No, the history is still there, just not the name. The park formerly known as Geauga Lake was opened in 1888. It was a classic trolley park, having the first rides in the area, like the first u-drive-em cars, the Dipper was the longest coaster for a few seasons, etc. They had a giant swimming pool, that gave them the upper hand for really hot days.
They were in friendly competition with Euclid Beach and Idora for the massive company picnics. There plenty of factories and mills in the whole area. The difference, Euclid Beach and Idora both were built in less than desirable areas, while the confines of Solon and Aurora did not have public housing.
When Euclid Beach closed, Geauga Lake began a steady growth pattern. The Board created a sub company ,ie. Funtime, LP, and purchased Wyandot Lake, which was in the financial poorhouse. It is now a great addition to the neighboring zoo. We in the industry think it will become a Hurricane Harbor some day, and still keep its dry rides.
Darien Lake came about from a management contract. The folks who built DL wanted rides to keep the camping area full, but found out that it takes insurance, parts, etc., to maintain them. Geauga Lake stepped in, moved and bought some rides, and well, the were involved in a cash cow that allowed expansions at all 3 parks. Funtime believed in the free waterpark policy, to compbat Cedar Point's Soak City, all for the reason of selling groups.
Those guys at Funtime were not idiots, as they allowed Sea World to come to town, which pretty much gave them the ability to market to families, when Cedar Point was blindsiding them with new rides every year. They actually worked within their means, had little debt, and welcomed the merger with Premier when the deal came.
*** This post was edited by Agent Johnson on 6/29/2001. ***
