Seaside Heights along the Jersey Shore was one of the cities hit hardest during Hurricane Sandy. Among the ruins is the beach town’s famous Jet Star roller coaster, which was pulled into the ocean. It now sits like an “apocalyptic Erector Set,” said one reporter.
In an effort to rebuild the community, officials recently announced plans to install a new amusement ride dubbed “Super Storm,” which twists and swings riders back and fourth on a pendulum. The ride is set to be unveiled July 4 at the peak of the tourist season.
“Tornado, Cyclone, these are common names for rides of that genre, so we decided to name it Super Storm,” said park spokeswoman Toby Wolf. “We’re hoping that it’s a symbol that we’re strong in New Jersey and that we’ve worked hard to move forward.”
While these efforts are intended to bolster morale, many people in the community and across the country find the ride’s name to be in poor taste. Residents are concerned it will serve as a constant reminder of the most devastating event to ever hit the area.
In an effort to understand the controversial nomenclature, one local resident asked a telling question that’s on the minds of many of the region’s storm victims. Bill King of Toms River expressed skepticism. ”They’re trying to get rid of the memory of what happened, and they’re trying to put something up there to perpetuate it?
Robert Hilton, executive director of the Jersey Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau, put the debate into perspective. “Naming the ride Super Storm is not making light of people who lost their homes. This is the perfect opportunity to create a silver lining out of the storm.”
What do you think? Is the name hitting too close to home? Or is it an opportunity for the community to reclaim the word “storm” and put a positive twist on the tragic event? One thing is for sure: The people of Seaside Heights are committed to rebuilding their community.