Mike, the park was located near Mechanicsburg, PA. The park and Radar are long gone. The picture of the defunct park was taken in the early 90’s. I believe it is a community recreational park now. Directions: From Rt. 81 North or South: get off at the Mechanicsburg exit. Take Route 114 East (from the south, turn right, from the north, turn left). Turn right onto Willow Mill Road. At the stop sign, turn right. Park entrance is on the right.
I saw the RADAR ride at a fireman’s fair in Carlisle, PA about ten years ago. I grew up near Willow Mill Park and knew instantly that was the same ride. You could tell RADAR was not a mass produced ride, instead it was specifically built for Willow Mill Park in the the late 1970’s. Safety was always a concern of mine on that ride because if you look closely, only one arm holds on to the seat where two riders would sit. It appeared at the time to only be connected with a welding.
the RADAR was NOT specifically built fot willow mill park. the first radar was built back in the EARLY 70s and called the raven that is for sale right now online. chance mfg. made quite a few of these and most were converted to turbos, however some owners kept the radar theme.
the seats were well attached, as are most rides, are safer then some think.
the willow mill radar was bought new and was originally installed with several other chance rides at International Village in Gettysburg back in about 1970. Thee gettysburg park never survived & is now the Eisenhour hotel & conference center & will possibly be a casino before long. Willow mill bought it from international village & id bet the ride was only 2 years old when it was installed. Fun to ride, but NO CONTEST to a TURBO which Trimpers rides had in maryland, also i remember STRATES SHOWS bringing a turbo to the york pa fair.
Does anyone remember or has anyone heard about a Little 5 year old boy being hit by an Amusement ride..It was a train that drove through the Park..It happened in 1976 or 1977..I am wondering if the little boy died and if thats why the Park closed up.
Where is this located at??? i would love to drive and see it for myself.
Michael Barber - July 14th, 2009 at 5:38 pm e
Mike, the park was located near Mechanicsburg, PA. The park and Radar are long gone. The picture of the defunct park was taken in the early 90’s. I believe it is a community recreational park now. Directions: From Rt. 81 North or South: get off at the Mechanicsburg exit. Take Route 114 East (from the south, turn right, from the north, turn left). Turn right onto Willow Mill Road. At the stop sign, turn right. Park entrance is on the right.
Mark Hackett - July 24th, 2009 at 4:50 am e
I saw the RADAR ride at a fireman’s fair in Carlisle, PA about ten years ago. I grew up near Willow Mill Park and knew instantly that was the same ride. You could tell RADAR was not a mass produced ride, instead it was specifically built for Willow Mill Park in the the late 1970’s. Safety was always a concern of mine on that ride because if you look closely, only one arm holds on to the seat where two riders would sit. It appeared at the time to only be connected with a welding.
Gus - October 8th, 2009 at 12:54 am e
the RADAR was NOT specifically built fot willow mill park. the first radar was built back in the EARLY 70s and called the raven that is for sale right now online. chance mfg. made quite a few of these and most were converted to turbos, however some owners kept the radar theme. the seats were well attached, as are most rides, are safer then some think.
Dave - February 9th, 2010 at 5:52 pm e
the willow mill radar was bought new and was originally installed with several other chance rides at International Village in Gettysburg back in about 1970. Thee gettysburg park never survived & is now the Eisenhour hotel & conference center & will possibly be a casino before long. Willow mill bought it from international village & id bet the ride was only 2 years old when it was installed. Fun to ride, but NO CONTEST to a TURBO which Trimpers rides had in maryland, also i remember STRATES SHOWS bringing a turbo to the york pa fair.
carl - May 22nd, 2010 at 9:16 am e
does the park still exist or have all the old buildings been torn down?
bill smith - July 22nd, 2010 at 4:34 am e
Does anyone remember or has anyone heard about a Little 5 year old boy being hit by an Amusement ride..It was a train that drove through the Park..It happened in 1976 or 1977..I am wondering if the little boy died and if thats why the Park closed up.
Judy Green - July 22nd, 2010 at 11:36 am e