The Beach
Continuing around the park, guests will enter the nostalgic Beach area of the park. Inspired by both Pontchartrain Beach and Lincoln Beach, this area focuses on our enjoyment of life and ability to have fun, no matter what adversities are thrown at us. Surrounded by music, art, and classic amusement park attractions, guests will be invited to join us for the party.
The MegaZeph coaster has been an iconic ride at the park since it opened. A hybrid wood and steel structure, its original design was inspired by the Zephyr coaster at the historic Pontchartrain Beach amusement park. The ride was originally designed by the now defunct Custom Coasters International (CCI). The structure is a key component of the park's skyline. While it will take a significant capital investment, due to the hybrid nature of the structure, the ride is restorable. We plan to utilize The Gravity Group for the restoration. The Gravity Group has on its staff former CCI engineers that were involved with the original MegaZeph design and construction.
Utilizing The Gravity Group's expertise, a survey and complete engineering assessment of the structure will be conducted. Once the survey is complete, in addition to any required structural repairs, adjustments may be made to the ride's profile and banking to ensure the smoothest ride possible. Inspired by the original Zephyr, we also plan on adding a tunnel to a section of the track. Once the structure has been returned to safe operating condition, new Timberliner trains with audio capability from Gravity Kraft will be installed.
Finalizing the renovation will be the addition of a soundtrack. Better Than Ezra (BTE) will potentially be supplying the music, turning MegaZeph into the "King of New Orleans". BTE's passion for music, and love for the city they call home, New Orleans, is a perfect match for the iconic coaster. Theme elements specific to BTE may also be added to the attraction.
The Milneburg Lighthouse, which still stands today near the end of Elysian Fields, was originally built in 1855. With coastal reclamation, it became a key landmark of the former Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park. Our version, shaped like the original, will stand near the end of the Beach area, and stand slightly taller to facilitate housing a drop tower attraction. This attraction is sure to thrill guests.
After putting an addition to the back, the former games building will serve as the home for a new Sea of Love attraction. Inspired by a classic "Tunnel of Love", the new ride will feature a "Sea of Love" soundtrack performed by musicians from the Musicians' Village. "Sea of Love" was originally written and recorded in 1959 by Phil Batiste, a Lake Charles native. This enchanting boat ride will immerse guests in a sea of love full of sunsets, moonlight, and cupids.
Nationally acclaimed New Orleans artist, John Scott, has left us a lasting legacy of graceful beauty through his work. One of his biggest projects remains unfinished. Working with Martin Payton, John began work on a project inspired by Lincoln Beach. He proposed an ongoing art experience that included metal figures of musicians and dancers mounted on buoys that would "dance" with the wind and wave action. His son, Ayo Scott, an exceptional artist in his own right, will be completing that project for installation in the Beach area of the park.
Other attractions in this area include several classic amusement rides, such as a ferris wheel, carousel, and bumper cars. The area will also include a dark ride, mouse coaster and stage performance venue. In addition to rides, we anticipate that the area will feature a NOYO shop that features the vibrant clothing collection designed by Ayo Scott.