Baynum Solutions, Palace Entertainment continue partnership
AT: Tim Baldwin
tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com
NEWPORT, Ky. — Now 40 years old, Baynum Solutions was established in 1983 as Baynum Painting Inc.
“There have been countless puns made over the years in reference to our coaster business having its ‘ups and downs,’” joked Chris Baynum, president. “I’m thrilled to say that after 40 years, we still have not reached the crest of the incline yet so we’ve not experienced ‘down.’ Hiring some of the most talented people in the world has been the key to our continued growth and ongoing success decade after decade. It seems that every year there is a new world record-breaker in our industry. Each year we break our own record! With our loyal client base and continued commitment to providing the highest level of quality and service, we hope to never reach the top of the hill.”
During this time, the company has developed a strong partnership with Palace Entertainment and its complement of parks.
“It’s a decades-long relationship with the park properties,” said Melissa Bamford, marketing, Baynum Solutions. “When Walt Bowser came on, he developed the avenue into the water park restorative services.”
The company believes Sandcastle is the first Palace water park with whom Baynum partnered.
Bowser credits a relationship being developed with Jeff Savelesky, formerly the corporate director of maintenance, construction and safety.
In 2016, Savelesky and Bowser crossed paths, kicking off their professional journey with Palace at Sandcastle, Noah’s Ark and Splish Splash. What initially started as a work collaboration soon blossomed into a cherished friendship that endures to this day. Despite Savelesky moving on, the ties with Palace Entertainment not only persisted but thrived, showcasing the lasting bond beyond professional realms.
“We have partnered with Baynum Solutions on everything from rides to slides, and Baynum has been up to the challenge,” said Jerry Brick, director of construction and maintenance, Palace Entertainment. “Baynum has been great at helping us through picking out colors to using the right products for each job, which will help with the longevity of the work being done. It has been not only a rewarding task but one that has allowed us to learn and grow with both Baynum and our parks.”
Palace Entertainment is a subsidiary of Parque Reunidos out of Madrid, Spain. Among its U.S. properties are Story Land, Idlewild, Lake Compounce, Castle Park, Adventureland (Iowa), Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe, Noah’s Ark, Sandcastle, Splish Splash, Raging Waters, Water Country, Dutch Wonderland and Kennywood.
“We’ve been in every one of those properties within the last two years,” Bamford told Amusement Today. “A couple of years ago we helped with the rebranding of a 20-year-old waterslide at Splish Splash. Palace came up with a rebrand and retheme, and we gave it a new color scheme and included the iSlide feature. We’re certified installers for iSlide components.”
The park was extremely pleased with the project as the new life brought lines to the bottom of the stairs on what was an aging attraction.
Many properties have seen Baynum’s handiwork year after year.
“Kennywood is a huge property for us,” said Bamford.
Baynum Solutions was utilized for the Steel Curtain touch-up when it was installed. The following years saw the total painting of Thunderbolt, Racer and Jack Rabbit wooden roller coasters. Phantom’s Revenge is another major steel coaster at Kennywood that received a fresh new color scheme.
“We did four attractions in one year at Kennywood, and they weren’t small,” said Bowser.
“A really special project was Thunderbolt,” Bamford noted. “It was in the queue for so long; it was years in the making bringing that project to fruition.”
Kennywood’s topography can provide some challenges, particularly with its deep ravines.
“Typically, we can use lifts and ladders,” said Bowser. “On Phantom — with the topography and height — we use spider baskets and staging with specialty rigging and training. That’s one of the things that sets us apart — those unique challenges.”
In the past year, many buildings saw a refresh, as did the S&S Screamin’ Swing in 2023.
“One of the unique scenarios with the Palace partnership is that we have such a great relationship at the GM/operator level and the maintenance director level between both of our teams. There’s such a synergy there,” Bamford told AT. “Our technicians work so well with the maintenance directors that are onsite.”
Baynum has worked on just over 100 projects for Palace. In 2023, six of the Palace Entertainment properties contracted with Baynum to work on coasters, slides, rides and bridges. In 2024, Noah’s Ark and Adventureland Park will be using Baynum’s services.
