Kennywood Park: A Love Story

On previous Valentine's Days, we've spotlighted couples who fell in love at Kennywood. This year, we're sharing a story not about falling in love at Kennywood, but with Kennywood. This comes courtesy of Bill Priatko, one of the most tenured Team Members at the park.  

"I have been coming to Kennywood since I was a 6 year-old student at Brinton Avenue Elementary School in North Braddock. All of the students would traditionally wear white clothes, the boys wore white pants and white shirts and the girls wore white dresses. It was a thrill to board the street cars that took all of the students to Kennywood. The street cars pulled up at the big iron gates at the entrance of the park. I can still hear the joyful screams of fellow students as they ran in to the Park with great anticipation of having a wonderful day. "I fell in love with Kennywood Park at that time in my life. I wanted to do more than just enjoy Kennywood every year. I wanted to work there (https://www.kennywood.com/employment) to further my love for Kennywood Park. 

"There was a sense of nostalgic pride to hear the announcer's voice from the Park bandstand at 11:00 each night when he proudly said to a nationwide radio audience over Station WCAE in Pittsburgh, 'Emanating from beautiful Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the music of Harry James and his orchestra.' How could this not permeate a love for Kennywood Park?! At the Park closing each night, the sounds of 'Now Is The Hour'  will ring in the depths of my heart, forever. That Park closing song accentuates my long-lasting love for Kennywood Park. "Fifteen years ago, when Kennywood beckoned for summertime help, I was grateful that my love for Kennywood could continue, as I put on my green Kennywood Park refreshment shirt at the Park's Carousel refreshment stand. My joys have continued the past four years at the Parkside Cafe's drink fountain. I simply love greeting and saying a warm hello to the smiling customers that frequent our stand. I look forward to doing the same this summer and returning to be with my Kennywood Team Members who I love working with. Ironically, my refreshment boss is Mike Henninger. I am honored to say that my work days at Kennywood are shared with multiple generations of the Henninger family. 

"I have been with Kennywood Park for 80 years. It is a true, grateful, everlasting love." 

Thank you, Bill! You are a treasure not only for Kennywood, but the countless lives you've touched in your work throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. We are grateful for you. Happy Valentine's Day!  

"I fell in love with Kennywood Park at that time in my life. I wanted to do more than just enjoy Kennywood every year. I wanted to work there to further my love for Kennywood Park." "I have been with Kennywood Park for 80 years. It is a true, grateful, everlasting love." 

Want to be like Bill? Whether you're at the start or end of your professional life, you're welcome in the Kennywood family! Head to our Employment page  and apply today.

Kennywood is America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park! The Pittsburgh-area park offers a unique mix of modern thrills and classic rides, including seven roller coasters, a 14-ride Kiddieland, and several attractions that cannot be found anywhere else. Kennywood, founded in 1898, continues to provide unforgettable fun for all ages.

Sandcastle Waterpark has been providing summer fun for 28 seasons. Sandcastle offers fun for all ages with 15 infamous waterslides, the wild Mon-Tsunami Wave Pool, scenic Mushroom Pool, relaxing Lazy River, pint-sized Tad Pool, and Wet Willie's Waterworks.  

Idlewild & SoakZone, founded in 1878 as a picnic ground along the Ligonier Valley Rail Road, is the longest-operating amusement park in Pennsylvania and third-oldest in America. It has been recognized as the world's best children's park by Amusement Today.