Volume 2, No. 10.   June 14, 2002

Rebirths

It’s an amusement park!
Jerry Couch and the Pugh family announce the reopening of LeSourdsville Lake Amusement Park in Middletown, Ohio, June 7, 2002.

After almost three years of dormancy, the former Americana Amusement Park reopened under new management and an old name on a warm weekend to a happy, nostalgic crowd. Following months of rumors the park would be in part or wholly razed, LeSourdsville Lake—the name of the original park from 1922 to 1978—thrilled patrons with its cleanliness, fresh coats of paint and new (used) rides.

“We’ve still got work to do,” said consultant Frank Thomas of Theme Park Concepts whom the Pugh’s hired to help open and manage the park. “But had you been here two months ago, you’d have said you’re not going to open.” He estimates 3,500 braved threatening weather to visit the park last Friday night, and up to 20,000 walked through the gates the whole weekend.

Because the park is still opening rides and areas—much of which should be accomplished by the official grand opening June 22—Thomas did not want to charge full admission, despite already low rates of $2.95 admission, $14.95 for an all-day ride wristband or $1 per ride. “We weren’t quite fully functioning, but we wanted to get the gates open and let people get a look at us,” he said.

So, for the first two weekends of operation, the park settled on $1 fees: $1 to park, $1 admission, $1 for each ride, $1 for each item of food at the food stand, which could be purchased with cash or ride tickets. “It really worked out, and now we’re sitting back thinking, ‘Hmmmmm. . .’” Thomas said.

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