Kennywood hires new general manager - TribLIVE

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Kennywood Park announced this week that it has a new general manager, but he’s been working for months.

Mark Pauls started June 29. He’s spent the past six weeks learning about the West Mifflin amusement park and overseeing the health and safety measures in response to the pandemic.

Pauls brings four decades of experience working in the entertainment industry.

His most recent position was park president at SeaWorld Orlando & Aquatica. Prior to that, he was corporate vice president of operations for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment in Florida. He’s also worked at Busch Gardens in Tampa as vice-president of operations and worked in Williamsburg, Va., where he was vice-president of operations at Busch Gardens and vice president of Water Country USA.

He and his wife, Mary Anne, live in North Huntingdon.

They took a year off to travel, which included a cruise, trips to Key West, Alabama and Virginia as well as some down time at their house on a golf course with a nearby body of water where an eight-foot alligator they named Rufus lived.

“That was nice for a while, but then my wife suggested I find something else to do,” he said.

The Kennywood job is exciting because of its history, he said.

“I was looking for another opportunity, and this came up,” he said. “It takes me back to my roots of a seasonal park and one that has an amazing history. When I talk to guests they talk about how Kennywood is a place they came when they were little, and now they bring their children and grandchildren. I am honored to be a part of all of this — from the 100th anniversary of the Jack Rabbit to the return of the Old Mill.”

Hey, @AboutThemeParks here’s my submission for most iconic coaster! https://t.co/eUjB07RYC4

— Nick Paradise (@Kennywood_PR) August 8, 2020

He said he has been so busy that he hasn’t had much time to ride. He rode the Ghostwood Estate, an attraction described as “where guests travel by buggy through an estate and target unwanted spirits with ghost blasters.”

He said his vision is to keep the traditions of the park, but he is not opposed to adding new and different rides. He said Kennywood’s parent company opening a support office in Pittsburgh shows its commitment to Kennywood and the surrounding parks in the eastern part of the U.S.

“Kennywood is in good hands with Mark leading the way,” said Rick Stammel, vice president of Theme Parks for Palace Entertainment, Kennywood’s parent company in a statement. He said Pauls’ experience within the industry prepared him for this position.

Nothing, though, could have prepared him for this year.

“The team here has done an exceptional job of preparing for our opening in July,” he said. “Masks are everyone’s responsibility. We have a team of people checking to make sure everyone is wearing a mask. People have been great. We sometimes have to gently remind them to wear the mask.”

As for some recent fights at the park, Pauls said he won’t stand for that. Kennywood is a family friendly park, he said.

“I have zero tolerance for that,” he said. “I’ve been working with our security team and local police to have a presence. There aren’t a lot of things for people to do and sometimes things happen, but we will be on top of it.”

The park will be open through Labor Day, Sept. 7. They will have a schedule update soon about possible operating dates on weekends in September.

Hours have been shortened in this unusual season in order to have one work shift. He said he prefers to give patrons a close time so they can plan accordingly. (Weather can affect operating times.) He said he plans for the park to be open later next season.

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review

The Sky Rocket at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin on Aug. 13.

Not all rides are open. That was done based on the work needed to prepare them for the season and also the availability of parts and also the number of employees, he said.

“People love Kennywood because it’s a relief, especially during this pandemic,” Pauls said. “Kids have been stuck at home. I am happy we have this for people to do. It’s not about how much money we can make. It’s about giving people something enjoyable this summer.”

The park also announced food and beverage director Lenny Freund. He worked at Dorney Park and Schlitterbahn Water Park, and as general manager of Six Flags Frontier City and Six Flags Wild Waves/Enchanted Village. Freund founded Freund Family Foods and operates a consulting firm, North Star Food & Beverage.

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne at 724-853-5062, jharrop@triblive.com or via Twitter .