Thu Sep 02 2010
by Miles Jung-Kilbreath
Reporter
Aurora -- A spokesman for Cedar Fair Entertainment said last week the company has not received any offers "recently" to sell nearly 500 unused acres at Geauga Lake Park.
But while there may not be roller coasters or a Ferris wheel at the park anymore, Cedar Fair Public Relations Director Robin Innes said he is "optimistic" Wildwater Kingdom water park will bring plenty of people to the area this year.
"We have a great park that even in these tough times is a great place for families to visit," he said.
The water park opened for the season Memorial Day weekend and started seven-day-a-week operation June 13.
A proposal to sell several acres for commercial use never went forward, and Cedar Fair rejected at least one other offer, saying it was considerably less than what the land is worth.
Cedar Fair announced in September 2007 the amusement side of the park would not open for the 2008 season, leaving only the water park remaining on 30 acres on the former Sea World side.
Innes said this will be the second summer the water park has been open on its own, but added he is not permitted to discuss last year's attendance figures or this year's projections for park attendance.
According to the Geauga County auditor's Web site, Cedar Fair paid $31 million for the property in 2004. The market value of 10 vacant parcels is now listed at $4.3 million.
According to Bainbridge Township officials, most of the land is zoned for recreation, not for residential or commercial use. It would have to be rezoned if development is to occur.
The park has added a new interactive play area for smaller children called Little Tikes Town, according to Innes.
He said the park also has added Waterfront Plaza, a new dining area with chairs to relax in, and Island Oasis Party Cabana, which is a pavilion for private parties.
Innes said there are no plans to add to the park next year.
"We'll continue to support the park, but aren't looking to expand it right now," he noted.
Innes said while the park is not as large as it once was, he believes it still brings in tourists that help both Aurora, Bainbridge and surrounding communities.
"We're still a draw for people from throughout the region who want to enjoy a day out," he said.
Recently, Aurora Council approved an agreement with Cedar Fair which could bring in $50,000 annually in income/admissions tax revenue from Wildwater Kingdom.
At the park's peak under Six Flags ownership, the city was receiving as much as $800,000 a year.
E-mail:
mjung-kilbreath@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3152
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