FARMINGTON — Mimicking the weaving and swooping of its natural, nocturnal namesake, Lagoon Amusement Park’s latest feature of fun —“The Bat” — will introduce visitors to the suspended roller coaster. Expected to be on line for the opening of Lagoon’s 2005 season in April, the attraction is the first of its kind at the park. The ride is a product of Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V. of the Netherlands. The company has been in business for more than 20 years and has developed a number of innovative coaster designs, including custom designed models.

The Bat was purchased at a cost of $3 million. It is being installed in the area formerly occupied by the Lake Park Terrace, just east of the Lagoon Opera House.

According to Lagoon Vice President of Marketing, Dick Andrew, the ride will travel at a maximum speed of 26 miles per hour. That might not seem like much, but Andrew asserts riders of all ages will get their money’s worth.

“Speed is a relative thing,” he stated. “You know the Wild Mouse doesn’t travel that fast, yet with its tight turns, it’s a very thrilling ride. Twenty-six miles per hour does not seem fast, but with the design of the turns it will still produce 2.2 Gs.”

No “inversion” feature is included in the ride, meaning it will not turn passengers upside down.

The ride will, instead, swing and sway its way around a 1,024 foot long track, rising to approximately 50 feet. As a suspended coaster, the cars or, in this case, coaches hang from an overhead track. Riders’ feet will dangle into open space.

“The sensation of a hanging coaster,” said Andrew, “where the riders are not enclosed as in a traditional coaster, is, well, it’s going to be a great ride.”

Each “train” will consist of 10 coaches, seating two persons abreast, for a capacity of 20 persons per ride. Andrew did not have the total capacity per hour at his fingertips, but did say it was substantial.

Lagoon has billed the ride as a “suspended family coaster,” “family” being the operative word. The idea, said Andrew, is to keep the ride fun for older guests, while not making it too intense for younger children.

“Adults, teens and even little kids will be able to ride The Bat,” he continued, “although there will be a height requirement.”

More good news for families — The Bat will be included in the park’s Daily and Season Passports. There will not be an extra charge to ride it.

Lagoon is on target with getting the ride ready for its 2005 opening and expects to open for weekends on April 9, weather permitting.

“I think this is going to be a great addition to the park,” stated Andrew. “I believe our guests will really enjoy The Bat.”

Bob Mickelson