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Enchanted Forest Water Safari under new management
by: Josh McMullen
Posted: Mar 5, 2024 / 09:19 AM EST
Updated: Mar 5, 2024 / 09:19 AM EST
Noonan Family owned park since 1977
OLD FORGE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — After 70 years of being a family-owned Old Forge mainstay, Enchanted Forest Water Safari is under new management.
On Friday, March 1, Innovative Attraction Management (IAM), based out of Windermere, Florida, became the new owner of Water Safari. The park had been owned by K&K of Old Forge and the Noonan Family for the last 46 years. IAM specializes in revitalizing distressed theme parks, and have managed several parks across the nation.
“We are thrilled to pass the torch on to IAM for the next chapter in Water Safari Resort’s future. Our family is so grateful to have served family fun to guests for the past 46 years. The great team and amazing guests are the backbone of this business and we look forward to what the future has in store for this iconic resort,” Katie Wojdyla, representing the Noonan family, said in a statement.
The sale will include all of Water Safari’s properties, including Calypso’s Cove, the Old Forge Camping Resort and the Water’s Edge Inn. The terms of the sale were not released.
“We are thrilled to welcome Water Safari Resort, including Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Calypso’s Cove, Old Forge Camping Resort and Water’s Edge Inn to the IAM Family. This iconic destination in central New York State holds a special place in the hearts of families and adventure-seekers alike,” Mike Friscia, President of IAM said in a statement.
According to the statement put out by IAM, all tickets for Water Safari and current hotel and campground reservations will be honored.
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Water Safari changes hands
By Adirondack Explorer
March 4, 2024
Explore More: old forge
Iconic Old Forge theme park bought by Florida company after 46 years of family ownership
Editor’s note: This story w as updated at 4 p.m. March 5
After 46 years of ownership, the Noonan family in Old Forge has sold its Water Safari and related properties to Innovative Attraction Management of Windermere, Florida. The sale took place Friday, March 1, according to a news release sent by the new owners.
Originally opening in 1956 as the Enchanted Forest, Timothy Noonan purchased the theme park in 1977. He gradually expanded it into today’s Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York state’s largest water theme park . In addition, the Noonans built the nearby Calypso’s Cove Family Fun Park featuring an arcade, mini-golf, and Go Karts. Also part of the sale: Old Forge Camping Resort, a year-round campground with cabins and cottages, RV and tent sites, and Water’s Edge Inn, a lakefront hotel with guest rooms and luxury suites.
“We are committed to preserving its great legacy developed over the last 4.5 decades by the Noonan Family, while enhancing the experience for guests of all ages,” said James Harhi, CEO for IAM a written statement. IAM specializes in theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, hotels and resorts, cruise ships, campgrounds, RV parks and similar assets.
Looking ahead
For Mike Farmer, head of tourism for Old Forge and town of Webb, the impacts of the sale remain to be seen.
“Water Safari is one of several key summer attractions our tourism department uses to market the town, along with McCauley Mountain , the Strand, VIEW, and others. The long-term impact will depend on IAM management continuing the high standards of customer service developed by the Noonan family. That’s what visitors take away and talk about, and that’s what brings them back year after year with new generations of their families,” he said.
When reached by phone on Tuesday, Katie Wojdyla of the Noonan family said she and her sister, Kelly Greene, will continue in their roles with the resort for the “foreseeable future.”
Greene, 55, who was the president of Enchanted Forest Water Safari, will serve as vice president. Wojdyla, 42, will continue to lead the marketing efforts. Wojdyla said her family felt that after 46 years, it was time to pass the torch.
Going forward, the name stays the same, and current staff retained at all the related businesses, said Wojdyla.
“I’m sure there will be some change, but that has yet to be seen,” she said. “It’s the same safe, clean family fun everyone has grown to love over the years. We are all getting our bearings and we will start the real work.”
One change going into effect this coming season, which starts June 12: A $2 increase in ticket prices. More information: https://www.watersafari.com/ .
— Jamie Organski contributed to this story
Pictured above: Kids test out new slides at Enchanted Forest Water Safari theme park in Old Forge. Explorer file photo by Jamie Organski
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OLD FORGE, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — After 70 years of being a family-owned Old Forge mainstay, Enchanted Forest Water Safari is under new management. On Friday, March 1, Innovative Attraction Management (IAM), based out of Windermere, Florida, became the new owner of Water Safari. The park had been owned by K&K of Old Forge and the Noonan Family ...
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Directions. 3183 State Route 28 Old Forge, NY 13420. Call Our Park (315) 369-6145. About Us; Blog; Become a Guest Blogger! Employment; Contact Us
After 46 years of ownership, the Noonan family in Old Forge has sold its Water Safari and related properties to Innovative Attraction Management of Windermere, Florida. The sale took place Friday, March 1, according to a news release sent by the new owners. Originally opening in 1956 as the Enchanted Forest, Timothy Noonan purchased the theme ...
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