Phoenix at Knoebels in Elysburg, PA
Opened as The Rocket at Playland Park in Houston, TX, this wooden coaster designed by Herbert P. Schmeck and built by Philadelphia Toboggan Company ran from 1947 to 1980. When Playland Park closed, Knoebels bought and moved the coaster in 1985. Reconstruction was conducted in-house by Knoebel Lumber with assistance from Charlie Dinn. The Rocket was renamed to Phoenix, named after the firebird who’s reborn from the ashes. Standing 78 ft. tall, riders experience many airtime hills and fast turns at a top speed of 45 mph across 3,200 ft. NAPHA recognizes Knoebels for preserving The Phoenix and retaining as much of the original thrilling experience as possible. The Phoenix is often regarded as one of the best wooden roller coasters in the world, including taking the #1 spot in NAPHA’s 2023 Member Survey!
To learn more about and join the National Amusement Park Historical Association, visit www.napha.org
Footage provided by David Hahner
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16 сен 2024
