOsDnWkzV
— Jane Skrypnek (@janeskrypnek) July 21, 2022
@janeskrypnek
jane.skrypnek@blackpress.ca
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