I can’t wait to go to Diggerland!
Diggerland USA will be a construction-themed adventure park where “children and their families will be able to drive, ride and operate heavy machinery in a safe family-friendly environment.”
The new theme park in West Berlin, N.J., will cover 14 acres and feature more than 23 attractions, all slated for an early summer 2014 opening. The majority of the attractions are comprised of modified JCB heavy construction equipment pieces. The rides have been engineered to allow parents and children the ability to safely operate the machines by themselves or together – digging, driving and riding.
“JCB has played a key role in Diggerland’s continued success by providing the parks with specialized equipment that gives many children their first hands-on experience with the construction industry,” said Thom Peebles, vice president of marketing for JCB North America. “Now, we’re very pleased to help Diggerland successfully bring its unique brand of fun and educational entertainment to children and their families right here in the United States.”
Children and parents will have the opportunity to drive skid-steer loaders, backhoes, tractors, mini dumpers and small excavators. All the equipment has either been modified for use on a course or made stationary by design for operation in designated excavation areas.
Spin Dizzy booms the arm of a 20-ton JCB JS220L excavator up and down while spinning in circles with eight passengers harnessed into the seats of a modified bucket attachment. In The Backhoe Adventure, 4 riders and a ride marshal climb aboard the cab of a modified JCB 3CX backhoe for a mystery tour while taking turns behind the wheel of the machine.
Other attractions include rock climbing, multiple train rides, a ropes course, an arcade and a swamp buggy attraction. Smaller guests will enjoy the playground equipment in the Kid Zone, or may opt to take a ride up on the Sky Shuttle, a JCB 540 Telehandler capable of moving 15 guests at a time five stories into the sky.
Diggerland USA anticipates a nine-month operation schedule based on seasonality and will run into December with weekend and holiday events. Admission costs are expected to be $20-$30 for a full day ticket.
Check it out at www.DiggerlandUSA.com.