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Beech Bend Park and Splash LagoonBeech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon in Bowling Green has long been loaded with good times — thrill rides, family rides, music and magic shows, swimming and more. Now, with the addition of a major water-park expansion, the fun comes at you in waves. A 275,000-gallon wave pool, which opened in mid-summer of the 2010 season, is the centerpiece of a multi-million-dollar investment in the park. Eight wave chambers generate surge patterns ranging from a gentle undulation to a surf-crashing tsunami. The park has also added a 1,100-foot long lazy river that features a “not so lazy” section, where wild wave-pool water takes river rafters for a ride. A new four-story, tropical-themed play structure features seven slides, cascading waterfalls and interactive water elements flowing into a 72,000-gallon entry pool. In addition to the water park expansion, two new rides have been added: a Family Tea Cup and a Quad Runner children’s ride. Other improvements to the 379-acre park include a new amphitheater with a 60-foot-wide stage and seating for 400 people. For 2010, the park launched a new rock-retrospective song-and-dance show and brought back master illusionist and ventriloquist Dinky Gowen. The Beech Bend Super Star Talent Show — an American Idol-type talent show for regional performers — also returned for the season. Even amid all the shiny new additions, it would be a mistake to overlook the familiar Beech Bend favorites, such as the Kentucky Rumbler, named the fifth-best new ride in 2006 and the most twisted roller coaster in a seven-state region; the Wild Mouse, a coaster-style ride that takes riders up a 60-foot metal track hill and then back down through a series of steep drops and hairpin turns; and the family-oriented Dragon Coaster — not too wild, but still delivering thrills as the Dragon takes riders around its track three times. Be sure to see the Sea Dragon, bought from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in November of 2008 and reportedly a favorite of the late musician. The swinging ride takes passengers back and forth, reaching an angle of 90 degrees when it rises to its highest point of 60 feet and generating a stomach-dropping sense of weightlessness — especially on the end seats! There are plenty of kiddie rides, too, such as Bumble Bee Bop, a flight of fantasy that gives children the power to raise or lower their bees by pushing or pulling a control bar; the Crazy Bus, which goes back and forth and up and down, all around town; and The Jumping Jumbos, Beech Bend’s very own flying elephant ride. Those are just a sampling of the dozens of rides and attractions at Beech Bend. Animal lovers will want to visit the petting zoo. Duffers may want try out the miniature golf course. The park's 2010 season ends after Sept. 19. Operating hours vary. Click here for a calendar. Full-priced adult admission is $29.99, but discounts are often available in area stores. Check around before you buy. HelloMetro Tip: Don’t forget to take advantage of Beech Bend’s freebies: unlimited free soft drinks, available free sunscreen, free mats and tubes for the water ride. Parking is free, too! - by Bill Wolfe, Bowling Green Reporter for HelloMetro (Click to leave a message)  Bill WolfeBill Wolfe is an experienced journalist with a broad background in writing, editing and photography. He has worked as staff writer at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., and the Atlanta Journal & Constitution in Atlanta, Ga., covering beats ranging from consumer news to religion and business.
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The Dragon Coaster is a familiar favorite at Beech Bend Park — three times the fun with three trips around its track. Photo by Bill Wolfe
You can test your driving skills on the Speedway, located near the park entrance. The go-cart racers aren’t included in park admission, though. A five-minute drive costs $5. Photo by Bill Wolfe
Little ones can take a flight of fantasy on the Bumble Bee Bop. Photo by Bill Wolfe
Kids can get in on the act when master illusionist Dinky Gowen takes the stage. Photo by Bill Wolfe
Magician Dinky Gowen shows off his ventriloquism skills with two good-natured volunteers. Photo by Bill Wolfe
The Retro Rock Stage Show takes the audience through the music of ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. The dancers perform several times daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Photo by Bill Wolfe
The water park at Beech Bend includes a swimming pool, slides and more. Photo by Bill Wolfe
The new wave pool waves hello in a testing run before its July opening. Photo by Bill Wolfe
All aboard for fun on the Old Western Train! Photo by Bill Wolfe
Get a high-rise view of the park on the Moby Dick. Photo by Bill Wolfe
The Sea Dragon was bought from Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch in 2008. It was reportedly one of Jackson’s favorites, and it’s a crowd-pleaser at Beech Bend. Photo by Bill Wolfe
Test your marksmanship at the Runnin’ Water game. Maybe you’ll be the crack shot who will win the prize! Photo by Bill Wolfe
Want to take a high-speed spin with a few friends? Give it a whirl aboard the Scatt II. Photo by Bill Wolfe
If you love animals, you’ll love the Granny Jones’ Petting Farm and its collection of goats, sheep, roosters, pigs and other barnyard critters. Photo by Bill Wolfe
Enter the Haunted House — if you dare! Photo by Bill Wolfe
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