Conneaut Lake Park extends its season

Carrie J. said:

What makes this attempt different?

Well, the Pepsi Refresh Project no longer exists.

No. Their business plan is still to win contests.

Oh my. The brick and mortar category? I would think they should be in the non-profit category... *rimshot*

"Conneaut" how the heck do you even say that? I have been reading it for years and have no clue how to pronounce it.

kahn-ee-ott'

I always remember because of the mascot "Connie Otter".

I think it should be KAHHHHHHHNNNNNN!!!!!! EE OTT!!!!

Funny how you take things for granted. I grew up in western PA where you just know how to say Conneaut Lake and Geauga Lake from the start.

Those have to be two of the most requested "how do you pronounce that" parks in the US.

I'm still stuck on Epcot.

The C & T are silent.

Lord Gonchar said:

Funny how you take things for granted. I grew up in western PA where you just know how to say Conneaut Lake and Geauga Lake from the start.

Those have to be two of the most requested "how do you pronounce that" parks in the US.

True, that. But Knoebels must be the one most often misspelled, as well as one of the most mispronounced.

Near my hometown there is Connett Road. So when I see Conneaut my brain says Connett. Funny how those things work.

Lord Gonchar said:

Funny how you take things for granted. I grew up in western PA where you just know how to say Conneaut Lake and Geauga Lake from the start.

Those have to be two of the most requested "how do you pronounce that" parks in the US.

Now we know the real reason those parks failed.

Carrie J. said:
But aren't these folks one of several who have tried that model and failed?

No idea. Honestly, I don't know the history of the place either.

What makes this attempt different?

Different people at the helm.

I'm very much of the view that those who try to bring a business to life should be applauded for their effort. If the project goes splat in a few years, then they and their investors are out of pocket, but that's a risk that an entrepreneur takes. In the mean while, they're providing employment in the area, and keeping a number of classic amusement rides going. Personally I applaud them for that effort.

BTW, I don't know if other people have spotted this, but the guy in charge of Conneaut Lake now is also a coaster builder. One of his many projects is the Knoebels Flying Turns, proving that he's well used to working against difficult odds :)

Not speaking for Carrie, but I don't think she's suggesting that people shouldn't be applauded or whatever. Rainbows and puppies don't build a sustainable business anymore than wishing really hard. Sometimes, the circumstances suck enough that even if you do have a capable person at the helm, you can't build a sustainable business. I would argue that Conneaut is probably both.

The CLP revitalization plan is a very emotional subject for many. I completely understand that. I've demonstrated before that I have a lot of childhood memories wrapped up in the park myself. But much like you can't keep a loved one on life support to fill your own needs, I think you can't keep a park open on the financial generosity of others for long periods of time.

I don't know if these new folks have the magic bullet that will be different from the other attempts made before them. That's why I'm asking the same question that was asked of the people before them. What is their business plan?

It just appears (and I believe this article supports it in this case, too) that the people who have tried to bring CLP back have done so with the notion that if they just get things opened back up, people will flock in and spend money and the park will return to what it once was. (Build it and they will come mentality perhaps?) It hasn't worked...at least not fast enough to replace the inevitable end of gift money that's holding things together in the short term.

I really can't applaud someone who tries to bring a business back to life without a plan, especially if they use the generosity of others in their attempt. But again, I'm happy to be wrong if there is a better plan in play this go around that hasn't been there in the past.

BTW, I don't know if other people have spotted this, but the guy in charge of Conneaut Lake now is also a coaster builder. One of his many projects is the Knoebels Flying Turns, proving that he's well used to working against difficult odds :)

John Fetterman?

Lord Gonchar said:

Funny how you take things for granted. I grew up in western PA where you just know how to say Conneaut Lake and Geauga Lake from the start.

Those have to be two of the most requested "how do you pronounce that" parks in the US.

Don't hold out broseph.. I dont know how to say Geauga either.

Gee awww ga? Jee aww ga Jee oooga Ge oooga? WTF?

John Fetterman?

No. Leonard Adams.

http://www.storytellersmediagroup.com/Flying%20Turns/FlyingTurns.htm

The business is Structural Technlogies, Inc. It is indeed Leonard Adams, and his son. That's all I know... ;~)

Here's a link... http://meadvilletribune.com/local/x917776117/Conneaut-Lake-Park-extends-its-season