May 18, 2014, 02:17 AM
River Ridge Amusement Park
BREAKING NEWS
FORMER CEO OF SIX FLAGS PURCHASES ABANDONED AMUSEMENT PARK
"Former President and CEO of Six Flags, Mark Shapiro, has purchased the abandoned River Ridge Amusement Park. The park, which was opened in 1994 by Cedar Fair, closed three years ago due to the park "no longer fitting with the long-term strategy of the chain," according to Cedar Fair. Shapiro, who has entered a joint-venture with LTS & Stern Capital, LLC, says the park was profitable and will be profitable again under new management techniques. Shapiro left the Six Flags company in 2010 after the company emerged from bankruptcy.
Shapiro says no outside funding will be required for the refurbishment of the property.
"Major changes will be coming to the structure of the park, including a new midway and park layout over a 5-year plan."
The Vortex Coaster, which had been standing but not operating for 6-years prior to the closing of the park, will be removed.
This coaster, formerly known as Raptor, will be dismantled to be re-installed at a later date.
"This park is in dire need of some paint," says Shapiro "coasters like Forest Run will be getting new coats of paint."
Unfortunately, many coasters are so overgrown that they will not be salvageable.
This small area across the river will not reopen immediately, however, there are plans to expand this area.
Some coasters will even recieve new brand deals to help market the park.
"We're very excited to begin work on the park in just a few weeks to open by next memorial day. Our current priority is renovating facilities and attractions which haven't operated in years."
Stay tuned for more with Channel 9 News.
FORMER CEO OF SIX FLAGS PURCHASES ABANDONED AMUSEMENT PARK
"Former President and CEO of Six Flags, Mark Shapiro, has purchased the abandoned River Ridge Amusement Park. The park, which was opened in 1994 by Cedar Fair, closed three years ago due to the park "no longer fitting with the long-term strategy of the chain," according to Cedar Fair. Shapiro, who has entered a joint-venture with LTS & Stern Capital, LLC, says the park was profitable and will be profitable again under new management techniques. Shapiro left the Six Flags company in 2010 after the company emerged from bankruptcy.
Shapiro says no outside funding will be required for the refurbishment of the property.
"Major changes will be coming to the structure of the park, including a new midway and park layout over a 5-year plan."
The Vortex Coaster, which had been standing but not operating for 6-years prior to the closing of the park, will be removed.
This coaster, formerly known as Raptor, will be dismantled to be re-installed at a later date.
"This park is in dire need of some paint," says Shapiro "coasters like Forest Run will be getting new coats of paint."
Unfortunately, many coasters are so overgrown that they will not be salvageable.
This small area across the river will not reopen immediately, however, there are plans to expand this area.
Some coasters will even recieve new brand deals to help market the park.
"We're very excited to begin work on the park in just a few weeks to open by next memorial day. Our current priority is renovating facilities and attractions which haven't operated in years."
Stay tuned for more with Channel 9 News.