814-695-7500

The entire structure was restored using the built-by-hand carpentry techniques employed in the original construction. Over 70% of the original virgin timber was used in the restoration.

December 21, 2015

Construction Solutions

In 1999, P. Joseph Lehman, Inc., Consulting Engineers was selected to conduct the restoration design and construction inspection of the Leap the Dips roller coaster located at Lakemont Amusement Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania. The wooden roller coaster, dating back to 1902, was one of the premier coasters at the height of their popularity in the Roaring Twenties.  Designed as a Figure-8, the coaster was built over a natural spring, and over the years the wooden supports rotted. In 1985 the coaster was shut down because of its deteriorating condition and the lack of funds for maintenance. At one point there was discussion of demolishing the structure.  In 1993 the Leap the Dips was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1996 it received a National Historic Landmark designation. LeaptheDipsSmallPhotoThe entire structure, including the station house, car shed, and motor house was restored using the built-by-hand carpentry techniques employed in the original construction, though also using modern equipment.  Over 70% of the original virgin timber was used in the restoration. Funding for the restoration was spearheaded by Leap the Dips Foundation and came from private citizens, grants from the Pennsylvania Heritage Preservation Committee, the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Committee, and a unique partnership of eight local banks and the Progress Fund. The Leap the Dip historic wooden roller coaster was officially reopened on May 31, 1999, and still attracts people from all over the world.

Comments are closed.