The founder of the southern Baden Europa-Park, Roland Mack, is celebrating a big birthday on Saturday. He is still fascinated by fast rides.
Even after almost 50 years at Europa-Park, founder Roland Mack personally tests new roller coasters. “It’s already releasing an enormous amount of tension, as double-digit millions of dollars have been invested,” said the managing partner of the amusement park of the German Press Agency in Rust, southern Baden.
“We’re doing the first test rides with weights, the so-called dummies. Then people get on the train, I’m one of the first,” said the family businessman, who is celebrating his 75th birthday this Saturday. “It’s also important what the first customers say, so my judgment isn’t that important.”
The roller coaster has reached its limits in mobile business, i.e. at fairs or folk festivals, said Mack. Large systems for this use have become too heavy and too expensive. In his opinion, it has a future in amusement parks: “I don’t see the end of the roller coaster. The emotions among the guests are incredibly high.”
Germany’s largest theme park has around six million visitors per year and 14 roller coasters. The facility opened in July 1975 – next year the 50th anniversary will be celebrated.
Source: Stern
