Two amusement industry veterans have joined the management team at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, adding to the park’s depth of experience. Dana Meerschaert is responsible for facility and park maintenance, including rides. Patrick MacFarlane is responsible for base operations including parking, ticketing and gondola operations.
Theme Park Proficient
Meerschaert joined the Adventure Park as maintenance director, bringing with her a career dedicated to the amusement industry. She started by working her way through college at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, followed by management positions at Elitch Gardens in Denver; Darien Lake in New York; Wild Adventures in Valdosta, Georgia; and at the corporate office of Herschend Family Entertainment, the nation’s largest family-owned themed attractions corporation with 10,000 employees and 23 locations in six different states. Most recently, she was the assistant general manager and director of maintenance and safety at Fantasy Island Amusement and Water Park in Grand Island, New York.
Added Expertise
“Dana and Patrick bring us a wealth of industry knowledge including regulatory standards and best practices. Both are faculty members teaching courses at the annual safety forums for the Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers (AIMS) and the International Ride Training (iRoc), respectively,” said Nancy Heard, general manager, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. “Dana’s experience with multiple amusement parks across the country and Patrick’s years with Elitch Gardens in Denver make them welcome additions to our team.”
A Welcome Skill Set
McFarlane joined the park as base operations manager after eight years with Elitch Gardens where his management experience included everything from parking, ticketing and point-of-sale to guest arrival, customer service—including service recovery techniques, recruiting, training, leading and developing teams, and rides, attractions and water parks. His continuing education includes the following certifications: National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials Operations Level II, AIMS operations Level II, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ Operators Forum, and certified instructor at the annual International Ride Training school.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park looks forward to welcoming visitors back for more adventures soon. Stay tuned for updates.
