Belgium: Plopsaland Closes New Wooden Coaster “Heidi The Ride“ for the Time Being

The new “Heidi The Ride” wooden coaster, which was planned to open in July this year at the Belgian Plopsaland De Panne theme park (cf. EAP, issue 4/2016), was now closed by the park due to a pending regulatory approval. While the wooden coaster has successfully passed its testing phase, a commissioned environmental assessment has not been completed in time for the public authorities. As a consequence, a renewed environmental permit remains pending.

“We are constantly in contact with the government to resolve the shortcomings as quickly as possible,” commented Steve Van den Kerkhof, CEO at Plopsa Group. “We try everything possible to maintain the park’s normal operation. For this reason we decided to close the new roller coaster until further notice.”

According to the park, the signature ride of the new “Heidiland” theme area will officially open in due time for the Easter holidays in 2017. (eap)