Widespread water park Coney Island in Ohio will quickly shut its doorways for good.
Coney Island introduced on Thursday that all the property together with Sunlite Pool will completely shut on December 31 after its Nights of Lights occasion.
To not be confused with Coney Island in New York Metropolis.
However the much-loved 137-year-old amusement park in Cincinnati will likely be changed with a model new leisure venue.
It has been acquired by Music & Occasion Administration Inc. (MEMI), which is a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO), and will likely be renovated right into a $118 million “state-of-the-art” music venue.
“We thank the hundreds of thousands of patrons and staff from Cincinnati and surrounding neighborhoods,” Coney Island officers stated in a press launch.
“You made this a particular place for all of us. However the time has come for this historic vacation spot to supply new and totally different choices for entertainment-seekers in search of enjoyable and distinctive experiences.”
The music venue will embody a state-of-the-art sound system, adaptable seating and a standing space and has been described as a “one-of-a-kind leisure campus” destined to be a “should play” cease for the music trade’s prime acts.
“We’re constructing a brand new dwelling for reside music occasions that can supply a mesmerizing fusion of cutting-edge expertise and architectural significance,” Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra president Jonathan Martin stated in a assertion.
“This new improvement will usher in the way forward for the music trade, and we’re proud to be main the subsequent step in the identical means Riverbend modified the face of reside music in our group 40 years in the past when it opened.
“Now, with CSO’s historic success with Riverbend and PNC Pavilion, we’re creating an expanded music, arts and leisure campus for the area to drive inventive excellence and innovation in addition to the native financial system.”
Coney Island first opened in 1886 with Sunlite Pool opening in 1925 — and following the information of its closure, many have taken to social media to specific their shock, labeling it an “absolute tragedy.”
“This sucks. Demo Riverbend and create this if you wish to, however depart Coney Island alone,” one individual wrote on X.
“Actually upset,” stated one other, whereas a 3rd added, “Unhappy, unhappy. So many valuable recollections.”
A fourth wrote: “Such a disgrace. 100+ years of historical past about to be erased for ANOTHER music venue.”
Others lashed that there’s already a number of surrounding music venues.
“Don’t now we have sufficient music venues? Riverbend proper subsequent door? New venue downtown and one in Newport? To not point out the opposite, older venues all through the tri-state. Why do we want one other?” one individual lashed.
“Heartbreaking, significantly shedding Sunlite Pool!” stated one other.
Nevertheless, many had been all for it and welcomed the change.
“That is superior. Individuals simply like to complain. An improve that was wanted lengthy prior to now,” one individual wrote on X.
In the meantime, Martin and Memi CEO Mike Smith stated the venue’s preliminary design is in progress and a few choices will not be finalized.