The Beat

Water Safari Resort Will Grow, Add New Attractions at its Enchanted Forest Water Safari Water Theme Park with $500,000 from Upstate Revitalization Initiative Funds

The Park is Ranked 4th in the U.S. and 17th in the World in TripAdvisor’s 2019 “Traveler’s Choice” for Best Water Parks

NEW YORK – August 15, 2019 – Empire State Development announced that Water Safari Resort, located in Old Forge in Herkimer County, will expand and enhance its globally ranked Enchanted Forest Water Safari water theme park by adding three new water slides and replacing two older slides, Killermanjaro and Serengeti Surf Hill, among other improvements. Empire State Development has awarded $500,000 in funding from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative towards this project that, when completed, is expected to increase traffic significantly in the region.

Old Forge, N.Y. –  Enchanted Forest Water Safari (EFWS) part of Water Safari Resort has been named as a winner in the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® Attractions awards as one of the top 25 water parks in the United States for the fifth year in a row.  Based on an algorithm that takes into account both the quantity and quality of reviews and ratings of amusement and water parks over a 12-month period, Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge was named No. 10 on the list.

More virtual reality entertainment options a reality at Destiny USA-

Syracuse, N.Y. - Thrill enthusiasts now have even more unique experiences to choose from at Destiny USA as Cuse VR has recently expanded into a larger space on the third level of the Canyon area, across from Margaritaville.

Being able to create a perception of physically being in the non-physical world, virtual reality is becoming more and more popular with the continued advancement of the technology, which surrounds the users with videos, images, sound and other stimuli that delivers a completely realistic experience in an artificial environment.

Experience the excitement of multifaceted entertainment with state-of-the-art VR experiences, bumper cars, laser tag, bowling, virtual shooting lounge, arcade and more

Syracuse, N.Y. - Action and adventure junkies will soon have one of the most complete and diverse entertainment venues in Central New York to harness their adrenaline. Apex Entertainment Center, boasting over 55,000 square feet of fun for all ages, has announced plans to bring its thrill-inducing mix of amusements and attractions to Destiny USA. The action-packed venue will occupy the former All-Star Alley & Tavern space on the third level of Destiny USA’s Canyon Area and undergo a complete transformation prior to opening. Apex Entertainment Center is scheduled to open later this year.

Ellicottville, N.Y. – Sky High Aerial Adventure Park at Holiday Valley Resort will be celebrating the premiere of their new feature, the Tarzan Swing, at 10AM on Friday, May 18. “Tarzan and Jane” will demonstrate the element at 10AM as they zip line across on a Tarzan rope and catch on to a cargo net which they must climb to reach the next platform. The Tarzan Swing is part of the intermediate level “blue” course, Rip Tide.

Destination Resort in Goshen, Orange County Will Include a Theme Park Educational Opportunities

First LEGOLAND Park in the Northeast Will Create 1,300 Jobs

$10 Million to Support Road Infrastructure and Traffic Mitigation on Route 17

Empire State Development today announced that LEGOLAND® New York, a 170-acre theme park resort, will open in Goshen, Orange County in 2020. Developed by Merlin Entertainments, LEGOLAND New York is the first LEGOLAND Park in the Northeast and will attract approximately two million visitors annually and leverage $350 million in its initial local investment. The destination resort will include a theme park featuring well-known LEGO® characters and will feature strong educational components for children ages two to 12 and their families. New York State also announced an additional $18 million to support the project, including off-site road infrastructure improvements and traffic mitigation measures on Route 17.

Four New Lots Add 2,500 Parking Spaces to Park-N-Ride Program

State Fair Drives Tourism and Complements "Central New York Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the opening of three more parking areas to provide shuttle service to the Great New York State Fair. The four parking lots, at John Glenn Blvd. and Farrell Rd. near I-690, the Regional Market in Liverpool and at Syracuse's Hancock International Airport in Salina, will provide approximately 2,500 more parking spaces as the Fair heads into what is traditionally its period of largest attendance.

Largest Exposition Space North of New York City - Conceptual Renderings Here

State Fair Unveils New 1,400 Foot Skyliner Chairlift Ride - First 100 Passengers Every Day Ride for Free 

Final Components of Phase 1 Redevelopment Plan Include Indian Village Renovations and New Exhibits and Programming  

State Fair Improvements Complement "Central New York Rising" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced three development teams from Upstate New York have been selected to respond to a Request for Proposals to design and build a new Exposition Building at the New York State Fairgrounds.

Old Forge, N.Y. – Enchanted Forest Water Safari, opens for the season on Wednesday, June 14 with more than 50 rides and attractions.  New York's largest water theme park. features 32 heated water rides with a focus on family fun for all ages.  The park also features classic amusement rides, fun food, exciting games, cool shops, private cabanas, storybook themed characters, a family circus show and more. 315-369-6145 www.WaterSafari.com…

Canandaigua, N.Y. – What attraction in the Finger Lakes region or New York State for that matter, offers a day for guests to sample the attraction free of charge?  Roseland Wake Park is doing just that on Saturday, June 17^th from 10am-5pm with their Roseland Wake Park/Liquid Force Free for All event.   “Even if you’ve never been on a wakeboard this event is not to be missed.  We are offering free admission to the cable park, rentals and lessons.  The free 15 minute wakeboarding lessons at the Lil Bro Learn to Ride Center will be available on a first come, first serve basis”, states Roseland Wake Park Manager, Kyle Dickman.