Imagineering an American Landscape by Barry Hill: Regional Theme Park History!
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- Опубліковано 3 лип 2024
- Imagineering an American Dreamscape: Genesis, Evolution and Redemption of the Regional Theme Park, author Barry Hill book review!
Buy the Book: amzn.to/2Twv8Jz
Visit Barry's website: www.rivershorecreative.com
The history of Disney Parks and larger regional amusement parks, like Cedar Point and Six Flags, have been well-documented. But what about the other theme parks? The ones that helped usher in the idea of themed entertainment or were part of the 1970s amusement/theme park revival? How does the growth of regional theme parks fit into the landscape of the history of theme and amusement parks? With Imagineering an American Dreamscape: Genesis, Evolution and Redemption of the Regional Theme Park, author Barry Hill shares a well-written and well-presented history of America’s theme parks. One that is sure to intrigue and take you on a wonderful stroll down memory lane of your favorite local park. Or parks.
Contrary to popular belief, theme parks didn’t start with Disneyland in 1955. The term theme park was born with the opening of Walt’s nascent park, but the idea of theme parks had existed in a few parks prior to Walt’s creation. Barry wastes no time jumping into the history of parks by exploring pre-Disneyland, Walt’s influences, and, then, the major players, like Angus Wynne, Busch, Randall Duell, and so many others.
Barry ruminates on the successes and failures of so many parks and the forces behind the parks. When Barry talks about Carowinds (Charlotte, NC), he shares the inside story of E. Pat Hall, the Charlotte-area business man who planned to bring a Disneyland-style resort to the booming city. Massive plans included a short-lived monorail and hotels. The looming energy crisis changed everything, as it did with Taft, Marriott, and other regional parks. Some survived, some were bought out, and some just languished.
Obviously, Barry can’t cover every park, but he does share the ones that influenced the themed industry more than others. My only complaint about the book relates to the lack of maps and photographs to illustrate the work. Barry addresses this in the book by directing readers to his website: Rivershore Creative.
We also get an inside look at some of the most important people in the theme park industry. Barry spends pages discussing Randall Duell, the architect responsible for the modern theme park. Duell was able to take the successes of Disneyland and translate them into early Six Flags parks. He became the most in-demand designer and is responsible for being able to integrate thoughtful design, architecture, and theming.
After the main sections of the book, Barry introduces us to Mel McGowan and Rick Bastrup. Both are McGowan is Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Storyland Studios; Bastrup is President and Head Designer of R&R Creative Amusement Designs. Both offer salient chapters on Duell and other theme park design legends. McGowan and Bastrup share the stories as fans and industry insiders.
In all honesty, Imagineering an American Dreamscape is almost the story of Randall Duell. The warp and weft of the theme park industry is ingrained with so many of Duell’s deft touches and ideas. I’m so glad Barry presented the book in this way.
A nice book review!
Kennywood is closest to me, but that's outside the scope of this book, which is a very solid read, by the way!
I love the fact that you get an entire history of amusement parks by visiting Knoebles, Kennywood, and HersheyPark!
My favorite Regional theme park is Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Favorite regional park? I grew up with Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knott’s as my local parks, but now I live on the opposite coast. I’d say my favorite regional park might be Knoebels.
Magic Mountain is amazing! Also...Kneobels is so fascinating and so much fun. Have you had a chance to visit Waldamere in Erie? They've got a classic Whacky Shack ride.
Imaginerding I have. I loved the Whacky Shack and the Pirate’s Cove walk-through fun house. Not to mention Ravine Flyer II.
Ravine Flyer is awesome! And the those dark attractions are so wonderful. Everyone needs to experience them!
mine is lego land california and for amusment park it lagoon park utah