FARMINGTON — After 85 years, the Wooden Roller Coaster remains one of Lagoon's most popular attractions.
Built in 1921 and designed by John Miller — who also created coasters at Coney Island — the ride has been totally replaced with new wood and other materials over the years. However, the concept of the ride remains the same. The wood coaster has a rickety feel with "more give" than a modern steel coaster.
As the park's second-oldest ride (only the Carousel is older), this coaster is also represents a rite of passage for young riders. For example, you have to at least 46 inches to ride the coaster — with a responsible adult. Those taller than 50 inches can ride without an escort.
Based on the lines for the ride, the front and the rear seats are the most popular. The front seat offers an unrestricted view and extra thrills going up the hills. The rear seat is wildest on the downhill segments.
Since Saltair's famed wooden roller coaster closed decades ago, Lagoon has the only major wooden coaster in the West, between Denver and the West Coast.
Lagoon's coaster is believed to be the third-oldest such coaster in the United States and the sixth-oldest in the world.
According to www.lagoonisfun.
com, an unofficial source of park news, the original name of Lagoon's first major thrill ride was "Giant Coaster" in 1921. By 1929, the named had changed to "Lagoon Dipper." By 1954, when the ride was rebuilt after a fire in 1953 that destroyed the front half of the coaster, its name became simply "Roller Coaster."
"This ride is a must for every coaster enthusiast and park guest. It's a great ride for anyone!" the Web site states.
The roller coaster track is walked daily before it opens to ensure safety. Modern computer controls also enhance the safety.
Lagoon usually has four or more operators for this ride, and because much of the wooden track is replaced each year, only the original flavor and design of the ride remains after more than eight decades. Otherwise, all of the wood is newer.
Also, last year Lagoon decided it was not going to keep painting the roller coaster. It has used white paint on the ride for decades but decided in 2005 that it is going to let the wood age naturally and create a more rustic look. Hence, the "white roller coaster" will no longer be white.
Coaster facts:
Top speed: 45 mph.
Track length: 2,500 feet.
Ride capacity: 24 riders per train, four cars, with six passengers in each section. Total capacity per hour is 1,920 passengers.
Ride length: One minute and 56 seconds
Maximum heights: 60 feet.
For information, Lagoon's official Web site is: www.lagoonpark.com.
E-mail: lynn@desnews.com