Friday, May 16, 2008
Stone Mountain in midst of $10 million upgrade
Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Anya Martin Contributing Writer

Stone Mountain Park, one of Atlanta’s oldest and one of the state’s most visited attractions, is in the midst of a $10 million upgrade and development effort as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The park has shown steady progress in cementing its status as a major destination venue since Norcross-based Herschend Family Entertainment Corp. (HFE) acquired a long-term lease to operate Stone Mountain Park in 1998. Over the years, the new operators have added several new features, including Crossroads, the Duck ride and the Family Barn, all part of a plan to revamp Stone Mountain Park.

As it celebrates two landmark anniversaries this year — its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the Lasershow Spectacular, the world’s longest running laser show — Stone Mountain Park is moving forward on plans to make sure it remains a force in the local hospitality industry. The park is launching a new $1 million Sky Hike attraction, soon to be the nation’s largest family adventure course in the treetops.

As part of this effort, Stone Mountain Park is revamping the world’s longest-running laser show with a completely digitally remastered soundtrack, new music, new graphics, an ultra-patriotic grand finale and a state-of-the-art fireworks display.