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Park News
www.parkworld-online.com
ParkBloggin’
by Tony Noblit
“The theme parks will be to international standards and transform
KwaZulu Natal,” says Joop Demes of Pam Golding Hospitality, which
Make a fluid decision to go green!
conducted research for the project on behalf of Ruwaad.
The company believes the R15.5 billion ($2bn/
When it comes to the environment, social responsibility is no longer
Euro.0371.3bn) development
can be supported by regional and domestic travellers without the need
just an option. Environmental awareness is top-of-mind to many
for international visitors. Completion is expected by 2014.
consumers and businesses. In a 2007 survey, for example, 67% of
South Africa is currently short on provision of theme parks, Gold Reef
Americans said they placed importance on the eco-friendliness of their
City in Johannesburg and Ratanga Junction in Cape Town being
leisure destinations. Expectations from consumers, the government and
perhaps the only notable examples. However, the KwaZulu-Natal
conservation groups therefore continue to put pressure on theme park
project, together with a planned Africa Theme Park Resort near
operators to minimise the environmental impact they have on their
Johannesburg, signal a new era of development.
communities.
*KwaZula-Natal is described as the “Zulu Nation” but where is it?
Some larger parks have committed to widespread programmes,
See: www.kzn.org.za
including recycling, waste reduction, biodiesel initiatives and energy
conservation. These efforts often extend beyond the park’s gates to
transportation services and lodging areas. Although these projects may
incur a high capital start-up cost, many of them lead to improved
The Lego
financial performance with long-term cost savings in operations.
One easy way for park operators to improve their environmental
Aquarium!
efforts is to evaluate their chemical supply. From toxic cleaners and
solvents to oil-based hydraulic fluids, chemical use can increase the
risk of damage to a park’s ecological surroundings. In the case of
North America’s first Sea Life Aquarium opened its doors recently
traditional mineral oil-based hydraulic fluids, a leak or spill can also
at Legoland California in Carlsbad recently, signalling the renaming
lead to high clean-up costs, government fines and safety risks for park
of the park as a resort. Opened on August 11, it is also the first
visitors and employees.
aquarium to incorporate Lego models, including a 10ft-tall statue of
Perhaps an after-thought when considering green initiatives,
Poseidon and an 11ft-long Lego submarine.
hydraulic fluids used in the operation of attractions or other
The 36,000 sq ft, two-story aquarium features 14 areas intended
mechanisms can negatively impact the environment in a big way.
to inspire, immerse and educate children about the creatures of the
Because they are non-biodegradable, fluid leaks or sprays will harm
sea, over 200 species of them. A 35ft-long acrylic ocean tunnel
plants and animals in surrounding areas, compromising a park’s
allows guests to walk through and experience the lost city of Atlantis
relationship with the community.
without ever getting wet.
Spills require clean-ups, which cost park operators a great deal of
“What really sets this Aquarium apart from any other is the fact
money depending on the extent of the spill. If hydraulic fluid reaches a
that it’s entirely geared towards children aged two to twelve,” says
water supply, the impact is even greater, and if the fluid leaks or sprays
John Jakobsen, president and general manager of Legoland
on visitors or employees, they may experience painful skin irritation. It
California Resort. “It features more Lego elements than any other
is estimated that 70 to 80% of hydraulic fluids leave systems through
aquarium in the world!”
leaks, spills, line breakage and fitting
failure.
Start by using “green”
Park operators can protect the hydraulic fluids on
environment, their visitors and their your rides
reputation by switching to a vegetable
oil-based hydraulic fluid. With such
products featuring lubrication properties
matching those of conventional oil-based
hydraulic fluids, and costing around the
same in price, it makes more sense than
ever for park operators to invest in these
fluids.
Some of today’s park operators are
benefiting from canola-based hydraulic
fluids that are also fire resistant, so
increasing safety measures too.
If you as park operators are committed to improving your
operations for the sake of the environment, it just makes sense to
consider all potential contributors to ecological harm. By switching to
less dangerous, high-performing hydraulic fluids everyone stands to
benefit.
This 11ft-long submarine is one of several Lego models included in among
Tony Noblit represents Houghton International, a worldwide supplier of
the marine exhibits
fluid technology. www.houghtonintl.com
OCTOBER 2008
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