Hershey Park Awards: A Sweet Journey of Recognition

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Hershey Park, a beloved amusement park in Pennsylvania, has garnered numerous accolades throughout its rich history. From its humble beginnings as a leisure park for Hershey Chocolate Company employees to becoming a world-renowned theme park, Hershey Park has consistently earned recognition for its excellence in operations, attractions, and guest experience. The park’s most notable achievement is winning the prestigious Applause Award, considered one of the highest honors in the amusement park industry.

What Are the Most Significant Hershey Park Awards?

hershey park awards
Image ‘File:Hershey Triple Tower 1.jpg’ by Forsaken Fotos, licensed under CC BY 2.0

Hershey Park has received several notable awards throughout its history, but two stand out as particularly significant:

  1. The Applause Award: This prestigious accolade is bestowed by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). It recognizes excellence in theme park operations, including attractions, guest service, and community involvement.

  2. Cleanest and Greenest Park: In 1975, Holiday Magazine named Hershey Park the cleanest and greenest amusement park in the United States, highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability and park maintenance.

How Has Hershey Park’s Award History Evolved?

hershey park awards
Image ‘File:HersheyParkTrain0355.JPG’ by GK tramrunner229, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Hershey Park’s journey to award-winning status has been a gradual process, mirroring its evolution from a simple leisure park to a world-class theme park:

  1. 1906: Founding of Hershey Park as a leisure area for Hershey Chocolate Company employees
  2. 1923: Introduction of the Wild Cat roller coaster, marking the park’s entry into thrill rides
  3. 1970s: Redevelopment into a theme park, including the addition of the SooperDooperLooper
  4. 1975: Recognition as the cleanest and greenest park in the U.S.
  5. 1990s: Expansion with the Boardwalk at Hersheypark water park
  6. Recent years: Winning the Applause Award, cementing its status as a top-tier amusement park

What Criteria Are Used for Hershey Park Awards?

While specific criteria for each award may vary, general factors considered for amusement park awards include:

  • Operational excellence
  • Quality and innovation of attractions
  • Guest satisfaction and experience
  • Safety standards and practices
  • Environmental sustainability efforts
  • Community involvement and impact

For the Applause Award specifically, a rigorous evaluation process is conducted by industry experts and peers, considering all aspects of park operations and guest experience.

How Do Hershey Park Awards Impact Visitor Experience?

Awards and recognitions have a significant impact on Hershey Park’s visitor experience:

  1. Increased Visitor Confidence: Awards serve as third-party validation of the park’s quality, encouraging potential visitors to choose Hershey Park.

  2. Higher Expectations: Visitors come with elevated expectations, knowing they’re visiting an award-winning park.

  3. Improved Facilities and Services: To maintain its award-winning status, Hershey Park continually invests in improvements and innovations.

  4. Boost in Attendance: After receiving the ‘cleanest and greenest park’ recognition in 1975, Hershey Park experienced a highly successful season with increased attendance.

  5. Enhanced Brand Image: Awards contribute to a positive brand image, making Hershey Park a more attractive destination for both local and international tourists.

What Sets Hershey Park Apart in the Awards Arena?

Several factors contribute to Hershey Park’s success in winning awards:

  1. Rich History: With over a century of operation, Hershey Park has a wealth of experience to draw from.

  2. Continuous Innovation: The park regularly introduces new attractions and experiences to keep visitors engaged.

  3. Commitment to Cleanliness and Sustainability: As evidenced by its 1975 award, Hershey Park has long prioritized environmental responsibility.

  4. Strong Community Ties: The park’s origins as a leisure area for Hershey employees have fostered a strong connection with the local community.

  5. Diverse Attractions: From thrill rides to family-friendly areas and a water park, Hershey Park offers something for everyone.

How Can Visitors Make the Most of Hershey Park’s Award-Winning Features?

To fully appreciate Hershey Park’s award-winning qualities, visitors can:

  1. Plan Ahead: Research the park’s award-winning attractions and plan your visit accordingly.

  2. Participate in Special Events: Attend seasonal events that showcase the park’s creativity and operational excellence.

  3. Explore All Areas: Don’t miss out on the water park or family-friendly zones that contribute to the park’s overall appeal.

  4. Provide Feedback: Share your experiences, as visitor feedback plays a crucial role in maintaining award-winning standards.

  5. Stay Updated: Follow Hershey Park’s social media and website for announcements about new attractions or recognitions.

By understanding and appreciating the significance of Hershey Park awards, visitors can enhance their experience at this renowned theme park, enjoying the fruits of over a century of dedication to excellence in amusement and entertainment.

References:
1. Wikipedia – History of Hersheypark
2. Wikipedia – Hersheypark
3. Hershey Community Archives – Hersheypark

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