Visitors to Dorney Park will have some new food options and an improved venue for dining next season at the Tidal Wave Cafe.

The project will get underway soon on the main midway between the water park and the traditional section of amusement rides and other attractions.

At a recent South Whitehall commissioners’ meeting, Mike Fehnel, vice president and general manager of Dorney Park, spoke about the venture.

“We’re going to make fresh foods,” Fehnel said. “We’ll have rotisserie chicken, hand-breaded shrimp and a macaroni and cheese bar.”

Two existing food stands will be removed, and a new shade structure will provide cover over an existing patio that is going to be reconstructed.

Fehnel said the new eatery will be 5,900 square feet.

As the structure will replace existing food stands, it is not expected to increase attendance, traffic, parking, water or sewer usage.

Situated within the interior section of the park, the food stand should not disturb residential properties.

The board granted unanimous approval for the Dorney Park 2018 endeavor.

In other business, commissioners approved an upgrade of outdoor lighting fixtures at the township administration building.

Director of Township Operations Randy Cope commented on the plan.

“We want to update parking lot lights to all LED. South Whitehall employees will paint the poles and install the lights,” Cope said.

Staff report the LED lights can use up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent or halogen bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer.

The fixtures come with a 5-year warranty and are maintenance free.

Bollards, the low-light posts at the front of the building, will also be replaced with LED upgrades.

The bid of $31,044 for the lighting improvements was awarded to Cooper Electric.