RaptorGuy Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 December 6, 2007 Ultimate Rollercoaster http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/...071206_01.shtml Aurora, OH -- The recent closure of the Geauga Lake amusement park (GL) in Aurora has prompted US Senator Sherrod Brown to urge Cedar Fair (CF) to preserve a piece of roller coaster history. In a letter addressed to CF chairman and CEO Dick Kinzel, Brown asked that the company develop a plan for GL's historic Big Dipper roller coaster. He is hoping that CF is willing to keep the ride at its current location or have it moved to another site where it can continue to operate. "Such an important and rare piece of Ohio and amusement park history deserves the utmost consideration as CF develops plans for the property," wrote Brown. In September, CF announced that it would close the amusement park portion of GL forever. However, the company plans to keep the new $25 million water park located across from the rides open. CF has reported a huge decrease in attendance at the property since purchasing GL from Six Flags in 2004. Representatives for the American Coaster Enthusiasts were excited about the letter from Brown. The group has been hoping and trying to save the 82-y.o. roller coaster. CF has already relocated 4 of GL's steel roller coasters to its other parks, but the 3 wooden roller coasters remain. The Big Dipper, The Villain and Raging Wolf Bobs roller coasters are all currently up for sale. Brown would like to see the Big Dipper remain in its current location. He is urging CF to preserve it as is. "Ideally, keeping The Big Dipper in its Aurora, OH, home would be preferable -- perhaps by including the coaster as part of a mixed-use retail and amusement complex or as part of a classic amusement park museum", wrote Brown. "However, as CF makes final decisions on the future of the Dipper, I strongly urge against destroying or scrapping this unique piece of Buckeye State history." The Big Dipper roller coaster opened in 1925 under the name Sky Rocket. Originally named the Sky Rocket, the name was later changed to Clipper and eventually changed again to Big Dipper in 1969. Designed by John Miller, Big Dipper is one of only 13 surviving rides of its kind in the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 10 to 1 says it's not happening... any takers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 http://www.KICentral.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=11514 Note the date . . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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