City approves plans for 2013 coaster

Santa Clara's architectural committee recently approved the revised plans for the 2013 GCI wooden coaster. But once again, Prudential, because they have nothing better to do, is complaining, appealing the city's decision.

2012 off-season addition/improvement list

The following is a list of new additions/improvements to CGA over the 2012 off-season. Keep an eye out for these on opening day:

Improvements

Via Facebook.

• New paint jobs for Demon, Flight Deck and Columbia.
• Redone boardwalk area in front of Logger's Run.
• Retracked areas of Grizzly. 

Additions

• Fast Lane queue system for 11 rides and two shows.
• Wheelchair elevators for Vortex and Logger's Run.
• New staircase for Grizzly.
• Four new shows.

Almost official: GCI woodie in 2013

CGA is reportedly dusting off the old plans for the GCI woodie. The park has applied for architectural reviews for a "wood coaster ride" on the city's permit website.

Screamscape is also confirming that the coaster will indeed open in 2013.

More good news: The new paint jobs for Demon, Flight Deck, and now Columbia are going well. Check out the pictures on CGA's Facebook.

Flight Deck and Demon off-season paint jobs

CGA is currently giving Flight Deck and Demon a (much needed) new coat of paint. Check out the images on CGA's Facebook.

Primer is being applied to Demon. Via CGA's Facebook.

Stadium parking issues resolved

An agreement has finally been reached between the city and Cedar Fair regarding parking. For the full details, you can read it here:

http://sireweb.santaclaraca.gov/cache/2/q0a3xe55n3jtdo45wkvsju45/59508201082012123204636.PDF

This article sums it up nicely:

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_19692990

Lost Attractions: Skyhawk

Skyhawk made its debut at Great America in 1989. Manufactured by Intamin, this “Flight Trainer” model carried riders approximately 60 feet in the air in “flight cabins.” The cabins were attached to arms, and riders could rotate their cabins manually 360 degrees. Riders could flip themselves upside down nearly the entire ride, or just enjoy the view in an upright position.

Lost Attractions: The IMAX Pictorium Theater

Welcome to “Lost Attractions,” a new series that looks at defunct rides and attractions at California’s Great America. Starting off the series is the IMAX Pictorium.

Ever wondered what that big building is next to the Star Tower? Today, it’s used for storage and the Club Blood maze at Halloween Haunt. However, at one time it was known as the Lockheed IMAX Pictorium Theater, featuring a 65 foot tall by 89 foot wide screen. The Pictorium ran from 1978 until 2001, and remained closed until a one-weekend opening in 2004. It has since been closed for good.