Fun Spot Not Opening in 2009

Fun Spot Will Not Be Open For 2009 Season

Temporary or Permanent?

Afterburner is still one of the scariest coasters I've ever been on - for all the wrong reasons.

Wow, that seems totally random. I don't buy the excuse at all.

:(

We were planning on going this year. We had a blast in '07.

~Rob

Afterburner is a great ride. The animals were the sad part of that park. They didnt look happy at all.

So much for the rumor I heard about their plans to get a classic Double Ferris Wheel.

From what I've heard/read, the park was one of those operating "as a labor of love". IIRC, something to do with the owner of that large facility just off the interstate wanting to keep the park operating for their employees/families. Assuming this is all true, it very well could be that the owners are cutting their losses this year by "only" taking care of the animals, and hoping for an improved outlook for 2010. If not for Conneaut Lake, I'd likely be more skeptical of that possibility.

Dang it, I was going to get there last year, on a swing-by on a trip to IB. For financial reasons, the trip never materialized. This is just like Williams Grove all over for me.

You're not missing much, Ensign. Afterburner was indeed scary for all the wrong reasons. After the thing jammed in the loop in '06, I never had a desire to return.

Don't get me wrong with that Afterburner comment. It was a fun little park. The employees were ridiculously friendly and the vibe was generally positive.

They even had horseshoe pits! :)

I knew I heard rumors about this sometime late last year and posted asking about it.

Still trying to figure out where I heard it from though. :)

Awww, those animals look so precious.

I don't buy that they look un-happy, especially since they've all been rescued. I'd even say that the big cats look pretty content in those photos.

That being said - "DUE TO THE ECONOMY" is a little in your face, and a tad vague. I hope they re-open, because I'd love to pay them a visit.

skyflyer said:Afterburner is a great ride. The animals were the sad part of that park. They didnt look happy at all.

I visited last year and the year before that knowing the park was questionable. The Zoo has always been the operators main focus, All the animals there were injured by traps, hunters or whatever and nursed back to health. Of course they may never live in the wild again but can find homes nad long lives in zoos and wildlife parks.Chuck

First off I did not know that. Second the cages dont have lots of room when they have tree cat in it. I understand that they are helping. I didnt know till everyone has started to jump on you about it.

I was there a few years ago. It was a nice side trip. :) I found the park very charming and VERY friendly. It surprised me. I had a blast! A bunch of us went there during a break from Lost Coaster at IB. Being that they have one of the last remaining shuttle loops was impressing enough, since the one at Camden was left for dead for years and finally put out of its misery. It was INTENSE!

As far as the animals I am the first to pick up on any neglect. I didn't see anything wrong. Actually I was impressed. That was my favorite part of the park! For such a small park they took VERY care of those animals, and I am sure that is their first priority.

I know they have been struggling for a few years. I hope the best for them! I would love to visit again!

-Tina

Here is an on-ride vid of Afterburner.

Did it always take this long even when the rides were newer for the reverse launch to kick in?

Geez, you could sit there , grab a sandwich, head to the restroom to take a leak, and text a couple buddies before it kicks in. :)

Chaindog said:
You're not missing much, Ensign. Afterburner was indeed scary for all the wrong reasons. After the thing jammed in the loop in '06, I never had a desire to return.

It doesn't stop people from riding Demon at SFGAm.

Chitown said:Here is an on-ride vid of Afterburner.Did it always take this long even when the rides were newer for the reverse launch to kick in?Geez, you could sit there , grab a sandwich, head to the restroom to take a leak, and text a couple buddies before it kicks in. :)

No, Fun Spot's oposite side operator actually walks the train and checks and ask everyone to recheck their OTSR. He/she then radios the operator to engage the return.I remember Screamin Demon pretty much as soon as it came to a rest on the other launch pad took off backward.Chuck

Raven-Phile said:

That being said - "DUE TO THE ECONOMY" is a little in your face, and a tad vague. I hope they re-open, because I'd love to pay them a visit.

I believe much (if not most) of their business comes from company picnics. With nearby Elkhart skyrocketed unemployment rates due to RV manufacturing closings, I would think their bookings were way down for this summer.

FAChris

Did it always take this long even when the rides were newer for the reverse launch to kick in?

The shuttles don't automatically launch. The far side operator will depress an enable button that allows the station side operator to dispatch the train.

It is true the park is a "labor of love" for the family which owns/operates it. They are also involved in ownership of a local factory as well as a university.

It is sad to hear it's NOT opening, but it is understandable. They were already on a VERY limited schedule (Thu-Sun. 10-5 or 6) and were heavily supported by Company picnics and group outings. Additionally, they were not really a destination park, although there is quite a bit of summer traffic there.

MAYBE they'll consider (or take this as a suggestion) to open a few weekends or something similar to Stricker's Grove (Ohio).

I have some personal ties here as this park has rides from a few places I worked/visited over the years. Afterburner (Circus World/Boardwalk), Calypso & Scooter tubs (Americana), Troika, Bayern Kurve & Mirror House (Old Indiana) and Safari Coaster (Adventureland).

I wish the family ALL the best in reopening Fun Spot in the future! It really is a neat, CLEAN & FRIENDLY park!