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RideOp90's Splash Landing User is Offline Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 161 Location: Kent, Ohio	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 9:00 am    Post subject: Deconstruction began today 3/20/08 · Quote I already posted this in the official deconstruction part 2 but there are so many postings on there not about deconstruction I posted this here. Today at work some of the demolition/breakdown team came over to our store for a battery for one of the Bobcats. I asked what was on the schedule for the park. They have started as of today to remove all the loose stuff around headspin. Some of the safety scaffoling pieces left over from Superman and Headspin. They said it was all scrap. My routes took me back and forth around the park all day so I got to see alot. They had to remove alot of the old pieces and parts from the storage area on depot road to make room for all of the auction stuff coming down to be stored or picked up. I would say they have 90% of that task done. From what the guy was saying they are starting around headspin and working back from there. Removing and tearing down everything around "The Big Dipper". He said he was not 100% sure though because plans keep changing. The weather held up the original plans of removing and doing demolition of everything around the park except for the wooden coasters. He said if the original plan would have been followed through the whole park would have already been leveled. So I wonder if the weather was just a excuse for all the publicity this site and others have given the park? I don't know if I will see him again but I will keep you guys posted on what new things happen. But as Of today the demolition crew has stared to work. _________________ Remember......Fan Boys and Haters are always good for one thing. A one sided argument. Which are you?
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wdg24 Beaver Land Mine Ride User is Offline Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 28	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:02 am    Post subject: · Quote Perhaps the demolition rumor is the reason for the WKYC video?
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Skyglider Thunder Falls User is Offline Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 701	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 11:21 am    Post subject: · Quote Thanks for being our eyes on the scene and keeping all of us posted.  Any activity today, I doubt they are off for the holiday?   I was struck by the apparent plans to clear out everything around the Big Dipper.  The destruction of the Palace Theater/old Fun House, games building and Ballroom would be conclusive evidence that Cedar Fair will not even consider any bids that would preserve any aspect of Geauga Lake's history on site.  What if they get a new bid from a potential land buyer that involves a plan to use those (or other buildings) before May 23? Seems like they are setting themselves up to potentially get less money than they could have out of the land sale.  Structures with intact utilities might make the land more attractive.   They know ACE is interested in some of that land, if it is cleared before land bids are due that would be a huge insult to a group that has given them nothing but support, and has always spoken positively about the company in the media.     Did they give you any hint of plans for the Big Dipper? Since they are probably auctioning Time Warp, El Dorado and Starfish, unless they are moving them to the back area, it seems strange that bidders will have to walk through a wasteland of debris to bid on them, if the plan is to clear the whole site now. _________________ "It's a very special ride. We want to make sure it has a proper home." CF Spokesperson Robin Innes about the Big Dipper. Ohio and North America have few structures that rank as high as 12th oldest in the World.  Remember the Big Dipper.
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Captin W. Beaver Land Mine Ride User is Offline Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 18	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:23 pm    Post subject: · Quote I drove by today, and the worker is not lying, the area by steel venom looks a lot cleaner, and there were about three dump trucks and a whole bunch of tractors loading up some scrap. I also noticed that there was a lot of activity over by the old ballroom. I saw people carrying stuff ethier in or out. I know it was used as storage, so maybe they are clearing it out, so that it too can be leveled? _________________ Geauga Lake....you will be missed!
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geaugafan2013 Splash Landing User is Offline Joined: 24 Jan 2008 Posts: 136	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 3:27 pm    Post subject: · Quote You know i was watching that ariel shot from wkyc and that area does look alot cleaner! So they must have already started cleanig that area before today ! And also the old wave pool is all cleaned out there is no water in it and i would think there would be alot ! So i wonder whats going on...?
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Skyglider Thunder Falls User is Offline Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 701	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 4:20 pm    Post subject: · Quote Captin W. wrote: I also noticed that there was a lot of activity over by the old ballroom. I saw people carrying stuff ethier in or out. I know it was used as storage, so maybe they are clearing it out, so that it too can be leveled? So is that how Cedar Fair answers the ACE idea to use the Ballroom as a museum? They really should wait until the May 23 bid deadline to touch the Ballroom or Palace Theater -- they could be burning money that belongs to unit holders by acting before all the bids are in. _________________ "It's a very special ride. We want to make sure it has a proper home." CF Spokesperson Robin Innes about the Big Dipper. Ohio and North America have few structures that rank as high as 12th oldest in the World.  Remember the Big Dipper.
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RideOp90's Splash Landing User is Offline Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 161 Location: Kent, Ohio	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 6:46 pm    Post subject: · Quote Some workers in box trucks have been loading things into the ballroom all week. Mostly boxes. I seen some of the spiral games. The one where you have to move the hoop around the spinning metal spiral without touching it. They loaded alot of those in there. The worker did not know about the dipper. He just said originally the plans were to level anything that could not be moved except for the 3 wooden coasters. I did not see any work being done today though. I did hear some jack hammers around the go cart track but never seen anyone. I'll let you guys know if I see anything else. BTW the car booths are still at Geauga Lake auto sales. I stopped for some info. $500 for each and $1000 for the 57 Chevy. _________________ Remember......Fan Boys and Haters are always good for one thing. A one sided argument. Which are you?
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Skippy Beaver Land Mine Ride User is Offline Joined: 03 Jul 2007 Posts: 95 Location: Stow, OH	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 6:50 pm    Post subject: · Quote Makes sense if ride stations that no longer have rides be torn out, but why would they touch any historical stuff that could still be attractive to buyers before the auction is over? I just hope the ACE idea goes through. _________________ CFVIP wrote: Whenever CP does something amazing you always have to contradict the truth. Everyone needs to understand that CP does amazing things, but there is a conspiracy out there to keep this truth from you.
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Paul Beaver Land Mine Ride User is Offline Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 56 Location: Twinsburg	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 8:16 pm    Post subject: · Quote I'm sorry for not having time to read all the forums to answer my own question... What is the ACE deal and who is ACE? Thank you!
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Skyglider Thunder Falls User is Offline Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 701	Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 8:26 pm    Post subject: · Quote Paul wrote: I'm sorry for not having time to read all the forums to answer my own question... What is the ACE deal and who is ACE? Thank you! Paul, ACE is the American Coaster Enthusiasts group, a fan group. From media reports they are putting together a plan to preserve the Big Dipper on site and about 20 acres of the park.     These articles have some good information on their plan to save the Big Dipper on site and use the Ballroom as an amusement park museum, along with maybe a few historic rides, walking areas and retail/restaurants and entertainment options.  The idea would be somewhat like "lifestyle centers" such as Legacy Village and Crocker Square. Basically it would be a stripped-down mini-park that would be a unique attraction for the area but would generate much less noise and traffic than the current park. Here is some more information: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/geauga/1194860006146820.xml&coll=2 http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2007/12/05/front/507529.txt http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-4020 _________________ "It's a very special ride. We want to make sure it has a proper home." CF Spokesperson Robin Innes about the Big Dipper. Ohio and North America have few structures that rank as high as 12th oldest in the World.  Remember the Big Dipper.
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jasondude125 Beaver Land Mine Ride User is Offline Joined: 22 Mar 2008 Posts: 2	Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 12:21 am    Post subject: · Quote Hello, I'm new here and to be honest the audacity of Cedar Fair throughout this whole process has been ubsurd.  I actually joined so that I can reply to this topic. Let me give you a bit of background about myself.  I work in the architectural profession and have some informed insight into how development typically works.  I think I might have to fall on the sign that Cedar Fair is stupid to raze the entire site seeing as developers sometimes are interested in reusing existing artifacts that have historic meaning.  The reason for this!  A greater return on their investment.  In other words to distinguish themselves from other sites.  Which makes sense since they are in the business of making money, if you can use nostalgia to your advantage, I say go for it.   Personally I would like to see things such as the ballroom preserved.  At the very least it would make a nice banquet hall to be incorporated into the new development, whatever it may be.   Also some of those buildings could be reused for other purposes.  Why tear down something that can be utilized if you end up building something exactly the same in its place.  I think this might upset some developers because they might end up spending more money in the long run.  Infrastructure is always something that is a good benefit to sit development.   But yeah, I just thought I would give my two cents.  I mean personally I think an entertainment venue on this site could increase attendance for Wildwater Kingdom.  It would definitely attract a larger demographic of people.  I personally do not care for waterparks.  Also, it would give people a reason to stay into the evening, instead of leaving while its still daylight out.  All in all, development that has an entertainment/ amusement component to it, that utilizes the history of Geauga Lake, would be a nice compliment to Wildwater Kingdom across the lake.  But yet it seems like Cedar Fair's plans for Wildwater Kingdom don't include competition.   By the way, my name is Jason, and I have been following these forums on and off for a few months, just never formally registered.  Thanks for hearing me out guys! Jason
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tine79 Splash Landing User is Offline Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 159	Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 12:50 am    Post subject: · Quote Skippy wrote: Makes sense if ride stations that no longer have rides be torn out, but why would they touch any historical stuff that could still be attractive to buyers before the auction is over? I just hope the ACE idea goes through. Don't jump to conclusions ( but don't get your hopes up) & don't think that what you're interpreting is necessarily, what it is.   It's too late to say don't count  on others for what you want. Did you support ACE?,  did you make an effort to make a difference in the outcome of GL? There are reasons for everything, reasons for people not taking it to the streets, reasons for the bid being extended, (though the reason won't be the solution you hoped for), and for reasons that don't make much sense, to us.   In some eyes it's easier & more cost effective to take out in one big swoop, than to make any monies  in smaller, more meaningful ways. Bottom line Feed the carp. Unless you can pony up. And that ponying up time is in the final stretch, but most likely gone.   think about it
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Dominator56 Tidal Wave Bay User is Offline Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 1167 Location: Akron, Ohio	Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:47 am    Post subject: · Quote Thanks for the update! _________________ Geauga Lake I will miss you!
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Skyglider Thunder Falls User is Offline Joined: 29 Aug 2007 Posts: 701	Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:11 pm    Post subject: · Quote jasondude125 wrote: I work in the architectural profession and have some informed insight into how development typically works.  I think I might have to fall on the sign that Cedar Fair is stupid to raze the entire site seeing as developers sometimes are interested in reusing existing artifacts that have historic meaning.  The reason for this!  A greater return on their investment.  In other words to distinguish themselves from other sites.  Which makes sense since they are in the business of making money, if you can use nostalgia to your advantage, I say go for it.   Personally I would like to see things such as the ballroom preserved.  At the very least it would make a nice banquet hall to be incorporated into the new development, whatever it may be.   Also some of those buildings could be reused for other purposes.  Why tear down something that can be utilized if you end up building something exactly the same in its place.  I think this might upset some developers because they might end up spending more money in the long run.  Infrastructure is always something that is a good benefit to sit development.     So if massive demolition occurs before the bids are due on May 23, Cedar Fair will be spending money to make the property it is trying to sell less valuable.   That could generate a lot of attention from the media and Cedar Fair's unitholders. _________________ "It's a very special ride. We want to make sure it has a proper home." CF Spokesperson Robin Innes about the Big Dipper. Ohio and North America have few structures that rank as high as 12th oldest in the World.  Remember the Big Dipper.
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RideOp90's Splash Landing User is Offline Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 161 Location: Kent, Ohio	Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 1:44 pm    Post subject: · Quote I am not disagreeing with Jason, but it all depends on what the land is bought for. From what I hear, Condos. Under Ohio commercial and residential code, with the exception of Gas stations (Stinkin EPA Liberals) You can own, use and live on a property without making drastic mandated updates, such as Electric, Sewer, Etc. Now when you do decide to sell Either you or the buyer are responsible for any required updates. Now if condos are what are going in, The questions the buyer will ask himself are 1 is the ballroom up to code. 2. is the required updates worth the price as compared to  doing all updates then paying for re inspections. Alot of the time it is cheaper and more cost effective in the long run to demolish and rebuild. with the new advances in building styles and materials, it would be cheaper to maintain over a longer period of time. Plus with Condos what use would the ballroom building serve? If the buyer is from out of state or out of the area he is not going to give any thought to the historical value of the property. These are not my views about the situation, but sometimes the truth has to be told about the possibilities of what could happen. _________________ Remember......Fan Boys and Haters are always good for one thing. A one sided argument. Which are you?
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