Plan announced to turn theme park into public park

Associated Press

MONROE, OHIO

An Ohio amusement park once home to roller coasters such as The Beast and the Screechin’ Eagle is finding new life as a public park.

The city of Monroe recently unveiled the details behind its $10-million plan to turn part of Americana Amusement Park into Monroe Bicentennial Commons.

Director of Development Kevin Chesar told the Cincinnati Enquirer the city will pay “historical homage” to the site. Plans include using the amusement park’s lake for recreation, turning seating for the old sky ride into park benches and possibly a museum dedicated to the amusement park’s history.

There are also plans for an amphitheater, bicycle trails, a bird sanctuary and an interactive fountain.

Construction on the new park will be a multi-year process, according to Chesar. Part of the funding will come from the city’s 0.5 percent income tax increase.

Americana Amusement Park originally opened in 1922 as a campground under the name LeSourdsville Lake. Rides and other attractions were added, and the name was formally changed in 1977. It closed in 2002.