As part of NAPHA’s mission to preserve the heritage and traditions of amusement parks, the organization tries to work with the industry to protect key components of its history.

NAPHA has also played an active role in recreating lost classics, providing vintage blueprints that led to the construction of the Raging Wolf Bobs at Geauga Lake, a modern version of the Bobs at Chicago’s defunct Riverview Park, and most recently, the re-creation of a classic wooden Flying Turns by Knoebels Amusement Resort in Pennsylvania.

Since that time the award has been presented to Pleasure Beach, Blackpool, UK; Kennywood, West Mifflin, PA; Playland, Rye, NY and Knoebel’s Amusement Resort.

Recipients have included industry related museums, groups working to preserve or restore specific historic rides and non-profit operators of amusement parks.

Many parks, including Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA, and Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA, use the results in their promotional campaigns.

Other 2012 favorites include: Each summer NAPHA hosts two or three special events, inviting its members from around the world to experience an amusement park in a unique way.