Scott Pyle from HAPI Speaks to Rotary April 8

Posted by Kathryn Fahy 
 
Scott Pyle, General Manager of Historic Arnolds Park, was the program at the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary regular noon meeting on April 8. Scott shared both historical information and details about recent and upcoming projects that HAPI is undertaking.
 

Started in 1889, Arnolds Park has been around for 120 years. The roller coaster is the 7th oldest in the US and 13th oldest in the world. HAPI includes the Maritime Museum, Queen II, Arnolds Park Amusement Park and Preservation Plaza. Scott shared some historical photos with the Rotary club, including ones oft he Majestic Pavilion, Wild Mouse and Courtyard. In January 2007, the final payment was made on the group's long-term debt and the commitment was made at the point to never mortgage the property again. Funding for recent and current projects is now all secured before projects are started.

Projects completed in the past few years including many low impact development projects. The main parking lot features porous concrete, porous paving and biosoils that filter runoff before it makes it to the lake. A recent report showed that this project is successful in filtering 98% of contaminants from lot before they hit the lake.

Another project that is slated to begin after Labor Day is the construction of a new entertainment stage in Preservation Plaza. This is made possible through a donation from Andrea Waitt and the Healing Winds Foundation. It is a $1 - 1.3 million stage that will include onstage green rooms and an open-back design.

Events that will continue in 2009 include the Rock the Roof concerts, the Free Concert Series in Preservation Plaza and a Party in the Park for donors and supporters at the end of the season.