Kennywood Park

As we continue to celebrate the incredible 50-year careers of Larry Russ and Bobby Trygar, we want to share a special video both men and their families saw today for the first time. If you haven't had the privilege of meeting Larry or Bobby, you'll notice they have something in common: they are dedicated to serving others, often without fanfare, behind the scenes. Both credit the friends they've made over the past five decades as what keeps them going, and in a special way, Bobby thanks his mom and sister. If you ever see Larry or Bobby around the park, feel free to say hello and thank them for 50 incredible years of service to Kennywood, our Hosts, and you, our guests. 👏

Today was a powerful day as we celebrated the incredible 50-year careers of Larry Russ, a longtime staple in our security department, and Bobby Trygar, a key fixture in our maintenance crew. We also recognized the career of Joe Barron, who retired as HR Director in 2023 after 51 years of service, and the Henninger and McSwigan families, who owned and operated Kennywood for more than a century. Larry, Bobby, Joe and the Henninger and McSwigan families each received a park bench dedicated in their name to honor their legacies of service. Also in attendance were State Sen. Nick Pisciottano and State Rep. John Inglis, who presented citations from both Pennsylvania chambers in recognition of these amazing careers; and Gerald Rakestraw our Regional President. Gerald presented Larry and Bobby custom-blown glass pieces from Silver Dollar City, our sister park. On the pieces, the two rising forms become intertwined, symbolizing the journey of the employee and park growing together over five decades. Let's go back to the special benches. As explained at this morning's ceremony: There is something special about a Kennywood bench. They are places where families gather, friends laugh and little moments become lifelong memories. Like a Kennywood bench, Larry, Bobby, Joe and both families were and are a steady presence, source of comfort and part of the foundation that has supported Kennywood and its people. Long after today, guests and Hosts will pass by these benches, pause for a moment, and be reminded that Kennywood's story was shaped by people and families Larry, Bobby, Joe, the Henningers and McSwigans who gave so much of themselves to Kennywood and our community. Their legacy will forever have a place in Kennywood.

We are thrilled to announce that Kennywood was voted the #4 Best Theme Park and Phantom's Revenge the #2 Best Roller Coaster in the USA TODAY 10Best polls! What a great way to kick off our 128th season and the Phantom's 25th birthday. 🎉

We’re excited to begin our first full season as part of Herschend—the world’s largest family-held themed attractions company. What started as a small cave tour in the Ozarks more than 75 years ago has grown to 40+ unique destinations, attractions, and immersive experiences that welcome nearly 20 million guests each year. Although each brand is unique, we’re all united by our shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating©. Check out this video to learn more about Herschend:

Generations of Pittsburghers and beyond started their careers on our team. It's a chance to gain invaluable real-world experience, meet lots of people and have FUN! If you or someone you know missed our first Hiring Event last weekend, plan to join us Saturday, March 28, or apply online, anytime at kennywood.com/jobs Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eGH6TKEV

Today, we were proud to participate in the Pittsburgh Veterans Job Fair sponsored by RecruitMilitary and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) at Acrisure Stadium. Our team spoke with veterans on the varied opportunities we offer as they transition into civilian careers. Many of the same skills veterans epitomize – including teamwork, trust, shared mission, leadership and situational awareness – translate quite well into our operations at Kennywood and Sandcastle Waterpark, especially within our security, maintenance and operations teams. We’re grateful for today’s event and our chance to support veterans as they transition in this next phase of their lives of service! 🇺🇸

Our senior leadership team recently had the opportunity to attend Herschend University at Callaway Resort & Gardens. This meeting of the minds allowed for connection, collaboration and fun between all Herschend Family Entertainment properties - and we're proud to take home two awards! Kennywood received the Van Pelt F&B Horizon Award, given to our food and beverage department for its exemplary guest, employee, financial and leadership achievements in 2025. Sandcastle received the Leading with Love Horizon Award, showing that our front-line hosts recognize the dedication of the park's leadership team to create a welcoming host-first culture of love and respect. These awards show our team's dedication to Heartspitality: there's love and purpose in everything we do for our guests and our hosts. Nothing we do is possible without our hosts, who serve our guests on the front lines each and every day, helping our guests create lifelong memories that keep them coming back year after year. Looking forward to a bright future ahead!

The best way to beat the winter blues? Apply to join our team! We're hiring nearly 1,500 hosts for this upcoming season, with positions available in rides, food and beverage, guest services, retail, security, and more. Whether you are just starting out, looking for a second job, or something rewarding to do – like helping others enjoy an unforgettable day of fun, we’re looking for people like you! https://lnkd.in/dcX_mVzB

Phantom Fall Fest is a USA TODAY 10BEST Theme Park Halloween Event! Do Halloween your way, from daytime family-friendly fun to hair-raising nighttime frights. Experience 30+ rides, six haunts, four scare zones, a monster fall menu makeover, and more. Thank you for voting, and thank you to our passionate Hosts who work to transform the park each fall and create the ultimate experience for our guests! 

Thanks to our partners at the Pittsburgh Steelers, local officials, and special guests for joining us this morning to open the record-setting Steel Curtain. Plus, a BIG THANK YOU to the entire Kennywood Team for all your hard work and dedication to get this incredible attraction ready for guests. Here we go!