After years of speculation and redevelopment rumors, the City of Aurora has officially purchased 48 acres of the historic Geauga Lake property, including the iconic spring-fed lake.
This $5.3 million deal marks a huge step forward for the once-thriving amusement park site, with plans to transform it into a massive public park. Expect a beach, pool, non-motorized boating, and plenty of other recreational amenities to bring this beloved site back to life.
Aurora’s mayor, Ann Womer Benjamin, made the announcement this week, confirming that after 15 months of negotiations with Industrial Commercial Properties (ICP), the city now has full control over the property’s future. This is a huge win for locals who’ve been dreaming of regaining access to the lake ever since the amusement park and SeaWorld Ohio closed their gates for good.
“We worked really hard to iron out all the details and ensure the city could build something truly special for the public to enjoy,” Womer Benjamin said. And while final plans are still in the works, the excitement is already building as Aurora moves forward with conceptual designs and engineering evaluations.
A Look Back at Geauga Lake’s Storied History
Let’s rewind for a minute—if you grew up in Ohio, Geauga Lake probably holds a special place in your heart. The lake itself has been a popular recreational spot since the 1800s, but things really got interesting in the 20th century when it became the site of one of the country’s most popular amusement parks.
- 1887: The beginnings of Geauga Lake as a summer resort date back to when the lake first became a swimming and picnic destination.
- 1925: Geauga Lake Amusement Park officially opened, bringing roller coasters and carnival rides to northern Ohio.
- 1970: The park entered a new era when it merged with SeaWorld Ohio, creating a double whammy of thrill rides and aquatic fun. Visitors could spend the day riding roller coasters, then hop over to watch Shamu perform!
- 1990s-2000s: The park faced stiff competition from Cedar Point and King’s Island, but still remained a beloved summer tradition for many Ohioans.
- 2001: Six Flags purchased Geauga Lake, temporarily turning it into one of the largest amusement parks in the world. However, the expansion was short-lived.
- 2007: The rides were shut down for good, and SeaWorld had already closed by 2000. Geauga Lake’s roller coasters and water attractions became a thing of the past, leaving behind an empty site filled with nostalgia.
The Geauga Lake Transformation Begins
Fast forward to 2020, when ICP acquired the remaining 377 acres of the property. Since then, redevelopment has been on the rise. Bainbridge Township, which shares the land with Aurora, has seen residential and retail developments popping up, including a brand-new apartment complex and shopping areas. Aurora has already welcomed a Liberty Ford dealership and Pulte Homes has been constructing new neighborhoods on the outskirts of the lake.
But here’s the exciting part: Aurora’s recent purchase shifts the focus back to what made the area special in the first place—the lake itself. The city plans to create a vibrant, public park centered around the water, giving the community access to outdoor recreation for the first time in over a decade.
What’s Next for Geauga Lake?
While final details are still up in the air, the vision is clear: the city’s new purchase will be transformed into a regional asset. From beaches to walking trails, a pool, and non-motorized boating, the future park will be designed for locals and visitors alike to enjoy all that the scenic lake has to offer. Mayor Womer Benjamin says it’s a “legacy purchase,” calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to secure lake access for the people of Aurora.
While we wait for the official park plans, one thing is for sure—Geauga Lake is ready for its next chapter, and it’s shaping up to be pretty awesome. Stay tuned, because this nostalgic spot in Northeast Ohio is making a comeback you won’t want to miss!
