Amusement park shutting down all rides for good

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

CINCINNATI — A popular amusement park plans to get rid of all of its rides.

Coney Island has announced it will remove all amusement park rides at the end of September.

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The kiddie rides at Coney Island in Cincinnati. MICHELLE FONG / STAFF

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According to a press release, the park intends to instead focus on the Sunlite Pool and other water-related recreational amenities.

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CINCINNATI /CONEY ISLAND MONDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2005: James Erdman's five year old son Eddie hid his eyes as they rode the roller-coaster at  the annual Cincinnati AFL-CIO Picnic, held at Coney Island,  that attracted upwards of 20,000 people.  (Photo by Ken Stewart)

Credit: Ken Stewart

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Credit: Ken Stewart

"All of our consumer research, all of our consumer feedback, and all of our in-park data shows that the vast majority of our guests come to Coney Island because of the fun they have while in the Sunlite Pool area," said Rob Schutter, Jr., president and CEO of Coney Island, in a press release.

Coney Island officials say that the park's Sunlite Pool, with more than three million gallons of water, is the world's largest flat surfaced recirculating pool. The park is east of Cincinnati.

Credit: HANDOUT

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Credit: HANDOUT

The press release said over the past few years, Coney Island has split its focus and resources between the rides and the Sunlite Water Adventure area, but have decided to switch gears to focus exclusively on the waterpark area moving forward.

The park said it also plans to create additional spaces for popular events like the Appalachian Festival and Summerfair Cincinnati, to provide event spaces for other community festivals and events in the future.

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Earlier this year, Coney Island also announced its annual Fall-O-Ween event would not return in 2019.

The final day guests will be able to enjoy the rides at Coney Island is Sept. 21.

Coney Island's The Twister is the park's newest feature. It stands at 45 feet tall and is more than a quarter-mile long. The park is just east of Cincinnati.

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