BY JIM KNIPPENBERG
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Paramount's Kings Island is about to become even more kid-friendly.

For the first time since the Mason amusement park opened in 1972, a major expansion is planned this fall for Hanna-Barbera Land, the section aimed at children 12 and younger.

"There have been rides added and taken down over the years, but there has never been a full expansion," said spokeswoman Lauren Green-Caldwell. "But clearly it was time to do it."

Here are key elements of the expansion, due to be completed by the April 1998 opening:

• Scooby's Ghoster Coaster, a new roller coaster aimed at ages 5-12, will be the nation's first suspended coaster for kids. The 40-foot high structure is designed for parents to ride with children.

• Yogi's Skytours, a monorail traveling 12 feet above the ground, is also designed for parents and kids. Riders on the mini-aerial tour can operate it by pedal or let park power propel them.

• Character Castle, aimed at kids 5 and younger, is a themed structure where kids meet characters (Yogi Bear, Scooby Doo) and have photos taken (parents also invited). An interactive playground will surround the area.

• The main entrance to the area, a large archway, will move back to accommodate an expanded food court with shaded seating and a menu geared to little appetites.

• The Scooby Zoom roller coaster, the area's most popular ride, will be enhanced, relocated and renamed Top Cat's Taxi Jam.

There are plans to enhance several existing rides as well. Kings Island will not comment on the cost.