Diamondback Location on Opening Day 1972

[FOFirehawkFAN]

I thought you might like to see a comparison to the Diamondback site between then and now.

(This is the most closely matching picture i could find, it helps if you turn your head to the side).

[Jasper]

Wow hard to believe how much the site has changed since then. Back then there was no restedaunts back there it looks like and of course no big attractions. The addition of the Beas really opens this part of the park up.

[FOFirehawkFAN]

There used to be so much water.

[RailRider]

and mosquitos

[flightoffear1996]

Yea I am glad the lakes are gone. That what time does it changes things.

[WooferBearATL]

and mosquitos

Never had a problem with mosquitos up and until 1990.

[Tomkatt7]

I'm one of the "Old Timers" that says I miss how things used to be.

I can also say though, the changes that have been made have been awesome!!!!

The only old part that I wish was never changed was the animal safari.

Everything else that was removed or changed made the park better, but I really enjoyed the animals.

Of course it's just a matter of opinion.

[Thrill_Biscuit]

I still have to get used to the grown trees along the fountains every time I enter the park; I still think it's nicer than the old, carved bushes.

[Outdoor Man]

every now and again someone will pull out a picture I have never seen before. Another winner; where did that one come from?

[74Gibson]

The park was beautiful back then so I can see how people could feel like something was lost. I'd love to walk through that sceenic view but I think DB, The Beast, etc... might be just a little more fun!

[CoastersRZ]

every now and again someone will pull out a picture I have never seen before. Another winner; where did that one come from?

That picture first appeared in another thread here on KIC last week. It was sent to us by Mr. Helbig from Kings Island.

[FOFirehawkFAN]

Well wherever it originally came from it's cool to see how much the park has changed.

[Thrill_Biscuit]

I think the most dramatic change is how much the cities have grown up around the park in 36 years. Not as quickly or as crowded as Disneyland in California, but still a notable difference. In the 70s and early 80s, Kings Island was "out in the country", on the edge of what looked like an endless forest. Now it feels a bit more, ...suburban?

[CoastersRZ]

Yep. Although, travel just a few minutes north on 71, and you are back into the country setting once again.

While it is excellent to see how the park looked back then, the one thing that the park has now that it did not necessarily have back then is mature trees. Yes, there have been several trees that have been removed, particularly in the Action Zone area of the park, and a few have been removed in Rivertown for Diamondback. But, on a whole there are a lot more mature trees within the park now that can offer shade to guests than there were when the park opened in 1972. Look at International Street as a prime example of that.

[AintNutinElse2Do]

I'm really not wanting to be a party pooper here but here's my concern. Lots of folks on here are saddened by BLSC taking away from the atmosphere of the park. Diamondback while I really can't wait to ride it, the ride has taken away a lot while of course adding itself and what's hopeful to be greatness. Again I think the ride will be great but I don't get why they had to put it as they have. I'm all for a trek into the woods but couldn't you start closer to it?

[iChase]

^ I agree. It has taken away from the tranquility and the old time feeling of Rivertown. However, I think the trade off is worth it. I know the landscaping team will do something amazing to the area to make it feel like the good old fashioned Rivertown.

[gigacoaster2k]

and mosquitos

Never had a problem with mosquitos up and until 1990.

Nothing is worse than the mosquitos at CP. Those things are like baseball bats with six legs.

[tigellinus]

^^I know something that's worse....the low flying bees in the fall!!!

[Rollercoaster Nut]

Wow that really is amazing how much has changed. Thats just like when I looked at a map of our town before it was built and it was a really pretty forested area now its not.

[TOPGUN1993]

^^I know something that's worse....the low flying bees in the fall!!!

I know something even worse.... Wasps on the Log Ride....

[The Interpreter]

...and at the top of Drop Tower, on Son of Beast's lift hill, and on and on.

Stinging insects are a problem for many a park.

[BavarianBeatle]

Those wasps are on virtually every ride at the end of the summer. I'm much more scared of them than any of the rides themselves.

[DropZone99]

How about the spiders on Flight Deck's lift that jump into the train...

[KI-ORIG-EMP]

When my family moved to Kings Mills in 1956, there was nothing but corn fields and woods. There was no I-71 and Mason was just a village. I remember being in the car driving down Kings Mills and Columbia Roads and smelling all that "country air." All the land that is now Kings Island was all woods and what was left of the old King Powder Company. When I-71 was built in the 60's, it all changed. The city was approaching and it is now what it is. How the times has changed.

[The Interpreter]

And just imagine what it will all look like 50 years from now. None of us knows, but I doubt seriously much of what is around the park will look like it does now. I also can only imagine what the park itself will look like, who will own it, etc.

[KIfan73]

When my family moved to Kings Mills in 1956, there was nothing but corn fields and woods. There was no I-71 and Mason was just a village. I remember being in the car driving down Kings Mills and Columbia Roads and smelling all that "country air." All the land that is now Kings Island was all woods and what was left of the old King Powder Company. When I-71 was built in the 60's, it all changed. The city was approaching and it is now what it is. How the times has changed.

Mike, I really enjoy those kinds of stories you tell. It was great talking to you in person, too, at the Offseason Blues party in the IR.

[BavarianBeatle]

And just imagine what it will all look like 50 years from now. None of us knows, but I doubt seriously much of what is around the park will look like it does now. I also can only imagine what the park itself will look like, who will own it, etc.

I don't think we are able to imagine that! In 1959 (50 years ago), could anyone have imagined things like Diamondback?

[The Interpreter]

Or even Kings Island...

I do think the park will still be here...but as what and with what attractions, I really can't even begin to say.

[BavarianBeatle]

Or even Kings Island...

I do think the park will still be here...but as what and with what attractions, I really can't even begin to say.

That was my point, my friend... There will be things that we would never dream of today.

--Beatle, who hopes to be around to ride them when he's 90 years old...LOL!!

[Braves0511]

I'll be there with you...I'm gonna die on a coaster. I've got it planned out...sorta...I'm not sure which one, but I will know when the time is right...