Kings Island

When Kings Island opened in 1972, it was decided that landscaping would serve a large part in telling the park’s story. Dick Ammon (a renowned local landscaping expert responsible for works such as the Cincinnati Zoo, Coney Island, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Miami University) and Roy Rector (Kings Island’s first grounds superintendent) were responsible for leading a team that designed the landscape of Kings Island. The team chose to base their design on those of elaborate European Gardens.

In addition to sharing the fun and excitement of working at a world-class amusement park, Kings Island offers its associates the opportunity to apply for a scholarship during the season they are working. Congratulations to all selected recipients and their proud families!

One of the key ingredients to a successful theme park will always be its live entertainment. Ever since it opened its gates in 1972, Kings Island has been peppered with literally thousands of entertainment offerings. Never one to stagnate, the park has not only expanded its shows, but they’ve also expanded the facilities that house them.

Don’t underestimate the possibility of high-adrenaline thrills at Kings Island’s Soak City Water Park. One attraction in particular has something the adrenaline-seeker in the family won’t be able to get enough of. Debuting last summer and towering nearly seven stories, Topical Plunge features six different water slide experiences.

Not to be outdone by “The Partridge Family” (who had filmed an episode at Kings Island in 1972), television’s “The Brady Bunch” paid a visit to the park during the second season of operation. Although filmed a year later, the “Brady” episode is the more popular and well known of the two.

I grew up on the Westside of Cincinnati and like most in the tristate area; Kings Island was a part of my life. Kings Island was that magical getaway from everyday life. It actually still is. My family would make the trip maybe one or two times a year when I was very young, but once I got a little older my grandmother bought me a season pass and I visited more frequently.

If you could ask the Cincinnati Reds any question you wanted, what would it be? Kings Island guests will have their chance Friday when the annual Reds Day event is held at the 364-acre amusement and water park. Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart, outfielder Scott Schebler and third baseman Eugenio Suarez are scheduled to appear and field questions from guests during a question-and-answer show at 11 a.m. in the Festhaus.

Four months after Kings Island opened in 1972, "The Partridge Family" cast came to film their ABC show at the park a full year ahead of "The Brady Bunch." The TV family of pop musicians -- stars Shirley Jones, David Cassidy, Susan Dey, Danny Bonaduce, Suzanne Crough and Brian Forster – were shown enjoying rides like the Racer, Grand Carousel, Antique Cars and Log Flume when not performing in front of the Royal Fountains on International Street.

Like many of the full-time staff at Kings Island, James Moreland applied for a seasonal position never imagining a summer job would lead to a career opportunity at the 364-acre and amusement park. Upon being hired as a seasonal associate 14 years ago, James was placed in the merchandise department. After quickly falling in love with his job, he knew he wanted to stay in resale and had his sights set on becoming a full-time member of the team.

Mid-July through August have historically been the hottest months of the year in the Tristate region. When temperatures climb into the 90's, it can feel hotter than it actually is – dangerously hotter.