The Interpreter Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 A long, thoughtful editorial. Of particular interest to those who love parks, architecture, community planning, etc.: ...But the experience of actually being in the park isn't all it could be, or at least, all it was back in the day. During a recent weekday visit, families and middle-aged couples were sparse. Teenagers traveled in noisy packs, glued to their cellphones and cigarettes, generally making anyone over 18 feel ancient. As I waited in line for the Tower of Doom free-fall ride, a group of dudes taunted another group of dudes with violent threats, one guy lifting his shirt to display his tattoos, sloshing beer here and there while he yelled. Just when it seemed they were going to clash, a portly security guard called the ringleader over to the fence and carted him off. No amusement park is squeaky-clean and perfect, but the incident was a little unsettling, just as it was seeing a thin, mustachioed man in head-to-toe Nuggets gear mindlessly roaming and shouting profanities to himself while another pair of security guards lounged a few dozen yards away. Anarchy? Nope, just your average theme park. Theme parks can't control who attends them, be it apparently mentally ill types or families, thugs or wide-eyed children. And to be sure, the place is as safe as, if not safer than, anywhere else downtown. It's just that Denver lacks an all-encompassing theme park that offers both Elitch's steely thrill-seeking and Lakeside's cheap, relaxed family vibe. And Elitch's, for all its upgrades over the years, feels weathered and dated — the type of park that couldn't hold a candle to internationally known gems like Ohio's Cedar Point or King's Island.[sic] .... This is a must read for those who think a little misconduct in a park should be tolerated. http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_12804558 An aside...the ONLY amusement park I have ever felt unsafe in is Elitch's. During my last visit there (and it may well be my last visit there), a large group of unruly patrons nearly engaged in a fist fight with another large group of unruly patrons, while security looked on, seemingly bored with what was apparently an all too often occurrence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 I had a run-in with a nasty group a few years ago at Cedar Point when I was with my 8th graders - most of them female. There was a group of "gang" members who kept following us around, using all kinds of profanity, pushing their way to get certain seats, and not very well dressed - even for a May day at an amusement park. Now, I am 6' 4" and at the time weighed over 300 pounds and I wasn't about to put up with any of their BS. I didn't do anything until one of them spat at me. I went to the "gang" leader, grabbed him by the throat area of his shirt and told him if he valued his head, he'd better keep his potty mouth closed or I would remove it from his body - permanantly. Just then, security came over and asked what was going on. They took the entire "gang" to the front offices - I had to come along. After talking wth the people in the office and explaining what had been going on, they removed the entire "gang" from the park. Do you know, those jerks waited until we were leaving and were gong to try and start a fight with me - right in front of my students. I was more than ready to take them all on at once - they were all skinny little pipsqueaks - but security came and escorted us to our bus. It really ruined my day, even though the kids tried to cheer me up saying "Mr. R., don't let it bother you - they're just jerks". funny, but every time I think about it, I get upset - and I sorta wished that security never came for the escort. The local Sandusky hospital ER would have had a few extra patients that night - but I probably would not be here right now writing this - I'd be sitting in a cell somewhere in southern Ohio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted July 12, 2009 Author Share Posted July 12, 2009 Lucasville? And doesn't that assume they could find a jury to convict you? I am not condoning violence, but last I checked self defense is a defense, particularly when one is also protecting a group of young children one is escorting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hank Posted July 12, 2009 Share Posted July 12, 2009 Nelsonville! I know that I don't condone violence either, but it would have been a bad example in front of a bunch of Catholic 8th graders - 90% of them girls. It was just a poopy day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterguy15 Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 I'll be going to Elitch Gardens within the next week while I'm on vacation. Anyone have any tips for me? I'm mostly going just so I can say I have been there and have ridden the rides, but I still want some fun. Any advice from those that have been there before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest rcfreak339 Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 When I see anyone saying profanity, smokeing in places they shouldn't or threatening other park guests I just tell them to "Stop". Iv'e only had to do it a couple times.....but never once did it not work. And if it doesn't and they come towards me, any of my friends or anyone else I will immediately walk away and yell for a officer. There is no need for fighting and all this non-sense at Amusment Parks, why pay 50 bucks to come into a park and get in a fight when you can just get into a fight outside? Theres no need for fighting anyway. People that act like "Thugs" or "Gangsters" need to act like that outside of Parks where there are no school kids, church groups, families and people who are acutely there to have a good time and escape there troubles....It's kind of sick to be honest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOPGUN1993 Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 Something very similar to this happened in the Adventure Express que (the covered bridge) 2 groups of what looked to be "gangs" were yelling at each other and what not. My heart was pounding. I don't really want to get into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skywriter Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 I swear two years ago I went on national fight day.It's a very long story I saw pretty much 5 fights I believe it was the day after prom for most high schools so that would explain it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Browns4life Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 People can be so ignorant... Lets spend hard earned money to pick a fight... hey you looked at me wrong so im gonna beat ya up. Hey your a Browns fan so im gonna beat ya up!!! People never cease to amaze me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted August 2, 2009 Author Share Posted August 2, 2009 I'll be going to Elitch Gardens within the next week while I'm on vacation. Anyone have any tips for me? I'm mostly going just so I can say I have been there and have ridden the rides, but I still want some fun. Any advice from those that have been there before? Yes. Don't go alone. Be thankful Flying Coaster is closed. Don't miss Half Pipe, it's relatively rare. And don't miss Lakeside, even though the Lakeside Cyclone is currently closed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coasterguy15 Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 Thanks for the tips, hopefully I'll have a decent time there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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