GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – For nearly ten years, the Sea Dragon has been a favorite ride at Bay Beach. Just weeks ago, it seemed to be on it’s way out due to costly repairs. Now, a new life is likely.
“We came across a used ride, another used Sea Dragon ride that just happens to be the exact same year, make and model of the ride that we just took down or are in the process of taking down,” Green Bay Parks Director Dan Ditscheit said. “So the friends of Bay Beach generously purchased the ride and would like to donate it to the city of Green Bay.”
Green Bay’s parks committee recommended the city accept the donation. Ditscheit wasn’t told the terms of the purchase, but he says it carries little cost or risk for the city.
“The only cost to the city is maintenance staff. So there’s no actual dollars that have to go towards this ride, other than maybe small cosmetic fixes or just small repairs that need to be made,” Ditscheit said.
The city has already started replacing the Sea Dragon. To repair in its current condition would have cost about $300,000.
“I think it’s a great deal for the city,” Ditscheit said. “I think everyone really loved the original Sea Dragon Ride, and this is an identical ride.”
Committee members agree, saying it wouldn’t make sense not to accept the donation.
“I think that’s great,” Steven Campbell said. “I think it makes a lot of sense having two to make one out of it even- whatever parts you need. No down time which is loss of revenue.”
“We’re very fortunate to have the friends group,” Chris Wery said. “Very thankful for them. Hope they understand that.”
The replacement ride is already at Bay Beach. If the full council approves the donation, it could be up and running as soon as mid-summer. And the city will keep spare parts from the old ride in case future repairs are needed.
“Even if we get 5-10 years of life out of it that’s 5-10 years of life that we don’t have a ride as a replacement right now other than this as an option,” Ditscheit said.
City engineers have already looked at the replacement ride and determined that it’s in good shape.
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