Unless you have kids this age, you don't really understand the importance. We bought passes this year and have used them twice. The first time we went, the kids couldn't do anything. See it rained the night before and they weren't allowed to go into Gyser Gulch until at least noon. There are 4 rides they can ride in the kid area.
Before you consider this an epic fail, think about the population it serves. It's not here to serve as a play area for those that are able to ride the rides. It will be there so that FAMILIES with YOUNG children can have a good time when they go and not have to worry about their children getting bored. Deal with it!
Way to go Silver Dollar City! This will be a great addition to the park. I, for one, am very happy with your decision. We will be buying passes for next year because we know that our children will have something to do when we go.
Sorry, accidentally deleted my previous post:
from: Nate65807 on Today at 01:08:07 AM
I thought they were gonna restore the existing tree. Why Hollow out another perfectly good tree, or clear out real trees to make room for a fiberglass tree wanna be? Epic Fail!
Anyways, I don't really
dislike the idea of building the new playground. In fact, I have been complaining about the
existing playgrounds being closed for years. I too, have been complaining
on this very thread that there aren't enough playgrounds for kids:
Consider that the playground at Tom Sawyer's landing was taken out, as well as the Treehouse. Geyser Gulch is really the only major playground left in the park. Sure the Grand Exposition is geared towards kids, but it is all rides. Not everybody wants to get wet, or wants their kids to get wet at Geyser Gulch. If you're going to a nice restaurant after SDC and don't have a second set of clothes to change into, do you really want to tell your kids "No playground for you!?"
I have reluctantly accepted that the Treehouse is a relic of the 70's and 80's, when people didn't sue someone every time they skinned their knee 
but there needs to be a 2nd playground that's up-to-code and dry for kids to play on.
However, I
also think that SDC needs to restore what they
already have! Your instincts serve you well, I
don't have kids, so I don't understand what it is like to bring them to SDC. However, I do know what it is like to
be a kid. The old Tom' Sawyer's landing and old Treehouse were so much fun to me as a
young 5 year old, that I am defending them 26 years later, as I don't think that modern playgrounds are adventurous enough.
But either way, I am excited that SDC is getting a playground, and I understand where you are coming from
