Geauga Lake Today Forums - View topic - Big Dipper Town hall meeting 4/25/09 - THE place to chat about The Lake and much much more! - Free Message Board Hosting by FreePowerBoards.com

coasterdad wrote:

I wanted to address a complaint from an attendee who wrote on another forum that there was no offer of any plan of action. This person unfortunately arrived 30 minutes late and did not get to hear Dave's introduction which explained what the entire event was for.

The goals of the meeting were to 1) celebrate the history of Geauga Lake and the Big Dipper. 2) express support for preserving the Big Dipper on site, 3) doing all of that in a positive way and 4) having a fun, enjoyable event.

Everything we set out to do, we achieved.

In addition, like Coasterdad suggests, there was a lot more going on than necessarily met the eye, and what was said or not said was just the tip of the iceberg. I saw a lot of people interested in the Big Dipper, and a lot of connections being made.

There is still hope for the Big Dipper, the story is not over yet.

Here are the opening remarks from the town hall meeting.

I am also going to type up the statement from the Big Dipper owner's agent, who took the time to attend the event and seemed to be positively welcomed by all.

If you have trouble sleeping tonight, this may do the trick (and set a record for post length). It lifts some ideas directly from posts on these forums, if you see some of your ideas, thank you.

Big Dipper Town Hall Meeting Opening Remarks
Thank you for coming today, and welcome to Geauga Lake. My name is David Mitchell, I am one of several organizers of this event. I grew up in Aurora and went to school a few hundred feet from here.

We are here today to celebrate the history of Geauga Lake park and its historic Big Dipper roller coaster. We are also here to express support for the possibility that some of Geauga Lake's 120 years of history, including the Big Dipper, could be incorporated as part of the future development on the site, should a viable option to do that emerge.

Geauga Lake park started as a picnic and swimming area in the late 1800s that developed into the amusement park that we all remember. Some of the houses in this neighborhood were originally built as summer cottages for people coming to the lake. Many in this community worked their first jobs at Geauga Lake or Sea World. In fact, when Geauga Lake amusement park closed after the end of the 2007 season, dozens of fulltime jobs and hundreds of seasonal jobs were lost.

The Big Dipper was Geauga Lake's longest serving ride. When it was built in 1925 it was reportedly one of the largest roller coasters in the world. For many people in this area it was an important part of summer. Who can forget the sound of the train climbing the hill or the screams of the riders? Or the terror of reaching the top of the hill and making the slow turn through the tree tops before the plunge?

The Big Dipper is not only a local fixture, at the end of the summer of 2007 it was the 12th oldest operating roller coaster in the world, the 7th oldest in the United States and the oldest in Ohio. The Big Dipper is also historic because it is one of the last designed by John Miller, a prolific inventor whose innovations are still used on new roller coasters being built today. Although John Miller designed hundreds of roller coasters, only a handful remain.

The Big Dipper belongs to both Aurora and Bainbridge. It is one of the few roller coasters in the U.S. that crosses a county line. It starts in Bainbridge (Geauga County), travels into Aurora ( Portage County) and then heads back into Bainbridge. While most of Geauga Lake's other rides were in Bainbridge, the Ballroom right across the street, which is more than half a century old, is also in Aurora. Aurora as well as Bainbridge has something to lose here. And even what happens in Bainbridge affects Aurora businesses and residents across the street.

After the amusement park closed in 2007, the land was put up for sale separately from the rides and the Big Dipper was purchased at the June 2008 ride auction for an anonymous buyer who has yet to announce plans. We salute that individual for his or her announced intention to preserve it. Many people care about the Big Dipper. The buyer not only cared about the Big Dipper, he or she had the resources and placed a bid at the auction. The Big Dipper owner deserves a lot of credit. At the same time, we have heard that his or her agent, who was named in media reports at the time of the auction, has received negative phone calls, letters and emails. That is unfortunate, unhelpful and wrong. It needs to stop.

We also understand from media reports that Cedar Fair is currently attempting to sell the land where the Big Dipper sits, but does not have a buyer yet. We respect the ownership rights of the Big Dipper buyer and Cedar Fair, and are not trying telling them what to do or attempting to meddle in their affairs. But today we want to both celebrate the Big Dipper's history and respectfully express support for the idea of keeping the Big Dipper where it is, should a viable plan emerge to do that.

Let me make it clear that we are not here today to endorse any specific plan or particular developer. There was one plan, however, that serves as a good example of how the Big Dipper could be incorporated into future development. That plan, which was submitted by an unnamed developer, was withdrawn after the Big Dipper was sold separately from the land where it sits in the June 2008 auction. According to media reports, the plan would have made the Big Dipper a centerpiece of an entertainment and retail area. It would have included restaurants, stores and a small amusement area near the lake with a Carousel (perhaps Geauga Lake's historic 1926 hand-carved Carousel), a few other historic rides, kiddie rides, and a museum in the Ballroom. Although that developer withdrew its bid, it is possible that other parties could advance a similar plan in the future. We mention it as one example of what could be done here.

Such a small local attraction would not compete with Cedar Point in any way, nor would it result in Sea World-levels of traffic. But it would have great benefits.

Although our focus today is the Big Dipper, this is about much more than a roller coaster. It is about the potential to put something on the vacant land across the street that will create jobs. If a plan like that were implemented here, there might be entertainment options, stores, recreation opportunities and restaurants across the street centered around the unique hook of the Big Dipper. Such a plan would not only create jobs, it would bring customers who would spend money at nearby businesses throughout the surrounding area, and generate sales taxes and property taxes for the communities.

But before we talk about that, let's celebrate the history of Geauga Lake.

Big Dipper Town Hall Meeting Closing Remarks
There are a lot of great memories of Geauga Lake, I always think of my first visit with my grandmother, mother and brother. My grandmother is no longer with us, but we remember that day. I also think of my grandmother's friend Marge, who lived in this neighborhood in a house that used to be a summer cottage for people coming to Geauga Lake. She was proud of the history of her house, her neighborhood and the park.

In conclusion, thank you for coming today. Please check out the Geauga Lake exhibits at the back of the room. If you have not signed the petition in support of saving the Big Dipper, please consider doing so. It asks that Cedar Fair and the Big Dipper owner consider options for preserving the Big Dipper where it now stands. Please include your email address if you would like to be informed about any future events, or leave your contact information on one of the yellow tablets in the back of the room.

It could be that today marks the start of the last page of the final chapter of the history of Geauga Lake park and the Big Dipper. If that is the case, so be it. But we really hope not. Ohio has very few structures that rank as high as 12th oldest in the world.

Cleveland Indians Hall of Famer Bob Feller recently commented on the upcoming destruction of another historic 1920s landmark, the original Yankee Stadium. He said "In Europe they take care of historical places, turn them into monuments. And here we bulldoze them to make room for something new."

We hope that the Big Dipper does not meet the bulldozer. The Big Dipper is an important part of Geauga Lake's past, it can be part of its future as well.

Thank you, and enjoy the rest of your day here at Geauga Lake.

as imis and katie said it was awsome and i believe that we accomplished what we wanted to, which was to celebrate our park after 25years of being without one, however no offense to imis...but i believe, yes the paper made the mistake of the free food, it wasnt free all we were asking for was donations to re-coup my costs involved with putting the idora event on and together...i heard from many in attendance that they wished our park was opened again and we had droves of people checking out our members collections of memorabilia, Charles jacques Jr was there as well as after hearing he would be in geauga lake that day i called and offered him space at ours to sell his Idora park last ride of summer book and tell us stories...we got great media coverage from the local tv stations and many articles in the vindicator on saturday and sunday...the turn out had to be well over 500-700 people and i know the vindicator inadvertantly put in the "free food" statement, but i dont feel that is what they turned out for, heck with an 89 degree day they could of got food anywhere, but i will admit the younger generation just doesnt know how to be patient and couldnt really grasp at what it was about that their parents etc were there for....they wanted to see Idora stuff and they did...yes admitted the younger ones that have no clue about Idora cause they werent around were impatient with the food line that stretched for about a football field all waiting and wanting those famous Idora fries and we even were told by park police who had to help with traffic control that cars were park over a half mile away on either side waiting to get in...i work for clearchannel and my connections i believe got idorapark.org what we wanted...exposure to the event and the exposure to the 25years that have passed since its closing...and to this day the city still turns a blind eye on the corruption here that allows a church that our mayor belongs to to preach thier lie of building their city of God, of which here in y-town we have heard of for the past 25 years.

our park is empty except for the footprint of the buildings, and our group has tried several times just to get the land for historical preservation....someone tell me how its on the historic register and he was allowed to let it rot as well as erect gas wells to make money...and still preach a lie about a city of God...it will never happen( his city) and the city does nothing as he is again over 8,800 dollars behind in property taxes, and they turn a blind eye...(see mayor comment above...coincedence?...hmmmm)'

but it was awsome and alot of memories were shared and alot of former employees showed as well....i will always remember what our group did as if we didnt, we all agreed at the end that noone else would've...it just would've been a forgotten date....remember this statement...as i am an active member here and just couldnt make it to the town hall meeting being the organizer of Idoras...KEEP THE MEMORIES ALIVE...as when they do decide what is happening with the beloved Dipper, that is all we will have for Geauga

God Bless and keep strong in the pursuit of the Dipper...we are always there at savethedipper.com...it may seem like we arent but we are..and juggling the 2 sites as well

Dave P
(amradiostars)
_________________
As my avatar says "Geauga Lake killed by a real DICK

nice pixs. i wished i could of made it to the meeting. but i wasnt able to.. so i thank you for the pixs and and the speach was on her so those who didnt get to go.at least we get to read it. thanks again.

[quote="TBone8n69"]Sorry I couldn't make it to the meet up, but I have a business to run. If I wasn't so busy all the time I would be to all the meet up's. I'm going to try and make it to the GL sell this saturday with my wife and kids, but I know I won't much time that day to stay long, hope to see some of u there.[/quote
whats is the gl sell that is going on this sat??

Over at tradewinds this saturday starting at 9am until 4. You buy a bag for $15 and fill it up. It is a fun time.

it has been a while since i have been on the site. Out of curiosity has any information surfaced regarding the fate of the Dipper and the rest of the park. I am sorry if you pasted this else were but I have been really busy and have not had time to read other posts. Thank you.
_________________
Check out the new group on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/edit.php?gid=19995091946&members=1&oid=19995091946&view=noreplies#/gr oup.php?gid=19995091946

Remember GL and what CF did.

No new news yet, But there is hope!! Saturday was a great start!!

At the very bottom of this post is is the statement from the Big Dipper owner's agent, which was handed to me on Saturday. He was prepared to read it at the meeting, if the opportunity arose, so this should be viewed as notes for a speech (and one that was written before any conversations that took place at the meeting).

I saw several positive conversations going on at the meeting, I hope that he had a good time. I hope that posting this, which I am doing only because I said I would, does not lead to criticism of the owner, his agent or ACE. I think many of us hope that all the misunderstandings of 2008 are water under the bridge.

It is a new day.

Anything said or done about the Big Dipper takes place in the shadow of two truths: 1) Cedar Fair owns the land where it sits, and 2) on June 17, 2008 the Big Dipper owner's agent paid $5,500 (the bid plus a $500 fee) to Norton Auctioneers to buy the Big Dipper.
There may be a third truth. I personally believe (but not everyone agrees) that as has been said here before, relocation of the Big Dipper would be better than its destruction. But that is not the third truth -- the truth is that the Big Dipper was marketed by ride brokers for relocation from November 2007 through June 2008 and offered to other parks at the auction, but no relocation options emerged. Maybe the best place for it is right there at Geauga Lake.

To the owner, I would say that whatever negative coverage there has been in the past, it will all be forgotten if the Big Dipper is somehow preserved.

At the same time, the silence about your identity unfortunately feeds the rumors and suspicions. This is something else that will be forgotten when the truth is revealed, and although you have no obligation to tell anyone anything, I think that explains some of the reactions.

But please don't take anything written anywhere on the Internet too personally. People blow off steam or post about things they don't really know about. I have not followed the town hall meeting coverage on other websites in detail, but have been told that we have been accused of plotting to sell Geauga Lake items we bought at discount sales, criticized for not presenting a detailed plan for the property (by someone who came in halfway through the meeting), accused of being in cahoots with this party or that. It's all kind of funny (especially the guy who came in late -- someone compared that to getting a toy for the kids that requires assembly, throwing away half of the directions, and then complaining that it was hard to put together). We have also been misquoted by the media from time to time, fortunately nothing too major, but that happens too.

My point is that some Internet message board opinions are more informed and thoughtful than others and you should not take the negative ones too seriously. Old Internet postings and media reports from 2008 are now long forgotten by all but a few. But many of the millions who attended Geauga Lake over the years would welcome good news about the Big Dipper, if that works out, and would be a great potential market for future Big Dipper memories.

As you know, we had no contact with you until after this meeting was announced on March 21. You then contacted us and we assured you that we would hold a positive meeting meant to celebrate the history of Geauga Lake and promote the preservation of the Big Dipper in a general sense, without presenting a specific plan. We delivered on what we told you. Presenting a specific plan to you or Cedar Fair would have been presumptuous. People get unsolicited plans for their property all the time, they usually call that junk mail. There is also a term for speaking up about something important to your family, community and state -- exercising your First Amendment rights. We hope that we did that constructively and respectfully.

Statement from Big Dipper Owner's Agent:

Quote:

On March 19, 1988, I was crushed to death by a bulldozer. My life was restored by God's grace and wonderful medical professionals at Akron General Medical Center. Like you, I have a taste of losing something dear. My life was restored, you would like yours back also. In the movie "My Cousin Vinny" there was a line where he said "I think I get the picture". Well, I think I get it.

Before I go any further, I would like to clear up some things.

1. I do not work for Cedar Fair.
2. No one at Cedar Fair, the auction company or the media know who I am working for.
3. I am not part of some conspiracy with Cedar Fair to buy the Dipper and was not working for them the day of the auction.
4. After the auction, I met one person from Cedar Fair. He is the only person from that company I have ever spoken to or e-mailed. Their decision to sell it to me was theirs alone.
5. I don't know anyone at ACE. After the auction, I started getting calls and e-mails, mostly negative. In an attempt to put an end to this, the Owner instructed me to offer the Dipper to ACE for free, the same thing they claim wasn't done by Cedar Fair, with the understanding that our company be hired to take it down. He even offered them indoor storage at a very reasonable rate. He set a deadline for them to take the offer. Instead, they chose to attack me.
The day of the auction was the first time I had been to GLP since 1984. I came this time with very specific instructions to bid on and buy 4 roller coasters. I was given dollar figures not to exceed on each one. I bought 2.
6. On that day, I had no idea what I was in for. I soon learned. After the media was through with me, several people with tears shook my hand and several hugged me. Mr. Lococo introduced himself and thanked me.
7. The owner's plans for the Dipper have changed. I do not know what they are. I wish I did.

I am not here on behalf of Cedar Fair. I had no part in the planning of this affair. I asked the owner if I could come and he has allowed me to. He is not here. I am to report to him my take on the meeting. I do not know why it is still standing. Not one thing has been removed from the ride and everything is on park grounds.
Even the collection of recovered hats is still in the power room hanging on nails. I have the padlocks on the ride. I was never aware of roller coaster sites before the auction. I am now. To that end, I want to say this:

When you type something hateful on your keyboard, you are attacking people. People who have hearts and feelings. What I read, heard and watched has been stunning to me.

If Cedar Fair, the Owner or I attacked your parenting skills or the way you do your job, well, I think you get the picture. To hide behind a user name and do what you do is shameful.

I am not a hero for doing what I did, but please keep one thing in mind above all else. There was one bid, for 5 thousand dollars, made to purchase the Big Dipper. Mine. Not another person raised their hand. Not a one. And after this, the Owner said give it to ACE for free. He was under no obligation to do it. You know ACE's reply.

The Owner is under no obligation to tell you who he is. He once said he might be your boss, your garbage man, doctor or uncle. I say, be careful how you treat him. And be careful how you treat Cedar Fair. They still own the land.

In closing I want to tell you something about him. He loves Geauga Lake. And the Dipper.

How much? Picture yourself on your first date with someone. 16-17 years old. You are at Geauga Lake park. There is the Dipper, two people per car. Summer night, dark with all the colored lights and you get on the Dipper for your first coaster ride together. Then, magic. Your first kiss. The result? They are still married and still in love with each other and the site of their first kiss, the Big Dipper.

Thank you.

One final chunk of the town hall meeting presentation:

Other Efforts to Preserve Geauga Lake's History
I want to mention some other efforts to preserve Geauga Lake’s history.

The Geauga County Historical Society obtained many Geauga Lake items over the past year, including costumes for Geauga Dog and Sea World’s Shamu. Due to the generosity of Mr. Ray Edgehouse, the historical society also has a large section of the Raging Wolf Bobs roller coaster. The Society hopes to display all of this in a building relocated from Geauga Lake, the Hay Baler barn, which was moved to Century Village in Burton late last year. We hope that their efforts are supported.

We also welcome members of the Aurora Historical Society who are here today. They also have some great Geauga Lake items, including a turnstile from the Big Dipper that was also used at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

I want to than Jason Dlugokecki who brought the head of Geauga Dog and many other Geauga Lake items today. His family operates the Roller Hutt Skate & Fun Center in Garrettsville where he plans to display some of his Geauga Lake items in the future. His family also owns the Neon Moon Saloon in Geneva on the Lake in a building that was the former Erieview park dark ride and that has amusement park memorabilia on display.

I also want to mention “Step Right Up Hot Dogs & Donuts” in Hudson, a restaurant owned by August Lococo, son of one of the former owners of the park, Gasper Lococo. The restaurant has many Geauga Lake items on display, including signs, old photos and mirrors from the Geauga Lake Fun House. It is south of downtown Hudson, at 5929 Darrow Road (Route 91) near the Marathon station.

Thanks also to those who brought Geauga Lake items, Brad, Jeff and Fred Rote, who lives right here in this neighborhood, and to Chad for bringing some donuts from Step Right Up.

The members of the Geaugalaketoday.com website were a huge part of making this event happen. Thanks to everyone who helped get the word out.

Here is a great Aurora Advocate article about last Saturday's town hall meeting titled "150 Recall Fun Days of the Big Dipper and Geauga Lake Park":

http://www.auroraadvocate.com/news/article/4575784

I am NOT bashing anyone, but I have to say something here. As far as the "free" offer that was given to ACE regarding the Dipper... it's not exactly free when the only way it is "free" is if they HIRE the company to tear it down and move it. If you have to pay ANYTHING at all, it is not free!!! So, please don't act like it was a great thing to offer, cuz it wasn't. Mad

_________________
Jerry

I think one of the points D mitch was trying to make is that newspaper articles and Internet talk is FULL of misquotes. We know all to well as many of our statements have been misinterpreted or totally changed once they hit the paper.

If you think you know the whole sorry of what happened Ill bet you don't. So please refrain from bashing anyone in regard to the statement unless you really know what happened.
_________________
GL's demise was caused by one mans foolish greed.

In the end the truth will come out as it always does.

I don't think anyone will ever know the whole story. The only thing that everyone should be thinking about is how to save the dipper and/or what's left of the park. Mr. woosman took time out of his day to show up to the event. That was a very good gesture on his part. Why would he even think of coming if he or the owner didn't care?

Page generation time: 0.5281s (PHP: 100% - SQL: 0%) - SQL queries: 21 - - Debug on

Park Maps . Rides & Attractions . Links . Parkitechure . Park Views . Park History