Wyandot Lake
Encyclopedia
Zoombezi Bay is a water park owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Riverside Drive in Columbus, Ohio
. The park opened on May 26, 2008, and currently has 11 water rides. The dry park, Jungle Jack's Landing
also made its debut in the 2008 season. Zoombezi Bay boasts all new water slides, a new wave pool, two lazy rivers, and cabana
rental.
Funtime Parks, Inc which owned Wyandot Lake merged with Premier Parks, Inc in 1995 which subsequently bought the Six Flags
chain in 1999.
The park was operated by Six Flags
under the name Wyandot Lake until the end of the 2006 season. While under Six Flags management, the park hosted to over 45 rides and attractions including "Sea Dragon
". Six Flags ran into financial trouble shortly after purchasing Wyandot Lake. This forced Six Flags to sell a number of water and amusement parks.
In June 2006, Six Flags
and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced the purchase the park at the end of the 2006 season. Shortly thereafter, the Zoo announced the current reconstruction of the park. Because of the construction, the zoo also announced that Wyandot Lake would be closed for the 2007 season. In addition, the zoo also announced that they would be renaming the park from Wyandot Lake to Zoombezi Bay prior to its opening in 2008.
Work began on October 2006 to remove the former picnic area and clear trees and other out-dated rides. Many of the rides and equipment were auctioned off in order to offset the cost of some renovation. One signature Wyandot Lake water slide
complex, with "The Jet Stream" and "Zuma Falls", was purchased for $500 by The Beach Water Park
, located in Mason, Ohio
. As of July, 2007 everything had been removed from the former Wyandot Lake except the "Sea Dragon
" and Christopher's Island. The zoo continued normal operation as the rebuilding of the park took place.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
. The park opened on May 26, 2008, and currently has 11 water rides. The dry park, Jungle Jack's Landing
Jungle Jack's Landing
Jungle Jack's Landing is a small amusement park attached to and owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium off of Riverside Drive in Columbus, Ohio. The park was named after Jack Hanna. Opening on May 26, 2008, the park had 16 rides or attractions total. The water park, Zoombezi Bay also made its...
also made its debut in the 2008 season. Zoombezi Bay boasts all new water slides, a new wave pool, two lazy rivers, and cabana
Cabana (structure)
A cabana or cabaña is a structure of either of these types: an 'indigenous hut' or a 'recreational structure'.-Indigenous hut:A small hut built with a thatched roof, most commonly built in tropical climates near natural bodies of water....
rental.
Attractions
| Picture | Name | Description | Height Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Tides | 544,500-gallon wave pool with a maximum depth of six feet. Waves can reach up to four feet high. | Children 36" and smaller must wear a PFD unless accompanied within arms reach of a parent. | Same Name as Wyandot Lake's wave pool but all new. Significantly larger and better and safer than the old wave pool. | |
| Croctail Creek | Adult-only lazy river containing 203,000 gallons of water, 850 feet (259.1 m) in length, and just a little under 28 inches (711.2 mm) in depth. | Age: 21+ only | Same river as Canoochee Creek when Wyandot Lake was around. Croctail Island Bar in the middle of the river. | |
| Roaring Rapids | 1,570,000 gallons of water for 1500 feet (457.2 m) at 32 inches deep and an average of 17 feet (5.2 m) wide. | Children 36" and smaller must wear a PFD unless accompanied within arms reach of a parent. | ||
| Barracuda Bay | 18000 square feet (1,672.3 m²) pool/playground aimed at children | 54" and smaller. Parents may accompany small children on the slides. | Formerly Christopher's Island | |
 |
Baracuda Bay | 4000 square feet (371.6 m²) water playground for smaller children | Under 36" | 0" depth entry to 22" max |
| Slippery Seals | 48" | Three slides. Part of the "Sea Splash" Complex. Similar to the three body slides at Wyandot Lake | ||
| Sea Snakes | One- or two-person raft slides starting from a 51 feet (15.5 m) tower with the premier attraction being a bowl shaped slide section where the rider slides around the side of the bowl in a circular motion. | 48" | Two Slides. Part of the "Sea Splash" Complex. | |
| Sea Tubes | One or two person raft from 51 feet (15.5 m) | 48" | Two Slides. Part of the "Sea Splash" Complex. (Green one is the fastest) | |
| Cyclone | Waterslide that ends in a reducing-radius tunnel | 48"-700 lb (317.5 kg) combined | Four person clover-leaf tube | |
| (See Above) | Tahitian Twister | Five-person raft ride | 48" or 42" and accompanied by an adult, 800 lb (362.9 kg) combined | |
| Dolphin Dash | "Race" style slide | 42" | Can accommodate six riders at once (side-by-side), uses blue mats. |
Wyandot Lake Era
Six Flags
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. is the world's largest amusement park corporation based on quantity of properties and the fifth most popular in terms of attendance. The company maintains 14 properties located throughout North America, including theme parks, thrill parks, water parks and family...
chain in 1999.
The park was operated by Six Flags
Six Flags
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. is the world's largest amusement park corporation based on quantity of properties and the fifth most popular in terms of attendance. The company maintains 14 properties located throughout North America, including theme parks, thrill parks, water parks and family...
under the name Wyandot Lake until the end of the 2006 season. While under Six Flags management, the park hosted to over 45 rides and attractions including "Sea Dragon
Sea Dragon (roller coaster)
The Sea Dragon is a junior wooden roller coaster located at Jungle Jack's Landing in Powell, Ohio.The coaster was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and began operating in 1956. It recently celebrated its 50th birthday in 2006. The Sea Dragon was originally called Jet Flyer, but changed...
". Six Flags ran into financial trouble shortly after purchasing Wyandot Lake. This forced Six Flags to sell a number of water and amusement parks.
In June 2006, Six Flags
Six Flags
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. is the world's largest amusement park corporation based on quantity of properties and the fifth most popular in terms of attendance. The company maintains 14 properties located throughout North America, including theme parks, thrill parks, water parks and family...
and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced the purchase the park at the end of the 2006 season. Shortly thereafter, the Zoo announced the current reconstruction of the park. Because of the construction, the zoo also announced that Wyandot Lake would be closed for the 2007 season. In addition, the zoo also announced that they would be renaming the park from Wyandot Lake to Zoombezi Bay prior to its opening in 2008.
Old Wyandot Lake Attractions
| Name | Type | Description | Operating | Notes/Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starfish | Ferris wheel Ferris wheel A Ferris wheel is a nonbuilding structure consisting of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, usually by gravity.Some of the largest and most modern Ferris wheels have cars mounted on... |
A 16-seat Eli Bridge chain driven "Aristocrat" Ferris wheel. | unknown-2006 | |
| Christopher's Island | Water Treehouse Treehouse A treehouse, tree house, or treefort is a habitable structure built in trees. "Treehouse" may also refer to:*Tree House, Crawley, a listed 14th-century building in Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom; originally the manor house.... |
A three section water treehouse. Pirate themed. | 1997–present | Exact same location today, partially fixed-up and renamed Barracuda Bay. The "Geysers and Gizmos" section was recently removed. |
| Hum-Dinghies | Allan Herschell "Wet Boat" | Old kiddie boat ride with real water and boats with bells attached. | unknown-2004 | Part of "Kiddie Land" Replaced with Kiddie Stage and Seating |
| Dune Buggies | Hampton "Combo" | Circular Hampton car ride with two sets of motorcycles. Red, yellow, and blue spinning canopy. | unknown-2006 | Part of "Kiddie Land" |
| Sand Dollar | Miniature Ferris wheel Ferris wheel A Ferris wheel is a nonbuilding structure consisting of a rotating upright wheel with passenger cars attached to the rim in such a way that as the wheel turns, the cars are kept upright, usually by gravity.Some of the largest and most modern Ferris wheels have cars mounted on... |
Miniature Eli Bridge chain-driven Ferris wheel | unknown-1997 | Part of "Kiddie Land." Almost always broken down. Never Replaced. |
| Cod Cars | Allan Herschell "Midge-O-Racer" | A car ride where riders would go in a circle, but be able to change the position (radius) of their path by turning the steering wheel. | unknown-1999 | Part of "Kiddie Land." Replaced by "Guppies". |
| Guppies | Eyerly "Bulgy the Whale" | A small circular fish Fish Fish are a paraphyletic group of organisms that consist of all gill-bearing aquatic vertebrate animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish, as well as various extinct related groups... ride where colorful fish would go up-and down. (similar to the motion of a Merry-Go-Round) |
unknown-2006 | Part of "Kiddie Land." Replaced the old circular car ride. |
| Tottering Turtles | Chambers "Kid Turtle" | A circular ride with a hill in one point. Almost like a roller coaster, but very small and electric powered throughout the ride (no chained hill). | 2000–2006 | Part of "Kiddie Land." Replaced the space-ship ride. |
| Sea Horses | Allan Herschell "Rodeo" | This ride was almost like a little carousel Carousel A carousel , or merry-go-round, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders... (no music) and was actually horse-themed, not seahorse-themed |
unknown-2006 | Part of "Kiddie Land." Possibly made by the same manufacturer as the old circular car ride. |
| Dune Cycles | Hampton "Dune Cycles" | A Hampton motorcycle ride with hills throughout. Spinning red and white canopy. | unknown-2006 | Part of "Kiddie Land." |
| (?) | Flying Ships | Four (or two?) metal spaceships hanging from an overhead canopy. | unknown-1999 | Part of "Kiddie Land." |
| Jet Fighter | Allan Herschell "Skyfighter" | A spinning ride where all the ships rose to 6' in the air and came down all at once. | unknown-1999 | Part of "Kiddie Land." Replaced with "Flying Elephants" |
| Flying Elephants | Sartori "Elephant Ride" | A spinning ride where all the elephants rose to 6' in the air and came down all at once. | 2000–2006 | Part of "Kiddie Land." Replaced "Jet Fighter" Similar to the current elephant ride in Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing is a small amusement park attached to and owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium off of Riverside Drive in Columbus, Ohio. The park was named after Jack Hanna. Opening on May 26, 2008, the park had 16 rides or attractions total. The water park, Zoombezi Bay also made its... , but not the same. |
| Monsoon Monsoon Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea... |
King Amusements "Frolic" | Circular ride with carts seating two people (facing each other) that could be manually spun by a wheel in the center of the car. Painted Blue with white and yellow fluorescent bulbs at top. | unknown-2006 | |
| Black Squid Squid Squid are cephalopods of the order Teuthida, which comprises around 300 species. Like all other cephalopods, squid have a distinct head, bilateral symmetry, a mantle, and arms. Squid, like cuttlefish, have eight arms arranged in pairs and two, usually longer, tentacles... |
Eyerly "Spider" Octopus (ride) The Octopus is a type of amusement ride in the shape of an octopus. Five to eight arms attached to a central axis spin and move up and down in random, while cars at the end of the arms spin on rotary bolts. Each Octopus ride has the arms attached the middle of the ride. The middle of the ride will... |
This ride had six arms, and has the two cars attached right above the arm. The cars spun independently and each car had to be loaded separately by an employee. Had yellow and green fluorescent bulbs along with yellow incandescent bulbs under the downward-curving arms. | unknown-2006 | Not operating often, as it was subject to frequent breakdowns and long wait times (because of loading) |
| Neptune's Revenge | Eli Bridge "Scrambler Scrambler In telecommunications, a scrambler is a device that transposes or inverts signals or otherwise encodes a message at the transmitter to make the message unintelligible at a receiver not equipped with an appropriately set descrambling device... " |
This ride had three arms with three cars on each prong that spun as the ride goes around. Was painted white with a future-theme. | unknown-present | Moved to Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing is a small amusement park attached to and owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium off of Riverside Drive in Columbus, Ohio. The park was named after Jack Hanna. Opening on May 26, 2008, the park had 16 rides or attractions total. The water park, Zoombezi Bay also made its... , renamed "Dust Devil" and painted brown. |
| Barracuda (Original) | Eyerly "Rock-O-Plane" | Ferris wheel with completely free spinning cages. Painted Blue. | unknown-1999 | Removed due to safety concerns, though this is questionable. The ride that replaced it kept the same name and sign, but was actually a Tilt-A-Whirl. |
| Barracuda Barracuda The barracuda is a ray-finned fish known for its large size and fearsome appearance. Its body is long, fairly compressed, and covered with small, smooth scales. Some species could reach up to 1.8m in length and 30 cm in width... (Replacement) |
Sellner Tilt-A-Whirl Tilt-A-Whirl Tilt-A-Whirl is one of the best-known flat rides, designed for commercial use at amusement parks, fairs and carnivals in which it is commonly found. The rides are manufactured by Sellner Manufacturing of Faribault, Minnesota... |
This ride had seven cars that moved with chaotic motion around a bumpy circular track. Had generic red, white, and blue theme. | 2000–present | Moved to Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing is a small amusement park attached to and owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium off of Riverside Drive in Columbus, Ohio. The park was named after Jack Hanna. Opening on May 26, 2008, the park had 16 rides or attractions total. The water park, Zoombezi Bay also made its... , renamed "Whirligigs" and painted in a pond theme. |
| Sea Dragon Sea Dragon (roller coaster) The Sea Dragon is a junior wooden roller coaster located at Jungle Jack's Landing in Powell, Ohio.The coaster was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and began operating in 1956. It recently celebrated its 50th birthday in 2006. The Sea Dragon was originally called Jet Flyer, but changed... |
Figure-Eight Junior Coaster Roller coaster The roller coaster is a popular amusement ride developed for amusement parks and modern theme parks. LaMarcus Adna Thompson patented the first coasters on January 20, 1885... |
This ride was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company Philadelphia Toboggan Company The Philadelphia Toboggan Company is one of the oldest existing roller coaster manufacturing companies in the world.Mack Rides of Germany dates back to 1781, but it did not start building coasters until 1921 Based in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, it was established in 1904 by Henry B... and has been giving rides ever since. |
1956–present | Originally named "Jet Flyer." While now part of Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing is a small amusement park attached to and owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium off of Riverside Drive in Columbus, Ohio. The park was named after Jack Hanna. Opening on May 26, 2008, the park had 16 rides or attractions total. The water park, Zoombezi Bay also made its... , the coaster has remained in the same location. It also kept the same name and sign (on the station), but received a fresh coat of white paint. |
| Grand Carousel Carousel A carousel , or merry-go-round, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders... (original) |
Carousel Carousel A carousel , or merry-go-round, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders... |
This Mangels-Illions Carousel had 52 Horses, 2 Chariots, and a Wurlitzer 153 Band Organ Fairground organ A fairground organ is a pipe organ designed for use in a commercial public fairground setting to provide loud music to accompany fairground rides and attractions... . |
1938–1999 | Beautifully and completely restored. Now sits at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. |
| Grand Carousel Carousel A carousel , or merry-go-round, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders... (replacement) |
Carousel Carousel A carousel , or merry-go-round, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders... |
Typical amusement park carousel Carousel A carousel , or merry-go-round, is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders... . Had white and blue incandescent bulbs. No band organ Fairground organ A fairground organ is a pipe organ designed for use in a commercial public fairground setting to provide loud music to accompany fairground rides and attractions... , but played music from CD. |
2001–2006 | Kept name and old signage of "Grand Carousel" |
| Wild Tides Wave Pool | Wave Pool | Large wave pool | unknown-2006 | New wave pool in Zoombezi Bay kept name, but is actually a completely new and different wave pool. |
| Buccaneer Buccaneer The buccaneers were privateers who attacked Spanish shipping in the Caribbean Sea during the late 17th century.The term buccaneer is now used generally as a synonym for pirate... Bay |
Kiddie play area | This was a small kiddie play pool | unknown-1997 | This pool became home to the exit of "Shark Attack" when the bigger "Christopher's Island" was built in '97. ("Christopher's Island" is now called "Barracuda Bay" and is part of Zoombezi Bay) |
| Frog Frog Frogs are amphibians in the order Anura , formerly referred to as Salientia . Most frogs are characterized by a short body, webbed digits , protruding eyes and the absence of a tail... Pool |
Kiddie Play Area | Small circular pool with small slide where toddlers would slide through a frogs mouth. Featured red mushroom water feature. | unknown-2006 | |
| Canoochee Creek | Lazy River | This lazy river had features such as a leaky tunnel, air bubbles, steam (coming from the scenery), a bar along the way called "Croctail Island", and a "mill". | unknown-present | Still used today as "Crocktail Creek" in Zoombezi Bay. It is for Adults only and still has Croctail Island. Also toned down, for a "lazier" effect. Some of the scenery was burned down in a fire, but replaced soon after. |
| Bait-n-Bump/Havoc Harbor Harbor A harbor or harbour , or haven, is a place where ships, boats, and barges can seek shelter from stormy weather, or else are stored for future use. Harbors can be natural or artificial... (original) |
Duce Bumper Cars | These bumper cars were the classic style, one/two rider type. Had an island-themed backdrop with a concrete center island. | unknown-2001 | The cars were destroyed in a fire, and replaced with gentler cars under the same name. Originally named "Bait-n-Bump", name changed to "Havoc Harbor" around 1994. |
| Havoc Harbor Harbor A harbor or harbour , or haven, is a place where ships, boats, and barges can seek shelter from stormy weather, or else are stored for future use. Harbors can be natural or artificial... (replacement) |
Bumper Cars | These bumper cars were the one-rider, tank type. Two hand controlled sticks were used to operate the car that had an intertube-like bumper. Cars were in all different colors. Power was distributed through the floor, rather than the ceiling. | 2002–present | These cars were the replacement to the cars that were destroyed in the fire. They now occupy Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing Jungle Jack's Landing is a small amusement park attached to and owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium off of Riverside Drive in Columbus, Ohio. The park was named after Jack Hanna. Opening on May 26, 2008, the park had 16 rides or attractions total. The water park, Zoombezi Bay also made its... as "Condor Craze." |
| Shark Attack | Water Slide Water slide A water slide is a type of slide designed for warm-weather or indoor recreational use at water parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and therefore size... |
This red slide held up to three people and let sliders go up onto the side of the slides through centripetal force while turning. | 1997–2006 | Occupied former home of "Buccaneer Bay. The Shark Attack ride was moved to Sams Surf City in Pensacola Florida. The ride is still called Shark Attack and is due to be open in summer 2011" |
| Zuma Falls | Water Slide Water slide A water slide is a type of slide designed for warm-weather or indoor recreational use at water parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and therefore size... |
Two gentle generic white water slides. Riders rode tubes down this open slide. | 1994–2006 | Started from same tower as the "Jet Stream." Auctioned off to "the Beach" when Wyandot Lake closed. |
| Jet Stream | Water Slide Water slide A water slide is a type of slide designed for warm-weather or indoor recreational use at water parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and therefore size... |
Two fast black covered water slides, with small holes of light throughout. | unknown-2006 | Started from same tower as the "Zuma Falls." Auctioned off to "the Beach" when Wyandot Lake closed. |
| Splash Slides | Body Slides | Three body slides (one straight down, one curvy, and one completely covered) The two open slides were light blue, while the covered slide was a greenish color. These slides could be seen well from the parking lot. | unknown-2006 | Name changed frequently with different sponsors, such as "Ice Mountain Ice Mountain Ice Mountain is a mountain ridge and algific talus slope that is part of a preserve near the community of North River Mills in Hampshire County, West Virginia, United States.... Splash" and "Sunkist Sunkist (soft drink) Sunkist is a brand of primarily orange flavored soft drinks launched in 1979.Sunkist was first licensed by Sunkist Growers to the General Cinema Corporation, the leading independent bottler of Pepsi-Cola products at the time... Splash". The covered slide, named "The Phantom", was hardly ever open and eventually was permanently closed around 2003. |
Reconstruction
Water slide
A water slide is a type of slide designed for warm-weather or indoor recreational use at water parks. Water slides differ in their riding method and therefore size...
complex, with "The Jet Stream" and "Zuma Falls", was purchased for $500 by The Beach Water Park
The Beach Water Park
The Beach Waterpark is a water park located northeast of Cincinnati in Mason, Ohio. In addition to water rides, the tropical-themed water park offers other amenities including sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, pool-side beverage service, and a night club for teens called Club Aqua Splash...
, located in Mason, Ohio
Mason, Ohio
Mason is an affluent city in southwestern Warren County, Ohio, United States, 22 miles away from Cincinnati . As of the 2010 census, Mason's population was 30,712. Mason has experienced fast growth, with its historic Main Street remaining at the center of the community...
. As of July, 2007 everything had been removed from the former Wyandot Lake except the "Sea Dragon
Sea Dragon (roller coaster)
The Sea Dragon is a junior wooden roller coaster located at Jungle Jack's Landing in Powell, Ohio.The coaster was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and began operating in 1956. It recently celebrated its 50th birthday in 2006. The Sea Dragon was originally called Jet Flyer, but changed...
" and Christopher's Island. The zoo continued normal operation as the rebuilding of the park took place.