Why Ohio?

Just curious as to why there are so many parks and coasters in Ohio. What sparked this need to build in Ohio? Does the state of Ohio make it easier for companies to build a park with less restrictions? Example would be did CP have to go to Sandusky to get approval to build MF or can they build as high as they want? The same holds for SOB. Do these parks get tax exemptions for running in Ohio? Let me know.

-------------
"DONT FIGHT IT, RIDE IT",,,,RAGING BULL

Most of the parks in Ohio (CP, GL/SFO, CI, Americana, WL) are relatively old. These parks were around during the early part of the century where most every city had some sort of amusement center. I think the central location of Ohio to the rest of the midwest has helped the park to continue operation. Note: PKI opened in 1972 after it was decided to vacate Coney Island and the flood-prone banks of the Ohio River. However, CI is still open and is not associated with PKI.

Regarding height restrictions, each park is in a different situation. IMHO, CP can do whatever it wants. I don't think that Sandusky will complain too much with CP's wishes. All the business on Rt. 250 is all the proof needed for that. Also, being in the middle of the Lake doesn't hurt either. Same goes for PKI and Mason. SFO/GL however is a different story. Since it's located so close to residential zones they get some flak now and again about additions, especially this past winter.

If there are any tax exemptions, they come from the local governments and not from the State. However, I could be wrong here.

-------------
Scott W. Short
scott@midwestcoastercentral.com
http://www.midwestcoastercentral.com

If you wanted to get really academic about it, it would be worth considering why some of the older parks survived. Cedar Point was near the wrecking ball several times during its 130 year history.

Consider also that Ohio has a huge population, I think people tend to forget that. Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, Dayton, Cinci, Toledo... these are all fairly populated cities. I don't remember how many electoral votes there are, but it's always a "battleground" state in the presidential elections.

The odd think is the coasters per capita. I'm sure that number is higher than any other state. I don't know the reason for that, other than the fact that we have two parks that have been trying to best each other for twenty years.

-------------
Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com

BECAUSE OHIO RULES!!!!!!!

What he said. :)
------------

THE BEASTmaster
www.geocities.com/byostie

Can you take me higher? (CREED)

I know if you go to www.defunctparks.com and look at the past parks I think Pennsylvania had the most. In my area within an hour and a half of Knoebels I can think of around 10 parks that are no more. I'm sure there are lots more though. Within the past 20 years several parks closed down that I've been to and I'm only 24: Doodlebug Park, Rocky Glen Park, Angela Park, Magic Valley Park. All of them had coasters too even if some are small kiddie coasters.

-------------
Parks Hit For 2000! PKD, BGW,DP,HP,PKI,HW,SFKK,SFA,GAdv,SFNE,LC,GE,QP,CDP,LP,KG,SFO,WG,GE,KW,IW,WL,

Does Ohio really have more coasters per capita then other states? I love playing with numbers, so during my lunch hour I did some quick research on the Internet

State People Per coaster
Florida 795,328
California 690,523
NY 649,878
Penn. 272,591
NJ 271,447
OH 268,015
Missouri 260,397

I didn’t do all of the states, but it looks like Ohio does have a pretty good ratio.
Pennsylvania also has a good ratio. It looks like the optimal place for a coaster lover to live is somewhere around Pittsburgh.
I’m just glad I don’t live in Mexico, where there is one coaster for every 8.7 million people :)

There also used to be two parks im my area which are both mentioned in a rollercoaster book here in the Dayton area.

That's why I love living so close to SFStL, SDC, and WoF. ;-)

-------------
Randy Hutchinson
You build it, I'll ride it

I agree with ShiveringTom. These parks have a wonderful history that have thrived in a central Midwest location. CP and PKI are in most of the top 5 lists for best anusement parks and for good reason. Attendance is high, thereby justifying pumping $$$$$ in not just rides, but maintanance.

Jeff mentioned population -

Ohio has a population of approx. 11.2 million, which ranks it 7th in the country behind CA (33mil), TX(25 mil), NY(22mil), FL(15mil), IL(12mil), and PA(11.9mil).

Also, Ohio has 21 electoral college votes.

...who said the internet was only useful for finding Pam Anderson photos?? :)

Excellent RPM...I'm about an hour north of Pittsburgh when I'm home. ;) 2 1/2 hours to CP, 1 hour to Kennywood....woohoo

-Natalie
CP Ride Operations '99-'00

Being from Cleveland, I hate to admit that Pittsburgh is good for anything, but after last weeks Browns game, I can afford to be a little gracious :)
Ohio and PA are definitely the best places for us coaster enthusiasts to live, with nearly 90 coasters between the two states.

Thanks Mango! I didn't realize there was something more out there other than coaster sites and porn!

-------------
Jeff
Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com

Mabye they should call Ohio "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World" instead of Cedar Point.:)

-------------
Magnum-Just Ride It!!!

Nope IronDragon24, Cali is still and will always be the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, with more coasters than any other state in the universe! With 4 new coasters and two brand spanking new theme parks already confirmed for 2001(even more new coasters to surely be announced!), not even Ohio can ever catch up with awesome California, the true Roller Coaster Capital of the World!

Here we go again we always have to have the competitive aspect on every post that deals with CP, KI or SFMM. Usually its between parks. NOW we are moving to states?? Come on.

How about all of us Americans be proud that we have more coasters than any other country. That should settle that debate.

-------------
"DONT FIGHT IT, RIDE IT",,,,RAGING BULL

Just out of curiosity, how many coasters total does Cali have compared to Ohio. I wasn't aware Cali was the "rollercoaster capital of the world."

Nevermind. I counted and got 42 Ohio, 48 Cali.