Silverwood Exec Accepts New Job

Silverwood Theme Park General Manager and President Dan Aylward has left the park for a new opportunity in Northern California.

Hired two years ago by park owner Gary Norton, Aylward oversaw a remarkable revival of the park located south of Athol, Idaho.

Since Aylward’s arrival with marketing manager David Palmer, Silverwood has boomed. Season pass sales have increased to more than 20,000 from about 4,000. Group sales have more than tripled.

The park added a wooden roller coaster, which proved so popular that it needs a new name. Rave reviews for the ride drew the attention of an entertainment giant that had rights to the name “The Grizzly.” The park has begun a contest for the public to submit names for the wild ride.

Aylward will take over the Marine World Africa USA park in Vallejo, Calif., which features animals.

Attempts to reach Norton were unsuccessful Monday. Norton, an aviation enthusiast who built the 10-year-old park around daily air shows, ran the park before Aylward arrived.

, DataTimes