Richard J. Coulter inducted into IAAPA Hall of Fame

Thursday, 18 November 2004

From IAAPA Press Release

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced today that Jack Herschend, Peter Herschend, Richard J. Coulter, and Geoffrey Thompson are the 2004 IAAPA Hall of Fame inductees. The announcement was made during IAAPA Orlando 2004, the association’s 86th annual convention and trade show at the Orange County Convention Center.

Richard J. Coulter was the first safety and loss prevention professional employed full time in the amusement industry. He worked at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. After leaving Cedar Point, Dick formed a consulting company that became the largest in the world, focusing on issues of safety, loss prevention, facility audits, and ride inspections, as well as education and employee training programs.

Dick was actively involved in the formation of the industry’s safety committees, including those of IAAPA, OABA, and ASTM. He served for several years as the executive director of A.R.E.A, the precursor to AIMS. He was also instrumental in the formation of safety standards and practices throughout Europe, Australia, and North and South America.

Dick was a recognized leader in representing the industry’s safety record and commitment to safe practices. He appeared on popular television programs and wrote articles in industry and consumer publications.

 “Dick Coulter’s passion in life was safety, a vitally important aspect of our industry,” said Clark Robinson, IAAPA president. “He will always be remembered as someone who vigorously worked to ensure the safest possible rides for the enjoyment of millions of guests worldwide.”