After 28 years of operation in Peterborough, a signature attraction at Wild, Water & Wheels has closed forever.

The steel roller-coaster known as Pipeline Express will not be operating this year and is scheduled for demolition on either Tuesday or Wednesday of next week according to president and CEO Bryan Perkins.

The ride is a single-car train and was the last remaining Bailey Rides auto sled coaster in the world. The 50-foot tower that serves as the queueing line and ride station will remain intact.

"We're going to take out the track for the coaster, but the tower stays," he said. "That'll be the basis of our new attraction next May or June (in 2020)."

The decision was made because of its deteriorating state due to old age and preserving it was too pricey. The track was covered in rust.

"It's just too costly to maintain, checking all the wells, filling all the painting, it's just become too expensive," he said. "We have to bring in a crane to paint it. We paint it, but the crane is very expensive. The maintenance is very heavy now because it's 28 years old, just painting it every year costs a fortune."

He takes pride and is thankful that no accidents have ever occurred with the ride however, he doesn't want to take any chances considering its deteriorating state.

"We've never had an incident on the coaster which is most important to us, safety first and then fun," he said. "We just decided it was time."

Perkins is attending an expo late this year, held by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, where he'll be shopping for a new attraction to build. He has not made a final decision on what he'll buy as he does not know his options yet.

"I have to go to Dallas, Texas (or Orlando, Fla.) this winter and I'll purchase something there. It's going to be an expensive proposition," he said. "The ride I purchase will probably be in the neighbourhood of $400,000 to $500,000."

Perkins has been the owner since its grand opening in 1985 with the coaster opening in 1990. The ride has garnered worldwide attention since then.

"I had about 100 coaster enthusiasts that belong to the association (IAAPA), I've had them come from England to have look at it."

The new attraction will hopefully appeal to the customers and revitalize the business, Perkins said.

The water slide that has been closed for the last two years will also be demolished. There is no word on what it will be replaced with, Perkins said.

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The park's current attractions include the half-mile go kart track, mini golf, batting cages, bumper boats and a snack bar. It also features a picnic area that holds up to 300 guests according to their website.

It remains open daily until September when it will only operate on weekends, with Sept. 29 as the last day of the season.