Loop 032 printable

Volume 2, No. 8. May 10, 2002

Surf’s down
When the proprietors of Surf Cincinnati decided they would not be able to open the Forest Park, Ohio, waterpark for the 2002 season, the first people they informed was their primary competitor, The Beach about 10 miles north in Mason, Ohio. The purpose of the pilgrimage to their 17-year rival was to ask The Beach to take care of Surf’s longtime customers.

The Beach obliged, offering Surf season pass holders the opportunity to switch over to Beach season passes at no charge. The Beach also is providing other discounts, such as half-price parking to Surf pass holders, who were accustomed to free parking at the other park, and 2001 Surf season passholders who have not yet renewed can get specially priced Beach season passes.

“I felt it was a positive thing to do,” said Pamela Strickfaden, The Beach’s vice president and general manager. “It’s a way to offer people continued opportunity to enjoy waterpark activities.” She also believed the Schneider family, who bought Surf Cincinnati and the neighboring Harbour Club in 1999, did the smart thing by seeking The Beach’s cooperation. The company’s banquet business continues to be a success, and while the Surf waterpark needed costly upgrades to maintain competitiveness—an investment the Schneiders apparently decided to forego—the owners are hoping to expand their Harbour Club activities, Strickfaden said. “They had a concern to keep good will in the community,” she said. Surf Cincinnati’s owners did not return phone calls yesterday.

Strickfaden admitted that The Beach should see a boost in attendance this year thanks to the Surf Cincinnati situation. However, she said she’s not gloating over the loss of competition that actually founded the Cincinnati waterpark market a year before The Beach opened. “It is a shame,” Strickfaden said. “It’s always a shame to see a facility close, and we empathize with what it takes to run an independent facility. They have had a core of loyal customers who have stuck with them over the years, and we hope they make us their new home.”