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Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, formerly Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc., was an American amusement park corporation, headquartered in Arlington, Texas.At its height, Six Flags owned more theme parks and waterparks than any other company: [6] 42 properties in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including theme parks, amusement parks, water parks, and a family entertainment center.
Six Flags America is an amusement park in Woodmore, Maryland, United States, [2] [3] near Upper Marlboro, [4] adjacent to the Washington, DC metropolitan area.. Founded as a wildlife center in 1974 by Ross Perot, ABC television operated the park as a drive-through safari called The Largo Wildlife Preserve, from 1974 [5] until its closure, in 1978.
The park expanded from 20 acres (81,000 m 2) to 52 acres (210,000 m 2). At its peak, the Enchanted Forest welcomed 300,000 children per summer season. [3] After its original owners, the Harrison family, sold the park for $4.5 million to JHP Development in 1988, the park closed for the first time in 1989.
Testimony from residents of other areas where major theme parks had been built, particularly Orlando, Florida, was sought out by both sides. [2] The plan was officially rejected on September 21, with the board stating in a unanimous 5-0 decision [6] that it would reject any such theme park in Howard County for the same reasons. [8]
The park has a no smoking policy, but areas are designated for those who wish to smoke. Dogs on leashes are allowed in the park. The "White Arch" located in the parking lot was brought to Old Forge in 1967 and first placed at the park in 1968. It is one of eleven white arches that was originally used at the 1964 New York World's Fair. [10] [11] [2]
An economic report commissioned by park opponents said that Disney had overstated economic benefits, saying that only 6,000 (not 12,000) jobs would be created, in mostly low-wage, low-skill categories, and the park would only bring in an additional $1.5–5.1 million in annual tax revenue (compared to the $14.1 million Disney had estimated). [28]
2009 — The park hosted the first Holiday in the Park (Christmas event) during the weekends in November and December. Alpine Freefalls. 2010 — Old theme elements from the park's Storytown USA era, including PoPo the Purple Cow and a rebuilt Cinderella's castle, were restored and placed back into the park. [3]
In the early 1900s, a few mechanical rides and a carousel were added. The park was purchased in 1911 by Henry J. Perkins who transformed the park from a picnic grove to an amusement park. He built the park's first roller coaster, The Giant Dip, in 1912, which proved to be so popular that another coaster, The Greyhound, was added in 1915. [4]