Celebrating 147 seasons, Idlewild & SoakZone wrapped up the first summer season with new ownership. Herschend, based out of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, took Idlewild in with open arms. Faith Barber, the park’s People and Organization Manager, mentioned the warmth she felt when first meeting with the company’s representatives. “…even with the new ownership, [Herschend] just brought a whole new level of hope for us,” Barber explains.
Barber is celebrating her first season as People and Organization Manager, although she previously worked on the marketing team during the 2024 season. Her job includes hiring and onboarding, as well as checking in on the team throughout the season. Barber mentions she took the job offer because she loves seeing everyone’s faces. She also enjoys the aspect of going around and checking in on the team, as it is a big passion of hers.
Having previously worked at Disney World for two years, Barber brought in numerous incentive ideas, as well as humility and positivity. Barber worked at Disney in the food department, as well as attractions and photography, so she knows what it’s like being in the shoes of a typical team member at Idlewild.
In previous ownership, Idlewild needed some love. Parques Reunidos, Idlewild’s previous owners, is based in Madrid, Spain. Having been that far away, it was difficult and rare to receive personalized attention from their HR team. Now with Herschend, as they are based in the US, they will give that full, undivided attention that Idlewild has needed after all these years. “…I think they see a lot of room for improvement, but they’re very happy with what we’ve already got,” Barber said. With their positive intentions and attentive team, Idlewild’s improvements will be beyond park-goers’ expectations.
With Hallowboo in full swing, Herschend is excited to enjoy the first fall season with the Idlewild team. Their plans include a more positive work atmosphere, as well as additions to seasonal celebrations. Herschend owns other amusement parks with similar seasonal events, such as Dollywood in Tennessee and Silver Dollar City in Missouri. With those as a reference, the Herschend team would love to add to the parks’ seasonal aspect. “They were very excited that we already have Hallowboo, and I think they’d like to expand that,” Barber explains. The parks have already crossed paths previously, as Idlewild’s “Howler” was inspired by Silver Dollar City, so the parks aren’t total strangers.
Team members have felt the shift already in the air. The crisp fall air creeping in, along with a sense of comfort, has lifted a weight off everyone’s shoulders. “I’ve noticed the change in the food stands with everyone’s attitudes. They’re much more positive,” says Abigail Constantine, a food and beverage supervisor. Having worked at the park for the past four seasons, Constantine has seen the shift personally. Noticing the difference between old and new has been a positive change for all involved.
Whether it’s within the food stands or ride operator booths, everyone is feeling the effects of the newfound hope. With the new plans in the foreseeable future, Idlewild & SoakZone is on the path to a fresh and thriving future.
