Creepy photos inside an abandoned 150-year-old American theme park, weeks before it is finally brought back to life – The US Sun

An abandoned former amusement park is about to reopen with a new look and purpose.

Chippewa Lake Amusement Park, opened in 1878 and closed in 1978, once featured rides, games, food stands, a hotel and a ballroom.

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The park, once a vibrant tourist attraction, has been abandoned for nearly five decades, but efforts are now underway to turn it into a museum and state park.

Located in Chippewa Lake, Ohio, it was once a bustling “recreation resort,” as described by Gayle Foster, president of the Chippewa Lake Ohio Historical Society.

Originally a place to relax and enjoy natural wonders, it offered activities such as swimming and fishing.

Over time, the park evolved into a theme park complete with attractions such as a traditional roller coaster and picnic areas.

In 1878, the park became a full-fledged amusement destination, providing a century of entertainment before closing and being abandoned a hundred years later.

The ballroom hosted performances by bandleaders such as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk.

The park was even a popular corporate picnic destination for workers from Firestone, Ohio Edison, Timken and Rubbermaid. Notable visitors included Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.

FUTURE OF THE PARK

But now, the land that once housed the bustling amusement park will now be turned into a museum, according to a report from The Ohio Newsroom at 91.7. WVXU.

The museum is a project led by the Medina County Park District in collaboration with the Chippewa Lake Ohio Historical Society.

The museum, according to Foster, will display artifacts from the park in an attempt to preserve the region’s history.

“The former Chippewa Lake Amusement Park is ‘shining’ this season thanks to H2Ohio and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources,” the Medina County Parks Instagram page said in announcing the revitalization efforts.

The post also clarified that the district is working with consultants to renovate the area nearly 50 years after its closure.

After the news was announced, one Instagram user shared a memory of her late grandmother renting a cottage in the park and visiting the old ballroom.

Another commented on the personal connections and memories the park has created, highlighting its invaluable impact on the community.

The community’s excitement is palpable, with many reminiscing about their experiences at the park.

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The Medina County Park District and the Chippewa Lake Historical Society have entered into a 10-year agreement to bring a museum and new trail entrance to Chippewa Lake Park.

The museum will be housed in a former home at 7464 Lake Road in Lafayette Township, where a trailhead will also be established.

The initial phase of construction, scheduled to begin next year, will open public access to the former amusement park, transforming it into a municipal park. This phase includes parking, trails, restrooms and picnic shelters on the 95-acre property.

Although the new park will focus on recreation without amusement rides, the park district plans to preserve the amusement park’s Ferris wheel as a static display.

Foster expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “We are delighted to partner with the Medina County Park District in restoring the site on the former Parker Beach farm, a name synonymous with Lake Chippewa.

“Over the last decade, we have collected photos, memorabilia and oral histories. We are excited to finally have a museum to showcase and share our discoveries with the community and beyond,” she continued.

Foster believes the rebirth of the former Chippewa Lake Park as a museum and city park will not only preserve its rich history, but also provide a new place for the community to gather and create new memories.