GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – One day after Green Bay officials closed the Zippin Pippin following a malfunction where three people were hurt, people at Bay Beach Amusement Park are still talking about it.
“We come out a couple times every summer and yeah we like to ride it, but we mainly come out for our daughter,” says Micki Yaeger. “It’s like our one little adult ride we get to go on.”
Riders said an occupied train car failed to stop properly, hitting an empty train car in the loading area, which struck two workers.
“I guess I would rather have people safe than get hurt riding it,” says Samantha, who was enjoying Tuesday afternoon at Bay Beach with her family.
“We came down from Upper Michigan last night, spent the night and didn’t find out about the ride being closed until this morning,” says Myron, who’s visiting with his grandchildren. “That was kind of a bummer.”
Green Bay Parks Director Dawne Cramer says the state inspected the roller coaster before the start of the season. She said on Monday that Bay Beach workers also inspect the ride daily. Cramer, nor any other city Parks Department officials, were available for comment Tuesday.
“We’ve talked with the software manufacturer, along with the manufacturer of the ride and the ride operator,” says Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt. “All those have to be in sync for that ride to work, it’s been in sync for so many years and yesterday something wasn’t and we have to get to the bottom of it to figure it out, get it fixed and get that ride back open and operational.”
Those enjoying a sunny, warm day at Bay Beach say it isn’t going to darken their spirits.
“It would’ve been nice if we would’ve been able to ride it,” said Yaeger.
“Oh it’s a beautiful day,” Myron said. “The kids are having fun.”
When does Schmitt expect Elvis’ favorite ride to reopen?
“It seems like it’s something we can get resolved in the next few days,” Schmitt said. “There’s 19 other rides out there for the public to enjoy and I’ll be the first one to get back on the Zippin Pippin once it gets that clean bill of health.”
The injuries to those involved Monday are not believed to be serious.
