Quassy Amusement Park

Quassy Amusement Park is an amusement and waterpark in Middlebury, Connecticut, and is one of only 11 trolley parks still operating in the United States. It has 20 rides on its 20 acres (81,000 m2). Quassy consists of a full-fledged amusement park plus a waterpark called Splash Away Bay. Swimming in Lake Quassapaug is available. In 1901, a writer pronounced Lake Quassapaug as "the handsomest bit of natural water on earth". Today, beach clubs and houses surround the entire lake. The park is home to the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster, which opened in 2011. Quassy offers swimming, picnicking, a catering service, an arcade, a waterpark, and live entertainment including school bands, dance groups and magic shows.

Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
LocationMiddlebury, Connecticut, U.S.
Coordinates41.5271°N 73.1504°W / 41.5271; -73.1504
SloganAffordable Family Fun
OwnerGeorge Frantzis II and Eric Anderson
Opened1908
Previous namesLake Quassapaug
Operating seasonLate April through early October
Area20 acres (8.1 ha)
Attractions
Total38
Roller coasters2
Water rides15
Websitewww.quassy.com

On Friday nights Quassy sells hot dogs, soda, and rides for 50 cents each. The park uses an all-day ride and waterpark wristbands or pay-by-ride system. A wristband is required to enter the waterpark and beach area, or guests may pay a separate admission. Admission to the park is free but a parking fee is charged.[1]

History

1917 postcard of the trolley station

Quassy originally opened as a trolley park, owned and operated by an electrified rail line. It has been a staple in Connecticut entertainment for more than 100 years. In 1908, Quassy became a stop along the trolley line between Waterbury and Woodbury. As more people got off at this stop, Quassy became a summer resort area. In 1937, three businessmen purchased the property and began to develop it.[2] After World War II, Quassy established itself as a full amusement park.

Rides and attractions

Ride name[3] Attraction Type Opening year[3] Manufacturer[3]
Roller Coasters
Little Dipper Kiddie Roller Coaster 1952 Allan Hershell
Wooden Warrior Custom designed wooden family coaster 2011 The Gravity Group
Thrill Rides
Reverse Time Reverse Time 2016 SBF Visa Group
Paratrooper Hydraulic Lift Paratrooper 1997 Frank Hrubetz & Co.
Music Fest Music Fest 1991 Chance Rides
Tidal Wave Pirate 32 2020 SBF Visa Group
Yo-Yo Swing Yo-Yo 2006 Chance Rides
Bumper Cars Bumper Cars 1979 JLGH
Free Fall'N Drop Zone 2010 SBF Visa Group
Frantic Frisbee 2015 Visa International
Family Rides
Helicopters Helicopter 1958 Allan Herschell
Ghost Hunt
Tilt-A-Whirl Tilt-A-Whirl 1977 Sellner
Big Flush Water Coaster Big Flush 1999 White Water
Grand Carousel Grand Carousel 1990 Chance Rides
Quassy Express Train C.P. Huntington 1948 Chance Rides
Crazy Cups Midi Tea Cup 2012 Zamperla
Skipper's Clippers Visa Pirate Jet 2017 SBF Visa Group
Up,Up & Away Samba Balloon 2017 Zamperla
Kiddie Rides
Jet Fighters Sky Fighter 1952 Allan Hershell
Boat Ride Kiddie Boat Ride 1952 Allan Hershell
Frog Hopper Frog Hopper 2000 S&S Worldwide
Kiddie Bumper Cars 2015 VISA International
Splash Away Bay Water Park Rides
Saturation Station WaterColors 2003 SCS Interactive
Tunnel Twisters Tunnel Twisters 2006 ProSlides Technology
BulletBowl BulletBowl 2013 ProSlides Technology
FreeFALL Extreme Bodyslides FreeFALL 2013 ProSlides Technology
Fish Pond Splashpad 2013 Vortex Aquatic Structures
Slide City (various models) 2016 ProSlide Technology
Category 5 Rapids Raft Rides (various models) 2018 ProSlide Technology
Attractions
Quassy Beach Lakeside Beach - -
Quassy Quest Laser Maze Laser Tag - -
Quassy Queen Excursion Boat - -
Redemption Arcade Arcade - -
Midway Games Game Booths - -
Quassy Zoo Fiberglass Animals - -

Defunct attractions

Ride name[3] Attraction Type Opening year[3] Closing year[3] Manufacturer[3]
Wild MouseWild Mouse19601983B. A. Schiff
Mad MouseMonster Mouse19822010Allan Herschell
Trabant 1965 2015
Dune Buggies 1972 2016
Space Age 1983 2016
Galleon Galleon 33 2008 2019 Zamperla

See also

References

  1. Connecticut Family Outings Facility - Quassy Amusement Park - school field trips, thrill rides, NY Archived June 18, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  2. Connecticut History. "Quassy: One of the Last of the Old-Time Trolley Parks". ConnecticutHistory.org
  3. "Rides and Attractions". Quassy.com. Retrieved April 15, 2018.
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