The first visitors to the park in May 1990 were Dave Barton, Deirdre and Tracy Barlow - who were accompanied by Tracy's schoolfriend, Donna Cox. Dave had recently completed work on the kitchen at 1 Coronation Street after Tracy had caused a blaze when she left a chip pan unattended. As husband Ken had left the marital home and moved in with Wendy Crozier, Dave and Deirdre struck up a friendship and the day out was a complete hit.