Miracle Strip Amusement Park Reopens With Recently Completed Timber Vehicular Bridge Addition
Panama City Beach, FL (PRWEB) April 25, 2014 -- Teddy and Jenny Meeks’ love affair with timber was sparked decades before their dreams of re-opening Miracle Strip Amusement Park was even a possibility. First inaugurated in Panama City Beach in 1964, the park has re-opened in a new location, with new rides and the anticipation of the return of the Starliner, the famous wooden roller coaster designed in 1963 by John Allen of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. One of the first attractions on the Park, the wooden roller coaster was the highlight of the property until its closing over a decade ago, boasting the title of the oldest coaster in Florida at the time.
In 2010, the Meeks' purchased the old carousel and installed it at Pier Park. After outgrowing the space, the couple decided to re-open the old Miracle Strip in a new location across the street from Pier Park. Adding nine new rides and a water playground, the new 14 acre park will soon become a member of the wooden coaster revival with the return of the Starliner in early Spring 2015. Enamored with the “Golden Age” of wooden coaster design, the Meeks' set their sights on a timber bridge for the new Miracle Strip Park. As part of this park’s complete renovation, York Bridge Concepts™ designed a one-of-a-kind 132 linear feet timber vehicular bridge. “We wanted our York Bridge™ to be the centerpiece of the Park and we got just that, a dramatic design built from unbelievable timber pilings that were just huge! We were astonished that our HS-20 design was rated for a 72,000 pound truck! When we saw the timbers arrive on site, we had no doubt that we had made the right decision!” beams Teddy Meeks.
As part of York Bridge Concepts™ approach to constructing every structure in the most environmentally friendly way possible, YBC’s crew paid meticulous attention to the surrounding ecosystem while building with the world’s greatest renewable resource: wood. “Concerned about the build out over our wetlands, I was amazed at the care that York’s crew took before, during and after construction of our bridge. Their word was their bond! They performed a professional, environmentally sound operation that was impeccable after their departure!” confirms Jenny Meeks. York Bridge Concepts™ supports and upholds National Environmental Protection Policies with anticipation and provision to have minimal impact on the surroundings and exceed environmental standards.
After its grand opening ceremony in April 2014, Miracle Strip Theme Park now flaunts a unique Decero™ designed York Bridge™. “The workers that came out to build our bridge were the hardest working men I have ever seen in my life! If all of our contractors were like your men, our life would be simple!”, expressed Mr. Meeks. “We had a choice between a steel bridge and a timber bridge designed and built by York. It was four contractors and materials from different sources versus a turnkey, one-stop shop with YBC – with the added value of beauty, aesthetics and on time delivery! York Bridge™ was the obvious decision!”
Gil Dreyfus, York Bridge Concepts™, http://www.ybc.com, +1 (813) 482-0613 Ext: 109, [email protected]
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