What’s left of the former SeaWorld Ohio and Geauga Lake amusement park consists of weather-worn buildings damaged by vandals.
But soon, 40 acres of the property, as well as the 53-acre Geauga Lake, could become a public park, with swimming, fishing and a possible restaurant.
More:Aurora announces plans to acquire old SeaWorld with plans to open park with pool and beach
Aurora Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin presented a $4.5 million deal Monday to purchase the 40-acre property as well as the 53-acre lake from Industrial Commercial Properties. ICP, Womer Benjamin said, is proceeding with a mixed-use residential and commercial development on the Bainbridge side of the property, where Aurora has a Joint Economic Development District.
Womer Benjamin said the city has been doing its “due diligence” on the site for years and believes some structures, including The Wave pool from Geauga Lake, the former aquarium and pearl-diving buildings from SeaWorld, plus restrooms and other buildings could be renovated for use in the new public park.
“This is a legacy purchase for the people of Aurora,” she said in a statement. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime to guarantee our residents lake access and a destination that is going to be one of the gems of Northeast Ohio.”
The next step is for City Council to approve the purchase, and a vote could take place June 26 or July 17. Council, she said, is “excited and supportive” of the proposal.
What happened to SeaWorld and Geauga Lake parks?
Geauga Lake park dates to 1887, when it was called Giles Pond and soon after Picnic Lake Park. It closed for good in 2007. Wildwater Kingdom remained until 2016.
More:From roller coasters to residences, retail and restaurants: What’s next for Geauga Lake
SeaWorld opened in 1970 and closed in 2000, when the park was taken over by Six Flags, which operated the Geauga Lake amusement park at the time.
Six Flags combined the two parks and billed the attraction as the largest theme park in the world.
Cedar Fair, the parent company of Cedar Point, took over in 2004 and slowly dismantled the combined park before closing the amusement park side of the lake in 2007. The Wildwater Kingdom waterpark continued to operate for nine more years.
Developers come forward with housing proposals
Developers are now transforming properties in Aurora and Bainbridge into housing developments, as well as retail.
In November 2020, ICP acquired the remaining 377 acres that were part of SeaWorld and Geauga Lake. On the Aurora side, Liberty Ford was constructed, and Pulte Homes is building residential units along Squires and Treat roads.
Meanwhile, Sitetech Inc., located in Grafton, was working on removing and recycling thousands of tons of aggregate last year on the Bainbridge side of the lake. The firm specializes in demolition, earthwork and underground utilities.
Residential development is planned in Bainbridge. Offices and restaurants also are planned on the Bainbridge side, along with a 331-unit apartment complex to be called VP Park at Geauga Lake.
Womer Benjamin said the city determined the lakefront portion of the property would not become a housing development on the Aurora side.
Several years ago, Womer Benjamin said, a developer approached the city with a plan to put hundreds of homes along the lakefront.
“That certainly was not my vision for this beautiful piece of property,” she said. “This land is too beautiful to turn into a residential development. I was committed to having public access to the lake from the Aurora side.”
No tax increase foreseen to fund public park
Womer Benjamin said the city will use $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act COVID relief funds toward the project, but the balance of the money would come from the city’s general fund. Since the work is being done in phases, she doesn’t anticipate the city will have any problem budgeting for the project.
Almost $1 million already has been budgeted for the initial phase, which will include the demolition of buildings that can’t be rehabilitated and other site work. That work is expected to be done by the end of the year.
Under the proposed contract with ICP, the developer is expected to build a trail and boardwalk around the lake, which the city would then own and maintain. ICP also would pay for a substantial portion of the demolition on the Aurora side.
‘Incredible amenities’ planned at former site of SeaWorld, Geauga Lake
The “conceptual plan” shows a pool, beach, boating and other amenities. The aquarium building is expected to be transformed into a commercial development, such as a restaurant.
The pool formerly used for Geauga Lake’s The Wave water attraction is believed to be structurally sound, and would become a “zero-depth” public pool, which means it gradually slopes, starting with no water at the entry point and slowly becoming deeper. A beach and swimming also would be offered at the lake, as well as fishing and non-motorized boating.
A visitors center would provide information and memorabilia. Some signage was saved from the original parks, and it would be incorporated into the park “as appropriate,” Womer Benjamin said.
Although user fees are anticipated for the pool and lake, the public could access other amenities for free.
“It’s going to be a beautiful location with incredible amenities,” she said.
Over the years, she acknowledged, many people hoped the property would again become an amusement park.
“This can still be an incredible and attractive place that will be enjoyed by many,” she said.
Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or [email protected].