Yes, a safety fence

cool shot of the fence

The fence talked about is actually just outside the track IN the splashdown. That fence is just a keep-out barrier fence.

i wasn't talking about that fence, i like this fence better

If they put fish in the splashdown, that could be a net extending to the floor to keep the fish away from the scoops on the trains when they pass by. That would obviously hurt the fish and possibly the scoops if the fish were big enough. Other than that I can't think of any reasons to have that little thing in the splashdown.

Other than that I can't think of any reasons to have that little thing in the splashdown.

How about people

They similarly fence the base of most low-to-the-ground coaster drops. See the below pic of Goliath at SFOG.

http://rcdb.com/ig3290.htm?picture=52

Every year, KI deals with dozens of people that make their way into the fountains or in small ponds etc on dares, out of stupidity or just plain ignorance. Because of this, a 4 foot perimeter fence, I would suspect, does not pass muster with the park, OSHA, or Insurance providers. And with the seemingly brainless folks that enter secure coaster drop areas (again... see SFOG) every year, parks must take extra precautionary measures.

P.S. Fish could swim through fence holes...

i think it would be cool to have Diamondback snakes behind glass that you can look at while waiting in line. but of course that would freak some people out.

Looks like you will have to hop over three fences if you want to get your Darwin Award via Diamondback Splashdown.

Looks like you will have to hop over three fences if you want to get your Darwin Award via Diamondback Splashdown.

Yes, but as learned from SFOG experience, three fences is not enough to stop someone.

Sadly, if a moron wants to get on the track there is no number of fences that will stop said moron.

Also I would not count on any fish in the splashdown, seeing as that would cause the splash water to become dirty more quickly. More than likely the water will be chemically treated as well, like on most water rides. Seeing as to eliminate any water borne parasites and other lovely things. Could you imagine live fish swiming around in the WWC or that darn ride with the Elephant's water ways?

I can imagine that fish and the splashdown feature would not get along very well. I imagine it will be chemically treated to reduce the chance of illness being spread on the off chance the wind is blowing in just the right way to get riders wet.

Don't forget about the poor fish flying threw the scoops and being tossed into the rocks.

^

Yes and the lovely dead fish smell that would create. Anyone want some Larosas?

I thought we were talking about the new white outline around the track inside the splashdown. I actually never thought about people, and I'm kinda surprised that that thought never crossed my mind. Along the lines of the fish, I know they can swim through fences, thats why I said net. I know its a stretch to think that they would put fish in there, but think of Maverick and Mantis. Neither of those rides splash in their lakes, but they do have fish in the treated water. Your probably right that there won't be fish, but it was just one of my ideas.

I think the diamond back area is starting to come together very nicely. I can not wait to see this beast in person. All the little things are coming into place. It's not long now untill the park is full of running coaster freaks!!! Can't wait. Just think I may even be there opening day, I have never been to the park opening day!!

Looks like they are pulling out the trains for some more testing! 18 days!

New Diamondback Blog Update!!!!

Free first rider t-shirt to first 10,000 to ride Diamondback on Opening Day

March 30, 2009

On Opening Day, Saturday, April 18, the first 10,000 guests to challenge the new Diamondback roller coaster will receive a FREE limited edition First Rider T-Shirt. Diamondback is the tallest, fastest and meanest roller coaster at Kings Island. The $22 million steel coaster stands 230 feet at its highest point with a first drop of 215 feet at a 74-degree angle. The ride has 10 vertical drops overall, two helixes and a splashdown ending. Riders will snake their way around 5,282 feet of track at speeds up to 80 miles per hour.

- Don Helbig

There's also a picture of the T-Shirt on the actual blog

http://www.kiDiamondback.com/public/latest/blog/

So almost everyone that rides the ride the first day will get this T-Shirt. That is sweet. I can't wait till opening day when I get a free T and a Diamondback ride.

after days of slumber Diamondback is up and running!

Did they do something to the spash down? It looks kind of blueish.

after days of slumber Diamondback is up and running!

Is it just me, or does the water look sort of a teal color?

i think it looks the same, maybe it's different lighting

It does have a slight blueish tint, but it is probably just the way the light is hitting the water.

EDIT: all three trains are running.

My guess is that they've added all the chemicals to the water and are filtering it more and more as opening day approaches. But, I don't know.

If anyone is interested, and I know you are, Kings Island has added two more pictures to Diamondback's picture gallery.

http://www.kiDiamondback.com/public/latest/gallery/

Well those new pix show off the addition of the chain link fence in the splashdown. I'm not sure what was ever decided what it was for, but my guess is to keep stray ducks and geese away from the moving trains, if one was bold enough to hang out on the splashdown!

Well those new pix show off the addition of the chain link fence in the splashdown. I'm not sure what was ever decided what it was for, but my guess is to keep stray ducks and geese away from the moving trains, if one was bold enough to hang out on the splashdown!

The fence is just another deterent to keep wandering park guests off the track. Hopefully if someone does wander out that way, the multiple fences give the ride opps enough time to notice a park guest and to shut the ride down.

Plus the fence will keep trash away from the scoops like balls or hats, cups and so on.

Whose Debee, and what are they doing in the splash down pond?

Whose Debee, and what are they doing in the splash down pond?

I fixed it. I just got up so my fingers and eyes are not working right.