Kentucky Kingdom Celebrates the Opening of “Discovery Meadow”
Image: Courtesy of Kentucky Kingdom
(eap) Last weekend, the Kentucky Kingdom theme park in Louisville, Kentucky (USA) opened its new family themed area “Discovery Meadow”. The operating company Herschend Family Entertainment invested a total of around USD 11 million (EUR 9.9 million) in the six acres expansion, which is the largest single investment by Herschend in the park to date. At the same time, “Discovery Meadow” is part of a USD 25 million (around EUR 22 million) investment planned over the next two seasons.
“Discovery Meadow represents more than just six new acres – it represents our promise. A promise to the people of Kentucky that Herschend is here to stay, to invest, and grow alongside this park and this community,” emphasizes Andrew Wexler, President and CEO of Herschend. “Our multi-year investment reflects a belief not just in Kentucky Kingdom’s bright future, but in the families and traditions that make this place so special.”
Image: Courtesy of Kentucky Kingdom
The new themed area comprises a total of 24 re-themed experiences, three completely new family rides and a shaded play area. The new attractions include the “Redbird Racer”, a swinging ride based on a colourful cardinal – one of Kentucky’s most famous birds. The “Scout’s Squirrel Race” takes guests on a bouncing ride through a garden landscape. The third new feature is the “Cumberland Express”, which invites visitors to take a leisurely ride on a family train surrounded by plants as it travels through the landscaped wilderness.
The infrastructure of the area has also been extensively upgraded: a shaded playground measuring around 4,800 square foot, two refreshed eateries, a new Dippin’ Dots cart, additional seating and shade areas, a “Games Garden” with classic games in a regional interpretation, two renovated restrooms and two new retail shops are designed to make the visit even more enjoyable for families. In addition, the two new characters “Scout the Squirrel” and “Robin Bloom” have been introduced, which are thematically linked to the new area.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Discovery Meadow to the community as part of our ongoing commitment that reflects a deep pride in Louisville and the Commonwealth,” says Sarah Worrell, General Manager of Kentucky Kingdom. “Our goal has always been to spark family joy and connection and create memories worth repeating. Discovery Meadow is a major milestone in that journey as we continue building on this momentum through our multi-year plan to grow, enhance, and reimagine the park as a regional beacon of Kentucky’s beauty and spirit.” ■
