Suggestions?

Suggestions, anyone? The vintage finds in this area can't be beat. While scouring through an antiques store in Conneaut Lake last week, I found this old Suggestions box. My family has been filling the box with suggestions - including everything from 'No Amish dinners' (there's a story behind this) to 'Be nice to your husband'. Any suggestions for things you'd like to see on the blog? Are there any Conneaut Lake area attractions I haven't posted about, or any particular recent pictures you'd like to see of a favorite spot (maybe something in Conneaut Lake Park)?

Conneaut Lake Park 'Blast From the Past'

Get a good look because this was our final trip to Conneaut Lake Park. At least our final time riding the rides or visiting when the park is open. It was depressing when we visited when the park was closed (or basically closed because there were no guests). It was even more depressing full of guests. 

Conneaut Lake Park advertised 'Blast from the Past' over the weekend, with $5 ride wristbands. On the positive side, there were actually a fair number of guests. There were so many safety issues, so few rides operating, and so many guests smoking throughout the park, though, that our CLP days are done.  Several fire hydrants (see below) were covered with garbage bags. I can only assume that means they don't work. Interesting for a park that has numerous suspicious fires over the past few years.

According to the kids, most of the Devil's Den was completely dark inside - meaning that about half of the features in the ride weren't working. 

I have no idea what is up with the electrical box below.

The center of the carousel has pictures of old attractions around the lake. There's the Midway!
Despite being way past carousel-riding age, the kids rode the carousel since there were only about five rides operating.

The 'Blast from the Past' was three or four organ operators and their instruments scattered throughout the park.

On the way out, we spotted this cute little cottage. The decoration under the eaves perfectly matches the decorations on the Park's front entrance.

Conneaut Lake Park One Year after Travel Channel - Part 2

I posted pictures yesterday from our walk through Conneaut Lake Park earlier this week. We wanted to see how the park looked one year after the Travel Channel Mission Amusement show was filmed. While yesterday's pictures show things that were specifically mentioned on the show, today's pictures are from the rest of the park. 

Strangely, there are private homes on the park grounds. Some look occupied, and others are in terrible shape. This house looked particularly bad. We walked up to the front door, peered through the cracked windows, and were surprised to see what looked like the entrance to a haunted house. There is no way that this house is safe - I really hope that it isn't part of Ghost Lake.

Close by, there are houses that look occupied and well kept.

Conneaut Lake Park One Year after Travel Channel

Last summer, Ben and I volunteered for the Travel Channel's Mission Amusement makeover of Conneaut Lake Park (here). The show, which aired in early July, accurately depicted the park (here). This week, we walked through the park to see how the changes held up. 

Mission Amusement: Scare Tactics made it appear like their new attraction, the Haunted Hostel, was behind a stone facade at the end of the midway. The attraction is actually in the next section of the midway - you can see the Haunted Hostel sign above and below. The facade that they showed in Mission Amusement, on the left side of the midway building above, was recently torn down. The Haunted Hostel, by the way, was not open when we visited.

We walked through the park on a Monday afternoon, expecting it to be closed, but were surprised to find it open. Although it was operating, you almost wouldn't know it. We saw at most a handful of guests. The Travel Channel show made many improvements and had many recommendations. I did my best to see how the improvements held up and if the recommendations were taken to heart. One of the first things the host noticed was the broken lights. Unfortunately, there are still broken lights all around the park.

The host also stressed the importance of accurate signage. The new signs (from the show) still stand, but so do the park's old make-shift signs.

The park entrance looks wonderful. The signs are up and the paint is fresh. I don't think there was a park employee in sight, but it looks nice.

The first ride in the park - not operating. Same with the next ride.

If you've seen Mission Amusement, you might remember the 'No Trespassing' sign below. If you didn't see the show, the host noted that park is open until 9 pm, but the sign says no trespassing after 7pm. It's shocking to me that the park has had a year, but still hasn't removed or replaced this sign.

Also not operating - the Blue Streak. The unused cars sit half covered near the loading area.

The seats of the Blue Streak cars that are used were reupholstered for the show and still look great. 

Next to the Blue Streak - a pile of trash. Keep in mind, all of these pictures were taken on a regular walk through the park, not behind the scenes. I didn't trespass, I didn't walk anywhere I shouldn't. This is what guests see every day. Piles of trash, broken parts, and torn down buildings litter the entire park.

I think this (below) was the entrance to the old Jungle Ride.

The midway looks past it's prime, with weeds growing through the uneven, cracked asphalt.

Ben and I spent a lot of time last summer painting the planters on the midway. Unfortunately, it didn't hold up very well.

As were leaving the park, an employee asked me if I would sign a petition to stop the Sheriff's Sale. I have to admit - I'm torn. While I'd love to see the park stay, it's in such disrepair, I don't know if it salvageable at this time. It actually looks worse now than it did a year ago. The best word to describe our visit - depressing.

Join the Save Conneaut Lake Park Facebook Page

As of this morning, the Save Conneaut Lake Park Facebook Page is only 90 'Likes' away from 9,000. I have nothing to do with the page, but find it a great way to get information about the park and local area. To 'Like' the page, go here and click 'Like'.

None of these pictures are from this year, but I promise to get to the park soon so I can post current pictures. I hear that a lot of work is being done at the park.

With the threat of the park being auctioned off at a Sheriff's sale, supporters are doing all they can to save Conneaut Lake Park. Over 80 people attended a rally on July 10. The Meadville Tribune article is here.