CEO leaves legacy of big coasters at Cedar Point

SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) — The retiring head of an Ohio-based amusement park chain is leaving behind a tall legacy.

Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. chief executive Richard Kinzel transformed a small collection of amusement parks into an industry giant. He also oversaw the growth of Cedar Point along the Lake Erie shore by opening several record-breaking roller coasters over the past three decades.

Kinzel is stepping down from the Sandusky-based company at the end of the year. He started his career at Cedar Point in the early 1970s and has been chief executive officer since 1986.

It was Kinzel who decided the park would build the world’s first coaster topping 200 feet, kicking off a building boom at Cedar Point. Kinzel tells the Sandusky Register that it was the best move of his career.