Coney Island was a seasonal amusement park and water park destination on the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio, located approximately 10 miles (16 km) east of the downtown area adjacent to Riverbend Music Center. One of its signature attractions, the Sunlite Pool, was the largest recirculating pool in North America and one of the largest of its kind in the world. Coney Island first opened as a picnic grove in 1870, and by the turn of the century, the park had added a lineup of popular amusement rides and significantly increased in size.
With frequent flooding a reoccurring issue, along with growing competition, park management ultimately decided that a larger destination was needed away from the river bank. Coney Island was sold to Taft Broadcasting in 1969 for $6.5 million. It was relocated further north to Mason, Ohio, where it reopened as Kings Island in 1972. The old location reopened in 1973 and was renamed Old Coney, featuring only the Sunlite Pool initially. Smaller flat rides and other water park amenities eventually returned, and under new ownership, the park resumed operation as Coney Island in 1985. 15 acres (6.1 ha) of land were donated to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) to build Riverbend, an outdoor amphitheater designed to withstand flooding.
A decision was made in 2019 to remove the park's amusement rides, and operation continued as a water park resort only. Coney Island permanently closed after the 2023 season following its sale to Music and Event Management, Inc. (MEMI), a subsidiary of CSO, which demolished what remained to redevelop the area as a state-of-the-art entertainment venue.
History
In 1867, an apple farmer by the name of James Parker purchased a 20-acre (0.081 km) apple orchard located along the shores of the Ohio River. After renting out the land for a private picnic in 1870, he realized its potential to become a popular gathering place for local residents and named it Parker's Grove. Instead of apple farming, he focused his efforts on building amenities such as a dining hall, dance hall, and bowling alley, and when apple trees died, he replaced them with maple trees for shade.
The Ohio Grove Corporation, a company headed by two steamboat captains, purchased Parker's Grove in 1886 for $17,500. They changed the name to "Ohio Grove, The Coney Island of the West" in an effort to link the park with the famous New York destination, and it was marketed as "Cincinnati's Moral Resort" ahead of its grand opening on June 21, 1886. At a time when trolley parks were beginning to appear throughout the United States, Ohio Grove's riverfront location near the major inland port of Cincinnati helped ensure that the riverboat would become the most popular method of transportation for park guests. The name of the park was shortened to Coney Island after "Ohio Grove" was dropped from the title in 1887.
The Sunlite Pool was added in 1925. It is an outdoor freshwater pool with 7,450 m (80,200 sq ft) surface area. It was the largest recirculating pool in North America, and at one time, was the largest in the world.
Moonlite Gardens at Coney Island
Over the years, Coney Island became a full-fledged amusement park, complete with rides and carnival games. Notable additions included the first and second Island Queen in 1896 and 1925, respectively, Moonlite Gardens dance pavilion in 1925, the Wildcat and Twister wooden roller coasters in 1926, the Land of Oz children's section in 1934, and the Shooting Star roller coaster (a renovation of the former Clipper roller coaster) in 1947.
Coney Island became a Cincinnati institution. It was desegregated after being sued in 1952 by Marian Spencer. The park's proximity to the river made it prone to frequent flooding. In 1968, park management entered into talks with Taft Broadcasting for the purpose of developing a new park on higher ground. Taft responded by buying Coney Island outright in 1969, and construction began the following year on a new site located in Deerfield Township of Warren County 25 miles (40 km) north of Cincinnati along Interstate 71. Coney Island closed its amusements on September 6, 1971, as most of its rides were moved to the newly completed Kings Island theme park.
After Kings Island opened in 1972, Taft Broadcasting intended to sell Coney Island's land for redevelopment. However, with the company's decision to open another theme park in Virginia (Kings Dominion) and its acquisition of Carowinds on the North Carolina-South Carolina border, the property's redevelopment became a low priority. Less than two years after closing, Coney Island reopened permanently in 1973. The park was only a shadow of its former self but still featured several popular attractions. The Sunlite Pool helped Coney Island remain a popular summertime destination.
The park donated 15 acres (61,000 m) of land for the construction of Riverbend Music Center which opened in 1984. The land was the former location of the Wildcat and Shooting Star roller coasters. The Riverbend amphitheater serves as the summer home of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras, as well as a concert venue for other musical acts. In 1991, Coney Island was purchased by Cincinnati businessman Ronald Walker. No longer held back by a corporate entity, management was able to restore Coney Island as a traditional amusement park with familiar rides such as the "Tilt-A-Whirl", bumper cars, carnival games and musical shows.
Coney Island announced plans to remove all amusement rides from the park on September 21, 2019, but continued to operate as a water park featuring the Sunlite Pool and other water-related attractions. The decision was based on attendance, consumer feedback, and rising costs associated with maintaining ride operation.
On December 14, 2023, the park announced that it would be sold to Music and Event Management, Inc. (MEMI), a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with plans to redevelop the property into a multi-use venue with sports, dining, and entertainment. Demolition proceeded in early 2024 despite a failed grassroots effort to save the Sunlite Pool and the surrounding property.
List of attractions
Sunlite Water Adventure
Attraction
Opened
Description
Cannonball Cove
2019
A separate pool for diving located near Sunlite Pool that features two 3-foot (0.91 m) diving boards and a 9-foot (2.7 m) diving board.
Challenge Zone
2021
Large floating obstacle course featuring more than 150 feet (46 m) of obstacles.
Cyclone
2006
A 70-foot (21 m) enclosed body slide located near the deep end of Sunlite Pool.
Silver Bullet
1945
A speed slide that sends its riders splashing into the main area of Sunlite Pool.
Sunlite Pool
1925
The nation's largest recirculating pool.
The Twister
2009
Named after the Twister wooden roller coaster that operated at the park from 1926 through 1936, Twister is a four-slide attraction that features two body slides and two inner tube slides.
Family attractions
Attraction
Opened
Description
Action Alley
2022
Giant inflatable jump pad, soccer darts, cornhole, and more.
Funhouse with stunts including a tilted room with the walls, ceiling, and floor at different angles. Facade included two over-sized heads, with one as the entrance and the other as the exit. Attraction was a partnership between Frank Thomas and George Sinclair.
Classic carousel with 48 hand-carved wooden horses and two chariots. Originally opened in building that had housed the park's previous carousel before being relocated within the park to a newer building designed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1932. Carousel #79 from manufacturer. Originally painted with more than 20,000 sheets of 23-karat (96%) gold and 1,000 sheets of sterling silver. A 68-year-old woman fell from the ride in 1947 and died. Completely refurbished in 1969 at a cost of $50,000. Relocated to Kings Island as Carousel, today known as Grand Carousel. Ride's structure remained in place until it was demolished in 1985.
Classic Caterpillar attraction. Installed by J.J. Schmid with a five year lease.
Chase Me
(Kiddie Auto)
1934
Closed
Children's ride located in the Land of Oz. Included vehicles themed to automobiles, fire engines, and police cars.
Circle Swing
Harry Traver and Rudyard S. Uzzell (Circle Swing)
1900s
Closed - 1944 or later
Large circle swing originally built on a small island in Lake Como. Identified under various names, including Circle Swing, The Rockets, and Flying Tigers. Originally had six wicker basket ride vehicles which were replaced with small wooden airplanes in the 1920s. Relocated within park in 1926. Airplanes replaced with rockets (built in-house) for 1938 season. Rockets repainted to resemble Flying Tigers airplanes for 1942 season.
A twisted wooden roller coaster designed by Herbert Schmeck. Skyrocket's machinery was saved for use on this ride. Featured an art deco-style loading station. Nicknamed Greased Lightning. Segments of the ride, including its loading station, lift, and final spiral helix, were retained for the construction of Shooting Star.
Miniature railway over Lake Como on a 462-foot (141 m) trestle and into the adjoining woods. Included settler and Native American figurines created by Special Effects Company of Morrison, Colorado. Victorian-style station designed by University of Cincinnati graduate Darrel Daniels. Engines named after Mad Anthony Wayne (#34) and George Rogers Clark (#35). Trains were stored overnight in the ride's two tunnels. $10,000 of new effects added for 1966 season, including a grizzly bear, a fort, and additional Native American figurines. After ride closed, #34 was relocated to World of Golf in Florence, Kentucky and later Oil Ranch in Hockley, Texas. #35 eventually found its way to Guntown Mountain Railroad near Mammoth Cave, Kentucky before being put in storage at Beech Bend Park.
Funhouse. Replaced Noah's Ark but retained the rocking structure design. Visitors entered through Satan's mouth.
Dip the Dips (1)
T.M. Harton Company (Wooden Coaster)
1911
1918
Roller coaster built by T.M. Harton. Operated by the Coney Island Dips Co.
Dip the Dips (2)
T.M. Harton Company
(Wooden Coaster)
1918
1925
Roller Coaster built by T.M. Harton that replaced the previous coaster of the same name. Reconstructed with a higher hill and more dips in the early 1920s. Replaced by Twister.
Standard bumper-car attraction. Also referred to as Skooter. Originally owned by A.H. Light of Cincinnati and located in a dome-shaped structure built by John A. Miller of Miller and Baker. Housed in the same structure as Cuddle Up and The Whip. New cars added in 1967. Relocated to Kings Island.
24-foot tall Ferris Wheel with six carriages. Constructed of wood and iron. Operated by Albert Heninchen, who disassembled the ride in the off-season and operated it inside a swim club in the city.
A spinning ride with suspended cars that riders could control. New cars added to ride in 1960. Relocated to Kings Island (1972–2004) and later to Carowinds (2005-Present).
Galaxi
S.D.C. (Galaxi)
1970
1971
A compact Galaxi steel roller coaster. Relocated to Kings Island (1972–1978) as Bavarian Beetle.
An "illusion" ride where people would enter a small building and get on a swing. The building revolved around the swing, creating the illusion that the guests had inverted.
Hegler Coaster
(Wooden Coaster)
1880s
Closed
Small wooden roller coaster, comparable to those at Coney Island. Named after park president J.D. Hegler and possibly built under the La Marcus Thompson patents. Enlarged for the 1888 season.
Helicopter
Allan Herschell
1960
1971
Children's ride with miniature helicopters. Helicopters replaced with large kangaroos in 1967. Ride relocated to Kings Island as Kikki Kangaroo.
Designed and built by Langdon McCormick. One effect was a room that appeared to be on fire. The facade was given "demonical lighting effects" at night. Located across the Mall from Goofy House.
Funhouse with Native American theming. Replaced the Mirror Maze. Replaced by Scrambler.
Jack and Jill
(Slide)
1929
1932
Spiraling slide that passengers rode down on woven mats. Passengers rode to the top on escalator seats. Slide removed after many park guests had sustained injuries on it, including George Schott's daughter.
Jolly Caterpillar
1960
Closed
Children's ride with a "bucking" action as the ride traveled in a circle.
Funhouse located on the Mall. Designed by Ernest Anderson and featured a jungle motif and sounds. Building used for The Coney Dog, Pony, and Monkey Circus in 1939.
Junior Turnpike
(Miniature Turnpike)
1957
Closed
Miniature version of the larger Turnpike, added into the Land of Oz.
Classic dark ride with small, powered cars from Traver Engineering and a building designed by Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The 850-foot (260 m) track included stunts like a skeleton in a coffin, a jumping lion, a dancing girl, and the devil.
62-foot circular ride with 12 small racing cars. "Drivers" could steer their cars to avoid or hit bumps by moving into or away from the center of the ride. The attraction was likely owned by a concessionaire and only remained at the park for one or two season.
Log flume ride marketed as park's most expensive addition ever at $500,000. Relocated to Kings Island as Kings Mill Log Flume. The ride was partially rebuilt for the 2001 season and is now known as Race For Your Life Charlie Brown.
Loop-the-Loop
Spillman Engineering Company
1930s
Closed
Caged ride where passengers would swing back-and-forth until they were able to complete a full loop around the structure.
Originally known as The Cascades. Shoot-the-chute ride that started with a dark, winding tunnel with illuminated scenes before going up a hill and down a curving drop into a pool of water. Facade included a windmill and large artificial facade. The ride was similar to but larger than the former Mystic Mill Chutes. Ride renovated and renamed to Lost River in 1941. A new facade was built and the drop was removed, but due to lack of popularity a new, larger drop was added in 1942.
Traditional "Octopus" ride that spins in three different circles at the same time. While it quickly raises and lowers riders as their cars continue to spin. Replaced the penny arcade. Relocated to Kings Island and now known as Monster.
Moon Rocket
Spillman Engineering Corp.
1942
1946
Circular spinning ride. Replaced with Caterpillar.
First of many new funhouses built at Coney Island in the 1930s. Exterior covered with minarets. Replaced by Goofy House.
Mystic Mill Chute
(Shoot the Chutes / Old Mill)
1922
1931
Combination shoot the chutes and Old Mill ride built by George Sinclair and Frank Thomas. Included a large windmill on top and small wooden boats propelled through tunnels by a large paddle wheel. Featured a roller coaster style ending with a chain lift hill and a drop into water. Ride removed several years after The Cascades was built when it could no longer contend with the newer, larger attraction.
Funhouse themed to Biblical story of Noah's Ark. Owned by Charles McDonald. Included large rocking ship with a giraffe, elephant, and Noah looking out its windows. Replaced by Devil's Kitchen, which re-used the rocking mechanism.
Traditional amusement-park ride manufactured by Eli Bridge Company. Three arms spin riders giving them the sensation of almost hitting the wall. Relocated to Kings Island.
Shoot the Chutes
(Shoot the Chutes)
1890s
1898
Shoot-the-chutes into Lake Como. Built by William Ward Devore and also known as Coasting Launch.
Shoot the Chutes (2)
(Shoot the Chutes)
1899
1910
Said to cost $10,000. Passengers ascended and descended the hill in the same boat, unlike its predecessor.
Shoot the Chutes (3)
(Shoot the Chutes)
1911
1913
Rebuild of former Shoot the Chutes; larger than its predecessor. Destroyed by fire on June 17, 1913.
Shoot the Chutes (4)
(Shoot the Chutes)
1910s
1921
Replaced Shoot the Chutes that was destroyed by fire in 1913. Received new, faster sled-bottomed boats for 1916 season. Removed alongside addition of Mystic Mill Chute in 1922.
Shooting Star
(Wooden Coaster)
1947
1971
Wooden roller coaster that re-used the station, lift, and final spiral helix of the Clipper. Included nine new hills to connect the ends. The ride was 88 feet (27 m) tall, 2,950 feet (900 m) feet long, and reached a maximum speed of approximately 43 miles per hour (69 km/h). Designed by Herbert Schmeck. A 40-year-old woman was ejected from the ride and fell to her death in May 1947 shortly after the ride opened. A large new marquee with 3,500 light bulbs was added in 1963. An 18-year-old man fell to his death from the ride in 1966.
At times referred to as The Show Boat. Funhouse designed by Paul G. Hill and built to resemble a river steamboat. Replaced Sky Rocket. Included a Laffing Sal figure dubbed "Show Boat Sal" and an exposed second level with jets of air which would expose unsuspecting guests in skirts or dresses. Renovated into Mirror Maze in 1947.
Sometimes referred to as Skydiver. Large thrill ride that resembled a Ferris Wheel but inverted passengers. Cost the park $55,000.
Sky Fighters
1954
Closed
Children's ride located in the Land of Oz.
Sky Rocket
(Wooden Coaster)
1921
1935 or earlier
At times referred to as Skyrocket or Greyhound. Roller coaster designed by John A Miller. Featured an under-the-track wheel system which locked the cars to the track. Ride included fourteen dips and allegedly cost $40,000. Frank Thomas was in charge of its construction. Ride was rebuilt in mid-1920s with a first drop that took passengers all the way to the ground and a modified back turn. Ride replaced with Show Boat funhouse. Ride's machinery saved for use on Clipper.
Sky Slide
(Mat Slide)
1969
1971
Giant slide. Relocated to Kings Island (1972–1995) as Flying Carpet and later Scrappy's Slides.
A cable-car skyride. Built in Berne, Switzerland and shipped in six different freighters. 1,200 feet (370 m) long with three towers, the tallest being 96 feet (29 m) high. Included 32 gondola cars. One station was themed as an alpine chalet. Relocated to Kings Island (1972–1979). One station remained standing at Coney Island until it was demolished for the addition of Riverbend Music Center in 1984.
Dark ride with collection of comical and scary stunts. Ride vehicles were four-seat cars that resembled old-time automobiles. Ride re-themed into Batman's Bat Cave for 1966 season.
A 1920s Harry Traver classic that pulled five linked cars around an undulating circular track, similar to Turtle at Kennywood Park. Relocated within park in 1926. Cars and mechanical components relocated to Kings Island (1972–1985), but original track remained at Coney Island.
Added at a cost of $100,000. Traveled around and over Lake Como and was 1,875 feet (572 m) long. Cars ran between two external rails. Light poles installed every 60 feet (18 m) along the track. Cars from Arrow Development and a center guide rail added in 1966.
Enclosed wooden roller coaster. Designed by Herbert Paul Schmeck. Serial number 53 or 54. Replaced Dip the Dips. By 1929 parts of the ride's enclosure had been removed.
Water Cycle
Custer Specialty Company
1930s
Closed
Watercraft in Lake Como that passengers could pedal like a boat.
Water Whirl
1910s
Closed
Ride located in Lake Como.
Whip
W.F. Mangels Company (Whip)
Unknown - 1937 or earlier
1955
Classic Whip attraction. Survived the 1937 flood. Replaced by newer model in 1956.
Whip
(Whip)
1956
1971
Replaced previous version of attraction.
Whirlpool
William Ward Devore
1908
Closed
Enclosed ride that included mysterious caves.
Wildcat
(Wooden Coaster)
1926
1964
Wooden roller coaster designed by Herbert Paul Schmeck. New entrance and cars with headlights added for 1956 season. Removed to make way for the Skyride.
Wild Mouse
B.A. Schiff & Associates (Wild Mouse)
1958
1969
Wild mouse roller coaster with a series of tight turns.
Zoomer
Custer Specialty Company Inc.
1927
1931
Suspended monorail type ride with six individually powered cars that were connected as a train and navigated a winding track. The ride never proved popular and was considered slow and jerky by its riders.
Traveled from riverbank through grove and almost to Lake Como. Makers claimed it was the longest and fastest roller coaster that could be built.
Unknown - Children's Carousel
(Carousel)
1967
Unknown
Miniature children's carousel.
Unknown - Turtles
(Miniature Tumble Bug)
1967
1971
Miniature Tumble Bug attraction. Relocated to Kings Island as Squiddly Diddly.
Unknown - Hampton
Hampton Amusements Corporation
1969
1971
Miniature carousel-car ride designed by Hampton Amusement Corporation. Relocated to Kings Island and now known as PEANUTS Off-Road Rally.
Unknown - Children's Electric Train 1
(Electric Train)
1932
Closed
Installed behind the new Carousel building as part of child's playground.
Unknown - Children's Electric Train 2
(Electric Train)
1935
Closed
Added into the Land of Oz.
Unknown - Merry-Go-Round
(Carousel)
1800s
Unknown
Park's first ride; a mule-powered merry-go-round with wooden horses suspended from the ceiling.
Unknown - Merry-Go-Round
T.M. Harton Company (Carousel)
1911
1925
Operated by the Coney Island Caroussel & Bldg. Company with figures carved by Daniel Muller. Refurbished in early 1920s. Replaced with Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel #79 in 1926.
Pipeline Plunge is a dual enclosed innertube slide. It replaced the Zzip. It was revamped during the 2011 season including new floats in which you lie on your stomach while riding down the flumes. It was removed before the 2019 season began and replaced by Cannonball Cove.
Spinning Lift Ride; opened at Coney Island in 2014, flips riders upside down in circles 20 feet in the air.
Zoom Flume
(Waterslide)
1977
2008
Zoom Flume, which had wooden supports, was the first of Sunlite Pool's large slides. It was removed at the end of the 2008 season and replaced by The Twister.
Zzip
1984
1993
The Zzip was similar to its successor, the Pipeline Plunge.
Events
Over the years, Coney Island hosted a number of annual festivals including the Summerfair Arts Festival, the Cincinnati Celtic World Festival, the Appalachian Festival, and the Cincinnati Flower and Farm Fest. Concerts were also occasionally held in the Moonlite Gardens area of the park.
Scenes from the 1968-1970 children's TV show The Banana Splits were filmed at Coney Island.
