Jun. 10, 2016
HARRISBURG – To help promote and recognize the economic impact of Pennsylvania’s amusement and water parks, the House of Representatives Wednesday unanimously adopted
House Resolution 877, designating June 10 as Amusement Park Day in Pennsylvania, said Rep. John Payne (R-Dauphin), author of the measure.
“While we often recognize the impact tourism as a whole has on our economy, I thought it was important to celebrate our amusement and water parks specifically for the huge role they play in bringing local families and travelers to the Keystone State,” Payne said. “This industry is a huge revenue generator and job creator for Pennsylvania, and it draws visitors to other local businesses like restaurants, gas stations and hotels which helps the local economy.”
Representatives from four Pennsylvania parks, including Hersheypark General Manager Kevin Stumpf, joined members in the House chamber on Wednesday, where they were individually recognized.
Opened in 1907 by Milton S. Hershey as a picnic and leisure grounds for his employees, Hersheypark, located in Derry Township, is a 120-acre theme park which currently operates 74 rides, including 13 roller coasters.
“In the spirit of Amusement Park Day, I would like to personally recognize Hersheypark for its valuable contributions to our region over the last 100 years. My father, children, grandchildren and I have all worked for Hershey, so it’s also a family tradition of which I am very proud,” said Payne. “The park and all of its employees work hard to ensure it remains a safe and enjoyable family getaway for locals and visitors alike.”
Pennsylvania is home to 18 family theme parks and water parks that entertain more than 12 million visitors annually and support more than 16,000 jobs.
In addition to Hersheypark, House Resolution 877 honored Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Conneaut Lake Park, DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Dutch Wonderland, Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Kennywood, Knoebels Amusement Resort, Lakemont Park and The Island Waterpark, Sesame Place, Split Rock Resort Indoor Waterpark, and Waldameer Park and Water World.
Tourism is one of Pennsylvania’s leading industries, injecting nearly $40 billion annually into the economy and supporting 304,000 Pennsylvania jobs.
To view video of Payne’s presentation in the House, visit
Youtube.com/RepPayne.
Representative John Payne
106th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepPayne.com