A massive Oakwood theme park ride is coming back after being closed for over six years. Bounce closed back in the summer of 2016 with plans of a "major refurbishment" but the project has encountered a "few hurdles".
Relaunching last week with a soft opening period, the Welsh theme park's historic ride Bounce is now undergoing checks before it's officially operating once more.
It returns alongside the popular main train line attraction which carries visitors into the theme park - previously absent due to the ongoing Covid restrictions. Get stories like this straight to your inbox with our newsletters.
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Previously, notices updated visitors of the ongoing work to reopen the ride in Pembrokeshire with glimpses into it returning in the near future. A notice within the site read: "In May 2019 we commenced a major refurbishment project of the ride Bounce, with a view to bringing the ride back into operation having closed in the summer of 2016.
"Whilst we were ambitious with our timescales, and of course encountered a few hurdles we hadn't expected, we hadn't foreseen losing 12 months to the Covid-19 lockdowns!!
"We are pleased however to announce that onsite works have now completed, and you may see the ride running today during your visit as we complete daily operational cycles, testing, engineering and staff training.
"The ride is currently undergoing commissioning through the ADIPS inspection scheme, before being handed over to Oakwood Theme Park to commence guest operation."
The Welsh theme park has long been a 'go-to' destination for families hoping to make the most of their days out but had been widely criticised for absence of major rides, earning it the title of the 'Worst theme park in the UK'. You can read more about our recent visit to the site here.
Announcing on the theme park's social media, it said: "Bounce is back".
Adding: "This is a pretty significant date for the diary. We bounced into day two of the 2022 season with the soft opening of BOUNCE!
"The team couldn't be more thrilled to see the excitement and joy on guests faces today as they bounced in for their first ride on BOUNCE!
"We have to mention, this couldn't have been possible without the sheer hard work, determination and dedication of our incredible team...we thank you!"
Before adding a disclaimer that the ride was still undergoing a soft opening period: "Please be aware that Bounce is currently undergoing a soft opening period, and is not advertised as open for guest use. Our staff members at the ride will advise if there is an opportunity to ride during your visit."
No official reopening date has yet been announced by Oakwood theme park.
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