One of my favorite new Erie blogs to be launched this summer was Waldameer’s official blog, Waldablog. It’s been quite the summer at Waldameer, and the majority of the attention has been on the Ravine Flyer II, and rightly so.
David Gorman, who writes the blog, was nice enough to answer some questions about Waldameer, the blog and more.
ErieBlogs: Tell us a little about yourself.
David Gorman: My name is David Gorman, and I’m the Waldablog writer. I am now a senior at Fairview High School. I started working at Waldameer when I was fourteen. My first summer, I was a group picnic host. Usually the youngest employees work in the picnic department: getting food ready and then serving it. The next summer I started working in the park office, handling everything from customer service to collecting income, and I’ve been there ever since. So, this is my fourth year as a Walda-Employee.
EB: How did Waldameer/you come up with the idea for the blog? If you brought them the idea, what was their reaction?
DG: My boss approached me with the idea of a blog because I’m an avid reader and writer. I thought the idea might fade away, but he mentioned it again so I gladly agreed. I have to admit, I was nervous and didn’t really know what exactly to put on the blog once it started. But, many of my fellow employees chipped in with ideas and I was on my way from there.
EB: What sort of reaction have you received from the public about the blog?
DG: The great thing about a blog is that it provides us with instant feedback from the public when people comment on posts. Even when people don’t comment, I can still see how many hits the blog has received. I also have been told of customers and employees as well who have enjoyed and were impressed with the blog. It’s always nice to get that pat on the back to know that I’m doing something right! (photo by bwill)
EB: Do you see the blog taking on a bigger role in years to come?
DG: I definitely see our blog and all business blogs in general taking on a bigger role in the future. It’s perfect for quickly informing anyone and everyone of what’s new and our current events. Most importantly though, I think the blog’s main asset is providing people a chance to experience and get a taste of our park without even being in Erie, Pa. Of course, we’d much rather them visit us in person!
EB: What’s your favorite attraction or part of Waldameer?
DG: My favorite attraction is the flume ride, Thunder River. It’s always fun to get wet on a hot, muggy day. Making funny faces for the camera at the end is a must.
EB: I enjoy shooting the water cannons on unsuspecting people. Let’s wrap up with this: it’s been a big year at Waldameer. Tell me about your thoughts on this season.
Photo by the_himay
DG: This has been undoubtedly our biggest year, thanks to the long-awaited Ravine Flyer II. We’ve had a record number of new picnics from out-of-town and, if you ask any employee, they’ll agree that we’ve been busier than ever. Customers have travelled nationally and internationally to ride the RF II. Hopefully, now that many have tried the coaster and have given it great reviews, it will attract even more people next season.
Thank you, David. Keep up the good work and congrats on a magical season.
