Exclusive Q&A with Kathy Burrows of Hersheypark

This Q&A is with Kathy Burrows, the PR Manager at Hersheypark, located in Hershey, PA. We would like to thank her very much for taking the time to answer our questions! 

We would also like to thank All American Thrills for providing most of the photos that you see here!

What sets Hersheypark apart from other amusement parks? 

Hersheypark was built in 1907 by chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey. It is a one of a kind park. The park has changed and grown over the years but the still is true to the vision of Mr. Hershey 

Can you tell us a little bit about Hersheypark's History? 

Mr. Hershey built the park in 1907 as a picnic and pleasure grounds for the employees of his chocolate factory and the people of the town of Hershey. Originally the park did not have any rides- just a baseball diamond, some swings and also an amphitheatre. In 1923, for the 20th anniversary of the town, Mr. Hershey added The Wild Cat roller coaster. Later he added more rides. Today, the oldest ride in the Park is the Carrousel and the oldest coaster is Comet, which replaced The Wild Cat in 1943. 

       
Next season you guys will be adding three drop towers to the park. Can you tell us about this great attraction? 
Hershey Triple Tower , is comprised of three drop towers of different heights: Hershey’s Tower™, Reese’s Tower™ and Hershey’s Kisses Tower™. Hersheypark will be the first amusement facility in the country with three towers at different heights. Each tower provides a different ride experience with varying heights, thrill levels and speeds. At a height of 80’, Hershey’s Kisses Tower™ will have three seats on each of its four sides allowing for 12 riders on each ride. The ride will be themed in silver, the color of the famous Hershey’s Kisses brand. 


At a height of 131’, Reese’s Tower™ will have four seats on each of its four sides allowing for 16 riders on each ride. The ride will be themed in orange, the color of the famous Reese’s candy brand. 

Both Hershey’s Kisses Tower™ and Reese’s Tower™ are “double shot” towers which offer two cycles of positive and negative G-force experiences. A “double shot” tower rapidly propels riders up to the top of the tower and then gently lowers them down, with a series of air-cushioned bounces, to the loading platform. 

Reaching 189’ above Hersheypark, Hershey’s Tower™ will offer 20 seats in the round. Themed in the chocolate brown color of the famous Hershey’s Bar wrapper, this tower will be able to offer a variety of experiences for riders. Two of the available options include “space shot,” where riders are rapidly propelled to the top of the tower; and “turbo drop,” where riders are blasted down the tower at speeds faster than a typical freefall. 

Hershey Triple Tower™ is manufactured by S & S Worldwide, Inc. of Logan, UT. The new ride will be located in the Kissing Tower Hill section of the Park. Each of the three towers will operate independently, launching at different times, with independent queue lines. 

The maximum speed for all three towers is 45 mph and the ride braking system combines pneumatic braking with launch systems. The restraint system features an over the shoulder harness. Theoretical ride capacity is approximately 1,400 riders per hour and the minimum height required for all three towers is 48 inches or the Hershey’s Bar category. The project cost of Hershey Triple Tower™ is projected at approximately $8 million. 

        
What is the most rewarding/ your favorite part of working at Hersheypark? 
I was born and raised in Hershey and I worked at the Park as a teenager. It is very rewarding to work at a place with such a rich history. The Park is owned and operated by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co. Hershey Entertainment & Resorts is proud to help fulfill the dream of our founder, Milton S. Hershey, by providing value to Milton Hershey School, the largest home and school in the world, as it continues to provide opportunities for children in need. 

Is there anything else that you would like to tell the readers of New England Coaster News? A visit to Hersheypark during the summer season includes admission to The Boardwalk At Hersheypark and ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park. Hersheypark is open for seasonal celebrations including: Springtime In The Park, Hersheypark In The Dark and Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. 

Once again we would like to thank Kathy Burrows!

* Hershey Triple Tower Photo Credit: Hersheypark