After three long years, the Raging Rapids are running again.
Kennywood Park’s water ride finally reopened Thursday.
In April, the park announced the ride would return at some point this season. Crews have spent weeks working on the ride before its return, said Kennywood spokesperson Tasha Pokrzywa.
“We’re really excited to have the Rapids back for our guests and to show off the improvements,” Pokrzywa said.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Kennywood wrote, “Who’s ready for some whitewater rafting?”
Who's ready for some whitewater rafting? ???? https://t.co/MA9wct5Uxdpic.twitter.com/ROnDHqOktc
— Kennywood (@Kenny_Kangaroo) July 19, 2023
The ride hasn’t been running because of a multi-year refurbishment project, she said.
Pokrzywa confirmed that there are no plans to bring back the famous waterfall, which went away several years ago for safety reasons.
The ride, which has been shut down since 2020, has been a Kennywood fan favorite. The Rapids are built on a downward sloping hillside and simulates a white-water raft ride. It’s not for those looking to stay dry, as it has been guaranteed to get riders wet.
The park cycled rafts through the ride Wednesday as part of what appeared to be test runs.
Paul Guggenheimer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at pguggenheimer@triblive.com.