beastfan11

The SCI group is/was focused on Sunlite Pool, while the Cincinnati Preservation Association is “leading the charge” for Moonlite Gardens: https://cincinnatipreservation.org/coney-islands-moonlite-gardens-sunlite-pool-under-threat/ This has been stated multiple times in print, radio, and TV media. Personally, I have a vested interest in both, though the ship has sailed for the pool. CSO/MEMI doesn’t really have the desire to work with the community to save anything, so I understand why people would assume anyone trying to save any aspect of the park would be disillusioned by working with CSO/MEMI. The only way Moonlite Gardens will be saved if someone/some organization steps up to do so, unfortunately. It would be really nice to see that whole area of the park saved. You have Lake Como, the Admin building, the games building, and the old beer garden building right there in addition to bathroom and food facilities. It’s also situated near the picnic area and historic riverboat landing. That would be a nice area for a public park of sorts. It could do wonders for the relationship with the community that CSO/MEMI destroyed.

I don't believe anything has been officially decided regarding the fate of Moonlite Gardens. The "unsafe since 2018" line is either a typo or a flat out lie. The park was regularly holding events throughout the 2019 season up the the last night the rides were open. I would know, as I was there. Bingo. In my opinion, they really don't deserve the support they receive, and at this point, their non-profit status should seemingly be revoked. Previous generational ownership did the park no favors and are largely responsible for the state the park is (not) in today. The removal of the rides, various PR issues, lack of capital investment are all contributed to the park and pools closure. But is/was a viable business model when managed correctly and there's no reason to believe the park as a whole could not be successful. But no one forced CSO to bulldoze the pool. That decision is solely their responsibly alone. And if they end of doing the same with Moonlite Gardens and the surrounding buildings, that's also on them. And to be blunt, they don't give a darn about preserving history, they only care about their own infrastructure. That's why Music Hall was ultimately restored. I'd love to believe that they did it for the sake of preserving Cincinnati history, but they only did it because they absolutely had to in order for the building to be usable. And even then, the funds to restore Music Hall came from philanthropic efforts and taxpayer funds. The irony is that there are two historic music venues important to the history of Cincinnati. One has been fully restored by efforts led by the CSO. The other's fate is up in the air. Yes, it would cost significant amount of money to restore, but CSO/MEMI are financially capable of doing so (and have recently done so) while also seeking more taxpayer money from the state for this project. It's hypocritical to say the least, and demonstrative of their true character. Yes, there certainly is. As recently as least week there was talk of Anderson looking into purchasing the pool so it could continue to operate. This was to be discussed in a meeting last Thursday night, but the demo of the pool began suddenly that morning/afternoon. Take that as you will. They see more value in the space becoming a parking lot. This was never an issue of CSO not being able to operate a pool. They have shown that they have the ability to create different organizations (i.e. MEMI) to handle different aspects of the business they did not have experience in. IN this situation, they chose not to do so. There is plenty of space on that property for everything to co-exist, but they chose not to. More likely than not, for financial reasons. And as others have repeatedly mentioned, it's in their right to do what they'd like since they own the property. But given their status as a community-driven, non-profit organization, it certainly comes across as tone deaf and driven by nothing but greed. I guess this depends of the definition of "long time." The park was doing well until around 2017, and then things started to decline. With the rides removal in 2019, it became apparent what the then ownership's plan was for the park. I'm sure COVID didn't help. But there wasn't any desire to keep the park open. They saw dollar signs and jumped at the chance, I'm sure. Which is a shame, because under different ownership I truly believe the park could still be thriving today. And that does make it hard to see. And you certainly weren't the only ones who's visits either declined or stopped after the removal of the rides. It was an incredibly stupid decision if they intended on keeping the pool open. The thing that bothers me the most is two fold: 1. Someone will be making money off of this project. Big time. And that doesn't sit right with me considering the fact that the project is helmed by a non-profit. And on top of that, taxpayer dollars will more than likely be used to build this new venue. All to see someone's else's pockets lined. That's wrong. 2. The CSO has more or less vilified themselves and the arts as a whole. I hate to live in a city where so many, myself included, are anti-CSO. It's a big loss and the city deserves better community leadership in the arts. They should be embarrassed. Their mission, per their own words, is to serve the community. But when they actively go against the desires of the community they're claiming to care for, they shouldn't pull the victim card and feel sorry for themselves when people are vocally against them. Hoping to make it back down to the park in the next few days for some more pictures and updates. This is a terrible ting they're doing and it should be shared.

You’re definitely not alone, speaking for myself and others. I’d love a piece, but have no faith in that happening due to CSO/MEMI’s treatment of the people who care for the park and the ongoing situation as a whole. I’d love to be proven wrong.

No, not “exactly” in the slightest. This is in no way similar to 1971 when the park was closed. Sunlite Pool remained opened and the promise of Kings Island brought an entire section of the park dedicated to recreating the Coney Island mall experience, down to the relocation of several rides. There were no protests because there was no need for them. I think this dead horse has been beaten enough, no? Anyway. The work on the pool demo was put into high gear last week, just as Anderson and preservationists were in talks about options to save the space. Take that as you will. Not my photos: Some of my photos from last week: A new piece from Cincinnati.com: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra gives the arts a bad name by erasing historic Coney Island https://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/contributors/2024/03/30/cincinnati-symphony-orchestra-erasing-historic-coney-island/73095739007/?fbclid=IwAR1KKdyVHxm4WC9DL-aqjXu83hCnfHb7y-SI8CUrqH-poDu0YL91VA8GiCg_aem_AQ4mH_7rh7eF229m7DKFSTGtmwwA--eDw_5E5qC4v89s5s9fRLAE5LVKYPYv796GE1I "When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always 20 years behind the times." - Mark Twain

As much as I adored the old Adventure Express sign, I think the new one is even better. Absolutely adore it.

Nice update!

He’s incredibly missed, as well as the rest of the HB characters. Scooby making his way back to the park would be a huge win. I’d just like to see more roaming characters in general. Maybe that’s just the Disney nerd in me!

Hey, I take offense to this! I’m in no way wealthy!

The frozen $5 footlong for $18! Add an extra shot of mustard for $8!

Agreed. I was excited about that as well, but after seeing the actual product I was a bit let down. Looking forward to checking it out regardless!

Ha. Their construction updates are truly adorable as they are predictable. Anyway, excited to see Good Gravy testing!

A few more, for kicks and giggles. Because I’ll miss this park.

It appears as though our dear friends at CSO/MEMI have brought the hammer down on Coney Island and Sunlite Pool. As of this post, the destruction of the pool has started: 3/21/24 I actually stopped by the park last night before dinner to snag a few pics. Didn’t think today was going to be demo day. Glad I went when I did: 3/20/24 Looks like a lot of working going on in the corner of the park by Lake Como, the interstate, and Kellogg. Maybe this is the site of the new venue? I’ve heard the pool area will be a parking lot expansion… Anyway. I adore this place and hate seeing this happen. But I’m sick, and I plan on doing periodic updates with pictures. So I’ll post them here as things progress.

Just awful. CSO will always be remembered as a villain in this story, fair or not. Did not have to be this way.

Pretty much dead on. The somewhat recent restoration of Music Hall is now ironic as it is hypocritical. On top of their desire to seek tax payer dollars to fund this project for a so called “non-profit.” Ha. CSO/MEMI didn’t have to be the villain, but they’re certainly acting like one. Regardless of what some have said, the pool was apparently still doing well and even turning a profit. I just don’t think the then ownership wanted anything to do with either the wet or dry side of the park. It’s deteriorated over the last ten-ish years to its current, non existent state. It’s my opinion, based on their actions, that they have just wanted to get away from it all. The ride closures solidified that. And that’s a shame because, if ran well, the park had so much life in it still. They deserve a lot of the blame. That said, CSO/MEMI have done nothing to help themselves. They can’t complain about being vilified if they’re going to vocally speak out against the wishes of the overwhelming majority. They don’t have to close/demolish the pool. But they’re choosing to. So, in that sense, they deserve a lot of the blame too. It’s just a garbage situation that could’ve been easily prevented had the park been run properly. There’s room for the venues, pool, and park to coexist. But that’s just not their plan, unfortunately. Hopefully Moonlite Gardens and the surrounding area can be saved. It could be a wonderful addition to their new “campus,” and it would be a nice nod to history. Maybe. I’d be willing to throw my support behind any historical preservation efforts should it come to that. A sad ending, regardless. Hard to believe that for the first time since 1925, Sunlite Pool will not be operating for the people of Cincinnati.

I’m in!

+ 1 for the Grand Carousel. That ride is an absolute treasure.

Certainly hope a buyer can be found, but wish the original owners the best in their retirement. That entire operation is phenomenal! One of my favorite places to visit. Especially around the holidays.

No kidding. Sheesh. Times have changed.

Spot on and well said! Couldn’t agree more.

I think the merger (should it/should it not go through) will have a serious effect on any new, major additions. That being said, Six Flags’ newer track record with dark rides is actually kind of impressive. Something like Pirates of Spleelunker Cave gives me hope that CF/SF hypothetically has the ability to create a really special updated PT or other new dark ride. But do I think they will? NOPE. But between CF/SF, they have the ability to do things the right way. It’s just up in the air on whether or not they do. Regarding the PT effects, a large scale Pepper’s Ghost scene featuring an entire theatre, stage, performers, balconies, and audience members/was is incredibly impressive for a seasonal park outside of Cincinnati. And to say that the effect was a “copy” of the Haunted Mansion is kind of a flawed argument. 1. The Haunted Mansion at the Disney parks is literally one of the top tier attractions in the history of the industry. Emulating that is a good idea. 2. The Pepper’s Ghost effect isn’t even a “Disney” thing. It’s been around for hundreds of years: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper's_ghost That all said… To be honest a lot of the animatronic effects weren’t that terribly intense. That’s not to say the ride experience, atmosphere, and story were weak. But many, myself included, tend to look back in time through rise colored glasses and align PT with Haunted Mansion in terms of their effects. But for what PT was, it was beyond impressive in my opinion and certainly has earned its spot in the history of well beloved dark rides that really deserves to still be around, should the park have taken care of it appropriately. It was a perfectly level of tech/effects for a park like KI and there’s a reason there’s such love for it still. I think one of, if not the, most major hole in the parks lineup is a great dark ride. Boo Blasters ain’t it, kids. At this point I’d be excited for any kind of dark ride update/addition. I’d love that to be PT, but like others have mentioned, it would probably be more in vein of the new Berry Tales at Knott’s. Which would be a bummer. Prove me wrong, KI!

Love the idea!

I saw School of Rock Live an embarrassing (in a good way) amount of times. I’d wear my black band shirts to the park and sit in the front row. I thought I was so cool. Ah, loved that show. But bubbles for a month is cool too, I guess.

I unfortunately think most, if not all, of the original animatronics are long gone. So that unfortunately wouldn’t be an option. But I love your ideas and I’d love to see them come to fruition. I also think there’s a spot for “Happy Feet” to be incorporated into the score of a new potential PT.

And so it begins. For those of you have shown your love, passion, and support: thank you for trying to preserve an important piece of Cincinnati history. For those who of you have loved to spread your contrarian opinions for the sake of garnering attention to yourself: I congratulate you on your victory, though I’m dismayed at your ability to actively fight against the preservation of industry history on a forum dedicated to celebrating a shared love of amusement and theme parks. History will certainly look upon you comedically. The loss of Coney Island and Sunlite Pool will be detrimental to the history of Cincinnati and I hope you find peace within yourself as to not celebrate the destruction of what so many loved. For those who’d still like to fight for the park, reach out to those below: