pilotank Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 The Zoom Flume definitely will be missed! The sturdy construction of the Flume lasted through countless floods, earthquakes, blizzards and tornado's. It didn't have the stress that a wooden coaster has, but it stood strong for over 30 years. The Zoom Flume was built by Taft Broadcasting for $250,000.00 and arguably started the rejuvenation of Coney Island after it's demise of 1971. At 50 ft. high and two 500-foot troughs, it was the longest and highest water slide for the largest circulating pool IN THE WORLD! If you looked out at the southeast corner, the wooden structure mimicked The Lost River and The Shooting star in the background. Climbing to the top would give you a birds-eye view of River Downs, RiverBend and the rest of the park. It was a great ride for kids and adults alike. The Zoom Flume became an iconic structure because it was seen from afar, especially as it stood tall in the 1997 Flood. pilotank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 Yup The Zoom Floom came long before the day and age of "Water Parks." I bet that you could make a strong argument that building the Zoom Floom helped lead to the advent of such parks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast1979 Posted August 27, 2008 Share Posted August 27, 2008 Wonder what they will replace it with.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotank Posted September 2, 2008 Author Share Posted September 2, 2008 Wonder what they will replace it with.... I was at the pool on Friday and a worker told me that one design may actually have four slides with one exiting out to the rides area. Does anyone know what is wrong with the in-pool speed slide? It seems to have been closed most of the season. pilotank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast1979 Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 How could it be closed? There's no mechanics or anything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoaster Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 wow there closing this when did this happen?? Sad day for coney its huge: And really with the new national city pavillion coney is at what 50 acres maybe????? a true skeleton of its former self??? Why don't they build a real lost river ? I know it would cost but it is always talked about around town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 The new National City Pavilion does not sit on that much of Coney`s former land. In fact, Coney gave only .602 acres to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (the owners of Riverbend) for this new pavilion. The Zoom Flume is being removed, because it is 31 years old. As far as water slides go, that is a fairly old slide. Keep in mind that the slide opened in 1977, a full twelve years before Kings Island opened their own water park! Maintenance and upkeep of the ride was becoming an issue with the slide. But rest assured that there will be new ways to get wet at Coney in 2009. I don`t know about the speed slide in the middle of Sunlite being closed. I never really venture over to the pool area this year when it was open with people swimming in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotank Posted September 3, 2008 Author Share Posted September 3, 2008 wow there closing this when did this happen?? Sad day for coney its huge: And really with the new national city pavillion coney is at what 50 acres maybe????? a true skeleton of its former self??? Why don't they build a real lost river ? I know it would cost but it is always talked about around town. This seems to be the best aerial photo of the park before it's closing in 1971: http://members.aol.com/y2coasters/coneyohio.html Also, check out the Shooting Star and Bring back The Mall forums under Coney Island. Seems like a wooden coaster is the most wanted to return, but a Lost River would be great also. pilotank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 The above image shows just how much real estate will be freed for future developments at Coney Island with the removal of the Zoom Flume. Remember, that pass holders get one more day to experience the Zoom Flume (and the rest of Sunlite Pool for the season) this Sunday, September 7 from 12-4pm! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WooferBearATL Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 The new National City Pavilion does not sit on that much of Coney`s former land. In fact, Coney gave only .602 acres to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (the owners of Riverbend) for this new pavilion. The Zoom Flume is being removed, because it is 31 years old. As far as water slides go, that is a fairly old slide. Keep in mind that the slide opened in 1977, a full twelve years before Kings Island opened their own water park! Maintenance and upkeep of the ride was becoming an issue with the slide. But rest assured that there will be new ways to get wet at Coney in 2009. I don`t know about the speed slide in the middle of Sunlite being closed. I never really venture over to the pool area this year when it was open with people swimming in it. Sunlite Pool is one of the absolute gems of Cincinnati. I don't think I realized that the Zoom Floom was 31 years old. That means I was 9 years old when it opened. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoaster Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 Lost River Would Rock , But I guess what ever they build will be good, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coneyrat Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 My first memory of the Zoom Flume wasn't a very good one. I was about 9 or 10 at the time and the swimming trunks I had on didn't slide too well on the slide and they actually slowed me down quite a bit. The person in line behind me ended up catching up with me and we landed in the bottom pool at the same time. Once we got out the lifeguard yelled at me and kicked me off the slide for the rest of the day. Needless to say, I was devastated Here it is about 20 years later and I'm going to Coney tomorrow for Children's Hospital Day. I'm going to ride the Zoom Flume as much as I can and I'm going to raise my butt to get the maximum speed!! Too bad that same lifeguard won't be around, I'd love to give him a good punch in the mouth :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted September 5, 2008 Share Posted September 5, 2008 Well, I`ll be at Coney all day running the rides for Children`s hospital day. Please note that Coney is NOT open to the general public and pass holders tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Theater Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 The Zoom Flume definitely will be missed! The sturdy construction of the Flume lasted through countless floods, earthquakes, blizzards and tornado's. It didn't have the stress that a wooden coaster has, but it stood strong for over 30 years. The Zoom Flume was built by Taft Broadcasting for $250,000.00 and arguably started the rejuvenation of Coney Island after it's demise of 1971. At 50 ft. high and two 500-foot troughs, it was the longest and highest water slide for the largest circulating pool IN THE WORLD! If you looked out at the southeast corner, the wooden structure mimicked The Lost River and The Shooting star in the background. Climbing to the top would give you a birds-eye view of River Downs, RiverBend and the rest of the park. It was a great ride for kids and adults alike. The Zoom Flume became an iconic structure because it was seen from afar, especially as it stood tall in the 1997 Flood. pilotank Wow,I didnt even know this happened until now! I'd think they'd put it on the news.Well,that sucks,I loved The Zume Flume.I've been to coney once(Unfortunely),and loved the pool,and ow tall it was.The tallest slide ive been on was this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 Well, today was the last day of operation for the Zoom Flume. Today the pool was only open to 2008 season pass holders. Demolition on the slide will likely begin soon, to make way for new improvements to Coney Island. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Theater Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 Well, today was the last day of operation for the Zoom Flume. Today the pool was only open to 2008 season pass holders. Demolition on the slide will likely begin soon, to make way for new improvements to Coney Island. Thats sad.Our camp was supposed to go this year,but I dont know what happened.Well,I hope bigger and better things come to coney next year,just like KI! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 Coney has been continually reinvesting in new attractions. Last year it was the Rock-O-Planes from Americana/LeSourdsville Lake. This year it was the River Runner, Eurobungy Dome, and Turtle Parade. Rest assured, there will be new things in store for next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotank Posted September 8, 2008 Author Share Posted September 8, 2008 Well, today was the last day of operation for the Zoom Flume. Today the pool was only open to 2008 season pass holders. Demolition on the slide will likely begin soon, to make way for new improvements to Coney Island. I was there for the final day of the Zoom Flume. The staff handed out pictures of the Zoom Flume and had the drawings for the new slide. It will have four slides! The crowd was definitely subdued and sad to see it close. Everyone was trying to be the last one to ride. I don't know who was the last rider, probably the life guard. pilotank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Nemo Posted September 8, 2008 Share Posted September 8, 2008 I have full confidence that Coney will do what is best to rejuvenate the waterpark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast1979 Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Coney has been continually reinvesting in new attractions. Last year it was the Rock-O-Planes from Americana/LeSourdsville Lake. This year it was the River Runner, Eurobungy Dome, and Turtle Parade. Rest assured, there will be new things in store for next year. Even though I am still excited for whatever is coming in 2009, I still would like a breakthrough attraction on the rides area. Sure Rock o Planes was a nice addition, put everything there is still pretty low key. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 I can guarantee you that you will not see an addition on the rides side in 2009. The rides side got two new rides and a new attraction this year (and that doesn`t even include the new canoes in Lake Como). And the new River Runner was a big hit with park guests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotank Posted September 10, 2008 Author Share Posted September 10, 2008 I can guarantee you that you will not see an addition on the rides side in 2009. The rides side got two new rides and a new attraction this year (and that doesn`t even include the new canoes in Lake Como). And the new River Runner was a big hit with park guests. I don't know what the numbers are, but just from an observer it seemed more patrons were at SunLite Pool this year than I can remember. On Friday's and week-ends with large company picnics, the pool was at capacity many times. There was several times, all of the parking spaces were taken and I ended up parking across the street. After the new slide comes in, Sunlite Pool seems to be holding it's own. The rides section needs the most attention. Also, with UC going to semesters next year, will that have an effect on the park employees? After the third week in August, it appeared that it was mostly UC students at the helm and keeping Coney full spped ahead. pilotank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beast1979 Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 I can guarantee you that you will not see an addition on the rides side in 2009. The rides side got two new rides and a new attraction this year (and that doesn`t even include the new canoes in Lake Como). And the new River Runner was a big hit with park guests. And I'm not saying there will be a new one, I'm just saying I would like to see the Rides side get some new depth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teenageninja Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 UC is not going to semesters until Fall 2011. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Yeah, UC isn`t going to be going to semesters for several years down the road still. And yes, a lot of the people that were manning the rides the last several weekends go to UC or other colleges that start late like OSU. But there are still a fair share of high school workers working on the weekends. We have been relatively short on staffing in the rides department the last few weekends. And you should rephrase your sentence slightly. The main parking lot for passholders and the general admission public is different than the group picnic lot. There were a few occasions when both lots were filled to capacity this year, but it was not as numerous as you thought. Additionally, Sunlite Pool has had a good year this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotank Posted September 11, 2008 Author Share Posted September 11, 2008 Yeah, UC isn`t going to be going to semesters for several years down the road still. And yes, a lot of the people that were manning the rides the last several weekends go to UC or other colleges that start late like OSU. But there are still a fair share of high school workers working on the weekends. We have been relatively short on staffing in the rides department the last few weekends. And you should rephrase your sentence slightly. The main parking lot for passholders and the general admission public is different than the group picnic lot. There were a few occasions when both lots were filled to capacity this year, but it was not as numerous as you thought. Additionally, Sunlite Pool has had a good year this year. That's good news about UC! It will be hard to envision UC on semesters. Also, twice all parking spaces were all taken in the west lot, the east lot and River Downs. I know one day was during Kroger day when they also had a sold out concert that night. pilotank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westcoaster Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I would say rides side at least a couple years away from getting new stuff?? What new canoes in 2008???? Also, The slide area will be awseome I'm sure. Coney is trying to thrive and really there are only 2 parks left in cincinnati Funny its the one that was created out of coney and Coney being the only 2 left:::: Wow just think Coney could draw more people than the beach water park soon Oh wait does'nt it already???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Theater Posted September 11, 2008 Share Posted September 11, 2008 I think Coney should buy the Observation Tower from GL.That would be cool,overlooking the park and Cinci! (I dont think it will happen I just think it'd be cool.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoastersRZ Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I believe that the observation tower from GL was sold for scrap metal. As far as the Zoom Flume goes, as of this past weekend, the ride was almost completely gone already. I`d say maybe 75-80% of the ride has already been demolished. Only the lower portions of the ride and part of the stairway to the top remained standing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilotank Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 I believe that the observation tower from GL was sold for scrap metal. As far as the Zoom Flume goes, as of this past weekend, the ride was almost completely gone already. I`d say maybe 75-80% of the ride has already been demolished. Only the lower portions of the ride and part of the stairway to the top remained standing. It would be great if you could possibly post some pictures! pilotank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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