Nathan Hough loves going with his two children to Kennywood, but, with the Steel Curtain coaster out of commission this season, he fears the lines for other rides will be even longer.
“It was very disappointing to see the Steel Curtain closed for the majority of last season,” Hough said. “I know it is a fan favorite of many who attend the park. I enjoyed when it was open as it took pressure off of lines for other rides in the park.”
Hough said he noticed workers tending to something on the Steel Curtain while driving by about six weeks ago.
“I saw a person in a high-lift inspecting or looking at the coaster. I thought maybe they were doing standard inspections, but everyone on social media posts news about the Steel Curtain, so I wasn’t surprised to hear it closed,” he said.
Hough lives in West Newton and visited the park more than 20 times last year. He plans to be there on opening day Saturday.
Hough noted the irony in receiving a souvenir cup last weekend as a gold season pass holder. The cup prominently features the Steel Curtain logo.
Hough, 35, paid about $300 for 2024 season passes.
“I think they did a good job last year feeling safe on all the rides, and I do think they take safety seriously. But I think they could be more transparent about answering questions. As paying customers, we have a right to know what’s going on,” Hough said.
Kennywood officials remain tight-lipped on specifics surrounding Wednesday’s news announcing the closing of the Steel Curtain roller coaster for the park’s 2024 season. The roller coaster debuted in 2019 but has been plagued with temporary closings.
Kennywood communications manager Tasha Pokrzywa declined further comment during a visit from a TribLive reporter Thursday morning at the West Mifflin amusement park.
The park released a statement on its social media accounts explaining the reason for the closure is an “extensive modification project to increase ride longevity and reliability.”
The recent closing has left some Kennywood parkgoers disgruntled, particularly as the park is set to open Saturday for the 2024 season.
Kelly Rush of Port Vue said the closing came as no surprise.
“It was never really open anyway,” said Rush, adding her son really enjoys the coaster but has only been able to ride it twice, despite the family purchasing season passes. “He was always asking to ride when we’re there, but it’s always closed. At least now people and kids won’t get their hopes up because there’s no more riding it this year. I wish they’d left the Log Jammer in. It was always open and always a great ride.”
A representative for S&S Worldwide’s company ride service team, the manufacturer of the coaster, did not return a request for comment.
Kennywood fan Tiffany Lynn chimed in with her advice concerning the ride.
“Get rid of it. It takes up too much space not to work,” she said.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
Safety check
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala visited Kennywood on Thursday morning, following up on safety and security measures after a shooting there in 2022.
The walkabout led by park officials took Zappala to several areas in Kennywood, where he viewed security measures including a center that monitors AI-enhanced security cameras throughout the park.
According to news partner WTAE, Kennywood currently has its own police force of 100 officers and 40 security guards.
Zappala praised the enhanced security measures.
During the visit, no additional details on the Steel Curtain closing were provided.