Editorial: Change in Darien

If anyone needed a diversion from a hard winter, this is it: Darien Lake Theme Park Resort has a new operator. Yes, summer is in the future and so is fun at Darien Lake.

The new operator is Herschend Family Entertainment, the same company that operates Dollywood theme park. Herschend took over day-to-day operations of the Darien theme park last week, according to a joint announcement from park owner CNL Lifestyles Properties Inc. and Herschend.

In November, CNL said it was negotiating an early termination to leases on Darien Lake and 17 other properties being operated by PARC Management. The worry wasn’t that the Darien park would close — rather, there was concern about who would take over management. The choice of Herschend appears to be excellent for Darien Lake’s future. Herschend has had a long-term interest in this park, judging from its interest in purchasing it five years ago. Herschend also has a reputation for operating outstanding theme parks.

“Of all the people coming in they are in the strongest position other than Disney” to run a theme park, said Paul Ruben, North American Editor of Park World, an industry trade publication.  “Herschend has a very strong reputation within the industry for operating well-managed, interesting parks.”

He said Herschend’s parks “are not of the cookie-cutter mold of many other parks.” Herschend, thus, is an intriguing choice and breathes new life into hopes that the park can regain its prominence.

Local residents may recall the way the 2006 season ended, with Six Flags shuttering rides, laying off workers and closing early.  PARC Management, the most recent operator, seemed to be setting Darien Lake back on the right path, with new rides, capital improvements and a major waterpark expansion. But it appears economic realities caught up with PARC, which had been leasing from CNL. CNL ended its lease with PARC amidst dispute over lease and loan obligations.

The Georgia-based Herschend owns or operates 27 entertainment properties in 12 states, including seven theme and water parks. Along with Darien Lake, it is also taking over operation of Elitch Gardens in Denver, Colo. The two properties combined have more than 3,500 full-time and seasonal employees. During the 2010 season, Darien Lake had approximately 2,000 employees. With its jobs, sales tax and other revenue generation, the theme park has a huge economic impact on this region. Its importance can’t be overstated.

Darien Lake is scheduled to open May 14 for the 2011 season. Local management is in place, and a grand summer beckons. Here’s to summer and success for Herschend’s newest park.

Source: http://thedailynewsonline.com/opinion/editorials/article_96915448-2fb1-11e0-9664-001cc4c002e0.html