Now and Then: Rope Netting and the Amusement Industry
At Pucuda MFG we find ourselves often reflecting at how things have evolved over the history of the amusement industry. There have been boom and bust periods for amusement and theme parks, as new technologies and changing demographics have altered what people do in their leisure time.
Rope netting has a long history going way back to the golden era of Luna Park and Dreamland at Coney Island, NY in the early 20th century. Back then grand theatrical spectacles were popular at amusement parks. Luna Park had a Trip to The Moon and The Great Train Robbery and Dreamland created a mini city called Lilliputia and staged Fighting the Flames, which reputedly had a cast of 2,000.
Fighting the Flames was one of the many attractions utilizing fall protection safety systems, however this time it was integrated with the spectacle of a dramatic story of a rescue involving 120 firefighters, fire engines and actors who bravely jumped 5 stories to land in safety netting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPhVeQ9H-4s
Back in the old days the netting would have been course jute fibers, but times have changed. Various man-made fibers have replaced the old style ropes of yesteryear. In today’s amusement world rope netting is used in everything from climbing net to barrier netting, as well as its’ traditional role as safety netting.
Amusement rides have come a long way technologically, from Fighting the Flames and the first looping roller coasters, to the modern multi-twisting and looping coaster rides of today. We still see a lot of interest in the classic technology of nylon netting products, but now they are being re-integrated into the new theme park destinations in exciting and creative ways. We see great times ahead for rope netting in its’ many amusement industry uses and we are excited to supply our innovative products to the industry.
