Pictou County Theme Park Gets Boost

A theme park in Pictou County hopes to capture the attention of more summer tourists, thanks to the support of the province.

The province provided a $350,000 loan today, Feb. 13, to help Magic Valley Family Fun Park install new attractions. Located in Greenhill, Pictou Co., the theme park is a key tourism attraction in the area and is a source of employment for local students.

The theme park opened in 1971 and is the largest privately owned amusement park in the province. It is a vital part of the area's economy. Tourism in Pictou County brings more than $40 million in spending annually into the local economy and creates more than 1,100 jobs.

The park owners, Bill and Celeste MacNeil, will use the funding to bring in new rides and attractions, and upgrade the park's facilities.

The theme park currently offers a variety of family activities including the province's highest and longest water slides, bumper boats, go-cart, 18-hole miniature golf and Story Book Village -- a series of exhibits based on fairy tale characters.

Working with local communities to increase their economic prosperity is one way the province is helping to build a stronger Nova Scotia. For more information see the province's economic development website at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/communities .