Conneaut Lake Park Closed

Conneuat Lake Park will not hold its traditional Do-Wopp weekend this Memorial Day weekend; in fact; the park is closed for the summer, effective immediately.

This news comes after park officials were unable to work out the details of a 30-thousand dollar gift to the park, that would have given it the cash it needed to open for the Memorial Day weekend.

This is bad news for Conneaut Lake Park residents and business owners, who see the park as essential to the economic health of the Conneaut Lake region. Park Custodian Leroy Stearns said he will petition the court to remove himself as park custodian.

He said options for the court may include appointing a new custodian to take his place; appointing a board of directors to oversee the park; appointing a liquidation custodian to oversee liquidation of park assets to help pay debt.

Park employees who had been working to get Conneaut Lake Park in shape for Memorial Day weekend have been told they are to make arrangements to pick up their belongings. Money raised through a coin sale will be used to pay park debts, instead of helping to open the park.  This is the second time in a decade the 115 year old amusement park will be silent for the summer.

News of the closure has not only crushed park officials, it has devastated employees, Conneaut Lake business owners, residents, and tourists. 

Park employees received the news they were dreading. Dozens of former park workers will be looking for new jobs.  Many staff members say they've been part of the Conneaut Lake Park family for years and can't imagine a summer without it.

Of course, employees aren't the only ones upset with Tuesday's announcement.  Area residents and tourists from all over say they have great memories from the park and are upset others won't be able to share the same experiences. 

Business owners say they hope the closure doesn't devastate the local economy.