Freestyle Park opened nine weeks ago. Park management is hoping for a good first year, and more importantly a strong future.
Hard Rock Park blew into Myrtle Beach with a bang and shortly after fizzled to barely a spark. It went up for sale, eventually going to the new owners, FPI MB Entertainment, LLC. The company purchased the park for 25 million dollars, a real steal compared to the more than 200 million price tag Hard Rock shelled out to build the park.
Freestyle said because of the low price, their cash reserve should both allow them to enhance the park and sustain them through this down economy.
2009 park goers will find nearly the same layout and rides as in 2008. The park added kid’s rides, changed some of the shows and renamed everything. Now they will spend this year working to get visitors in the park.
"We're building on the thrill rides that are here, but also we've increased and we've added new elements for families,” said John Stine, Marketing Director for Freestyle Park. “Mainly, kids in America and we've added some shows targeting more of the teen and tween crowd."
Freestyle took control of the park in February, which didn't leave them much time to plan for this season. "Going into 2010, we will have what we would consider to be the necessary play cycle to have everything in place,” said Stine. “As a matter of fact, we already have groups booking for next year." Stine said it's too early to name what changes they plan to make for next season.
A North Carolina family visited the park when it was still Hard Rock Park. They like the park as it stands today. They said it's an affordable outing they plan to make part of their activities when they visit each year.
"Well, we've been here one time before and we obviously had a good time the last time we were here,” said Jenny Avery. “There's water, which the kids love, then there are rides for the adults so there's something for everybody."
Stine said they will work to cultivate partnerships to help build their presence in the area.
"If we can become more partnership oriented, more partner oriented with more of the players that drive business to this area, we're all going to win."
Stine said last weekends ticket sales were 40 percent higher than the week before.
Freestyle also lowered tickets. Adult admission is $42 and children are $32.
Stine said they will roll out their new website with info on the park, the rides and more in the next few days.
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