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Popular water park Coney Island in Ohio will soon close its doors for good.
Coney Island announced on Thursday that the entire property including Sunlite Pool will permanently close on December 31 after its Nights of Lights event.
Not to be confused with Coney Island in New York City. But the much-loved 137-year-old amusement park in Cincinnati will be replaced with a brand new entertainment venue.
It has been acquired by Music & Event Management Inc. (MEMI), which is a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO), and will be renovated into a $118 million “state-of-the-art” music venue.
“We thank the millions of patrons and employees from Cincinnati and surrounding neighbourhoods,” Coney Island officials said in a press release.
“You made this a special place for all of us. But the time has come for this historic destination to offer new and different options for entertainment-seekers looking for fun and unique experiences.”
The music venue will include a state-of-the-art sound system, adaptable seating and a standing area and has been described as a “one-of-a-kind entertainment campus” destined to be a “must play” stop for the music industry’s top acts.
“We are building a new home for live music events that will offer a mesmerising fusion of cutting-edge technology and architectural significance,” Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra president Jonathan Martin said in a statement.
“This new development will usher in the future of the music industry, and we are proud to be leading the next step in the same way Riverbend changed the face of live music in our community 40 years ago when it opened.
“Now, with CSO’s historic success with Riverbend and PNC Pavilion, we are creating an expanded music, arts and entertainment campus for the region to drive artistic excellence and innovation as well as the local economy.”
Coney Island first opened in 1886 with Sunlite Pool opening in 1925 — and following the news of its closure, many have taken to social media to express their shock, labelling it an “absolute tragedy”.
“This sucks. Demo Riverbend and create this if you want to, but leave Coney Island alone,” one person wrote on X.
“Really disappointed,” said another, while a third added, “Sad, sad. So many precious memories”.
A fourth wrote: “Such a shame. 100+ years of history about to be erased for ANOTHER music venue.”
Others lashed that there’s already several surrounding music venues.
“Don’t we have enough music venues? Riverbend right next door? New venue downtown and one in Newport? Not to mention the other, older venues throughout the tri-state. Why do we need another?” one person lashed.
“Heartbreaking, particularly losing Sunlite Pool!” said another.
However, many were all for it and welcomed the change.
“This is awesome. People just love to complain. An upgrade that was needed long before now,” one person wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Mr Martin and Memi CEO Mike Smith said the venue’s preliminary design is in progress and some decisions are not finalised.
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