Plopsa Coo: Park Manager Jean-Luc Bertrand Retires
Handing over the reins: Jean-Luc Bertrand (r.) and his successor Pietro Vergalito (l.). Photo: Courtesy of Plopsa Group
(eap) After more than 40 years of service at the park, Plopsa Coo park manager Jean-Luc Bertrand (r.) recently retired. He handed over his duties as park manager to Pietro Vergalito (l.), who as his successor now directs the fortunes of the amusement park in eastern Belgium. Bertrand began his career at the park directly after completing his technical studies at the age of 18. After several “excursions” to sister companies abroad, Bertrand returned again and again to Stavelot (province of Liège), where the family amusement park is located in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes. Since 2005, the park, originally opened in 1976 under the name “Télécoo”, has belonged to Studio 100, the media company that owns the Plopsa Group.
Jean-Luc Bertrand counts the installation of the Vekoma roller coaster “Schtroumpfeur” in 1989 as one of his fondest memories from his day-to-day work. His favorite attraction at Plopsa Coo is the chairlift (today called: “The Bel RTL Chair Lift”), which has been there since 1955 and which Bertrand affectionately describes as a “beautiful old lady of 68”.
However, Bertrand does not want to let go completely yet: He will continue to assist the park as technical manager before the loyal employee will reduce his duties bit by bit. ■
