Outdoor Man

Making baby cribs. Making a baby crib out of treated lumber. Not sure that's a sound strategy.

Before I get into my response, let me say that while Terp may not be a moderator (He may or may not be, i don't pay a ton of attention to titles)- he is like the ki central 'elder statesman' with generally more respect than the average chimp here. That being said, the general breakdown of the park theming started under Paramount. Rides with no relatability to the area theme started to spring up. To be fair though, I'm not sure where Dinosaurs Alive fits 'coney mall.' Ride-wise Paramount did bring in a good selection if thrill rides along with an expanded kid's area that continues to win awards. It's good that the Parks sold when they did; if they had to maintain the parks through the recession, i think they'd be in worse shape now, physically. Overall I think they are in better hands with Cf, BUT- under Paramount, KI was the flagship park enjoying many of the first fruits as well as record -breaking attractions. That title now belongs to and only to Cedar Point.

I would like to get my hands on enough wood to build a small coffee table. SOB was one of my favorite coasters. I just want it for the memories. Plus it would be a neat conversation starter. I do agree with you that whoever just buys one piece of wood will probably get rid of or just forget about it. That's why I'd like to build something with it. I could be wrong on this, but I'm not sure you want a coffee table made out of pressure treated wood.

In regards to those clammering for a "piece" - a board, a piece of track, etc... from the demo of SOB... with a monsoon of respect... what are you do with a piece of 12-year old pressure treated wood or rusted track? It's not like it will be "in-house" memorabilia- its not exactly the kind of keepsake you display above a fireplace or enshrine above the trophy case. Even if you have a Kings Island shrine in your basement- upon viewing most will inevitably ask "what is that?" Before you whip out funds to buy these treasures for your stash, keep in mind that it will likely fade away into a forgotten corner of a garage only to be tossed in a few yearx. Unless you land one of the trains or signs I can't think of much reason to buy; but even then- from where I sit I don't see much value in it unless you have plans to open a Kings Island museum. If its pressure treated lumber you want, I've got some leftover from a project I'll gladly sell you. Sorry for being so cynical- I have just read a few "I just want to buy a few pieces of wood" comments- and my eyes hurt from the eye rolls- or maybe its pressure from my allergies.

trees growing through the tracks and general lack of maintenance being another factor.

I don't know if anyone has posted this link to Demo images from WLWT- but look at some of them... they haven't had intentions of reopening SOB for a llllllooooonnnnnggggg time. And before anyone bolts forth with "How do you know?" Well, I don't- but look at the pictures of the rusted laden track. I'd say the decision to close permanently came 2010'ish... http://www.wlwt.com/news/entertainment/-/9837584/16855402/-/lqm3m9z/-/index.html

I don't think they lied. The pre-season statement on SOB back in April/May was "status quo"- I don't think they intended to operate it again, as shown by the overgrown state of the rose bowl- but I don't think they every said that they intended to reopen the coaster. Thinking that they intended to keep it standing until a short/long-term plan was in place. My thought is they know exactly what is going to happen in that space (that will probably come to fruition over the next 5-7 years).

wow. just read all comments on thread. That's about 30 minutes of my life I'll never get back. I've read things from the park's press release that I am sure was well prepared and rehearsed... From that I would surmise a few things: don't expect anything in that area except grass and weeds for 2013 and maybe a construction zone in some of it for 2014. the words were clear way for future expansion. I think for some on this board that means every acre used by SOB in that expansion... doubtful. from my perspective. a few things: I anticipate an Action Zone makeover with a mid-completion date of 2015 and beyond. in regards to our newbie's critiquing the Board. I'm going to side with Terp on this. not saying that one should have 35k+ posts like terp to critique... but possibly more than 45.

Went to the kids halloween area yesterday. I think that it is a good start for the event in the Soak City area. lots of room to expand and create- it will be nice for some day when they do a new show; the peanuts (Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, et al... show is, I believe, 4 years running. But, overall- I think a great move that will take on a life of its own over time. On a side note, was freezing my tail off there yesterday and was finding it difficult to believe that just 20 days previous there were bathing suits in the water there. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

maybe someone asked this already, but am I correct in hearing that the kids area for Halloween is in Soak City, right? And the Kids trick-or-Treat area is in Dinosaurs Alive? if that is correct, not sure that was thinking one step ahead... like a carpenter that builds stairs.

It'll NEVER happen- but my vote for a new ride in the "action theater"

great idea to use area!

if you offered free demolition services and had about 25 acres of cleared land, you could probably get a large wooden structure pretty reasonably.

sorry about the resolution of that video; it was terrible- but the only one that showed the demo from that angle. Cinergy came down without so much as breaking one window on the new ballpark. ... and you're welcome.

I didn't actually hear anyone say this out loud, but sure they were thinking it. "my sun glasses should be secure on my head while riding Diamondback. And if they fall off while riding they certainly will not smack the person (me) behind them in the face (eye, more specifically).... No, just like the "designated smoking areas" - those warnings to secure loose articles doesn't apply to me."

they already said its going to come down in sections, so I'm not trying to insert something that's not there. But for those that say demolition would be too complicated with AE and FD 15 feet next to it- go back to 2002 when Cinergy Field was blown up with brand new GABP next to it... with its closest point having the feature that a tall person could extend their arms and touch both structures. Demotion is literally an art. They said it would come down in sections, which eliminates the above. BUT, it would be possible.

I wonder, by what metrics, they are using to gauge this massive expansion. As I recall, Soak City was to nearly double in size- maybe, if they doubled the raw acreage and converted to the Metric system.

some gasoline and a match. $10 tops.

I'm sure that whatever they're planning to do was finalized months ago and they wouldn't be "nixing" anything in the 11th hour.

I agree, i think, with Tom. A lot of these programs make us "feel better" because we think we're doing something- when in reality, these programs don't do much to affect change at all. in a majority of instances, "Bully's" are a bi-product of their home environment.

I don't want to sound cold and un-feeling (I was "bullied" in Jr. High also... 8th grade, under 5' tall- chased on my bike through town running EVERY stop sign risking life and limb while being chased by 5 boys much bigger than I- oddly they thought I was being unreasonable by reporting to the school). I got over it; most of them never left town, have bad jobs, and drink their sorrows away. So, I have some "relate-ability" here. If Kings Island ran a "Anti-Bully" campaign, what possible results would it produce. I don't honestly think that there will be a single person change their ways because KI says that they're against bullying. Its kind of like strict gun laws- it only keeps firearms out of the hands of law-abiding citizens; if someone is bent on wreaking havoc with a gun- a law saying that can't have one won't stop them. Conversely, just because there is an anti-bully campaign doesn't mean it will produce results. You can't legislate morality- unfortunately that needs to start at home. I worked with teenagers for over 10 years, and I have to say that the "bully's" get it honestly; after meeting some of the parents, it makes perfect sense. You need a million licenses for just about anything, but any idiot can be a parent. Was in Walmart a few nights ago getting a last minute vacation item... it was 1am. there were a pair of late-teen parents there with a toddler. 1am. the child was cranky and the couple, without wedding rings, were intermitently yelling at the toddler. This was an angry child operating with minimal sleep that will translate into an angry teenager that will likely bully those around him someday. No anti-bully campaign is going to stop that.

someone may have answered, but "Haunt" doesn't start until 7pm. it may be open at 11am, but the Haunt attractions don't "hatchet" up until evening; kids area closes at 6 to clear the kids out.

I rode the back seat on Vortex yesterday- it was the roughest ride on Vortex I've ever had. maybe my last- it really wasn't that enjoyable. As I'm getting older the quick turns get me more disoriented than I used to- which I can handle, but getting beat up in the process- not going there. Makes one wonder how many more years are left on The Vortex tank. Steel coasters don't last as long as wooden ones. And there's usually people on it, but seldom a line. I'm guessing that it's maintenance is pretty decent, but wonder how much irritation it would take for KI to wind it down.

i can't believe this thread has gone as long as it has. sigh.

there is so much to comment on here... I'm not sure where to begin. the demolition work for SOB they are probably talking about to begin "later" this summer likely refers to "prep" work. I doubt pieces of the structure will start to come down before the end of the operating season. It's not like they move in one day and POOF- it's gone the next. when a crane (a rather large one) moves on the scene, you'll know its close. See, since CF probably doesn't have a crane of that size in its list of assets- it'll probably be rented on a daily, pro-rated basis. If I were to guess, there will be remnants still visible and identifiable by opening day '13. Giga Coaster... I don't want to say "that's a load"..... but... that's a load.