Elitch Gardens Thrives While Lakeside Amusement Park Struggles

Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park in Denver has successfully reopened two of its major roller coasters this month, while Lakeside Amusement Park faces ongoing challenges in getting its historic coaster back in operation. Elitch Gardens, located in downtown Denver, unveiled the Twister III: Storm Chaser wooden roller coaster last week after it had been closed for maintenance earlier this year. Originally built in 1964 at the park’s previous location in northwest Denver, the Twister III has undergone several renovations and was rebranded from Twister II after a year-long closure. This coaster features a 90-foot drop and a 100-foot darkened tunnel, providing riders with a thrilling experience complete with “the sights, sounds, and winds of a real tornado,” according to park officials.

In addition to the Twister III, Elitch Gardens has also reopened its longtime favorite, the Sidewinder coaster, which was out of service for two years. With both coasters now operational, all rides at Elitch’s are fully functional, alleviating concerns from fans about the park’s uncertain future. The park’s owner, Kroenke Sports Enterprises, which also manages Ball Arena and owns the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, has indicated plans to invest in the theme park despite future redevelopment plans for the area that include apartments, condos, and retail spaces.

Challenges at Lakeside Amusement Park

In contrast, Lakeside Amusement Park, a smaller but equally cherished venue, continues to face difficulties as it attempts to reopen its prominent ride, the Cyclone. This historic wooden coaster, recognized as the oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi River, has been sidelined for two years due to safety recertification efforts following an accident and a lawsuit filed in 2022 by a rider who claimed inadequate safety measures. Despite these setbacks, Lakeside plans to host the Denver Film Summer Scream fundraiser on August 21, 2023, although other rides have also been unavailable this season due to staffing and operational challenges.

Brenda Fishman, the operations manager at Lakeside, who runs the park alongside her mother, Rhoda Krasner, remains optimistic about the Cyclone’s eventual reopening. Although she cannot provide a specific date for when the ride will be operational again, she reassures the community that efforts are ongoing. The contrasting fortunes of these two historic amusement parks highlight the varied challenges and successes within the entertainment landscape in Denver, offering insights into how different management strategies and circumstances can shape the future of recreational spaces.