Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari is practically a town unto itself at peak operation. While things certainly slow down when the crowds disappear during the off-season, the infrastructure needed to sustain that population still needs to be tended. The theme park has kept its people busy this winter. In addition to regular maintenance efforts, motorists have probably noticed work crews tending to some major projects over the last several months.
On one side of State Road 162, workers can often be seen perched atop The Voyage, the wooden roller coaster that reaches 173 feet above ground at its highest point. Track maintenance is a regular occurrence at the park, with park employees performing daily inspections to check for signs of wear during the operating season. The Voyage is getting a bit more treatment at the moment, however, with around 25% of its track being replaced with new wood.
The engineering firm, Gravity Group, has provided the park with new specifications for bank angles as well as prefabricated parts to maximize the economy of momentum throughout the track. Most of the new sections are being installed along the hills as well as the last turn. Park Owner Leah Koch-Blumhardt said coaster enthusiasts can expect a much smoother ride this coming season. Other coasters are also receiving attention as well, though The Voyage is more likely to catch eyes as heavy blocks of wood and prefabbed track are hoisted into place. Those with a keen eye can even make out workers scaling the track to fasten these tracks into place and double check that things are all systems go for when the time comes.
“Our coaster team is outstanding,” she said.
Just across the road another large-scale project is quickly taking shape. Compass Commons, the new dormitory built to house park workers from more than 50 miles away, is well underway and should be ready to welcome its first residents in May. According to Koch-Blumhardt, more than 100 applications have already been received, putting Compass Commons on track to meet its 136-person occupancy.
Likely tenants include several visitors from rather far away. Holiday World has built a sizable following in Thailand, for example. Koch-Blumhardt said former employees spread the word to friends and relatives upon returning home.
“We had a great time with them,” she said.
All rooms at Compass Commons will be multiple occupancy, with common restrooms and shower facilities with locking stalls, similar to a college setup. The weekly rate to stay is $105, deducted from payroll. This rate includes internet access, security with 24/7 monitoring and front-desk service as well as other amenities. Laundry facilities and vending machines will also be available, as well as meal options.
All told, Koch-Blumhardt hopes to hire 2,200 people this operating season, from near and far. Hiring is already underway, with a virtual event planned for Friday and Saturday. Visit www.holidayworld.com for more information on how to apply and what transportation options might be available if needed. Applicants must be at least 14 years old.
Those interested in specific positions should inquire sooner rather than later.
“Some departments fill up fast,” said Koch-Blumhardt.
The park will open May 13. Guests should take note that Holiday World is going “cashless” this year. That is to say, purchases can be made with Master Card, Visa or Discover Card. Those with cash can put money on a ReadyCARD at any cash-to-card kiosk in the park. This transition aims to offer faster and more secure transactions at all park facilities, as well as keep lines moving faster. No personal information is needed to convert cash onto a card. Up to $500 can be loaded to a card per kiosk transaction.
