More than a year after announcing plans to convert the former Sea World and Geauga Lake properties into a public park, the city of Aurora finally owns the properties.
The entrance area and parking lot of the former Sea World on Geauga Lake in Aurora were overgrown with weeds on September 30.
Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin said the city is officially closed on 48 acres of lakefront land, as well as the 53-acre lake that was previously part of Sea World. The mayor, who previously said the city has been doing its due diligence on the site for years, said plans are on track to complete the first phase of the park by 2026.
Aurora wants to turn the former Wave Pool on Geauga Lake into a zero-depth pool after purchasing land on the lake and its spring-fed lake.
“This project is a unique opportunity for the city of Aurora,” Womer Benjamin said in a news release. “Not only are we securing public access to the lake, but we are creating a regional destination that will become a jewel of Northeast Ohio. We look forward to making this vision a reality and improving the quality of life for our community.”
The $4.5 million deal was presented to the City Council in 2023. The acquisition is being financed with approximately $1.3 million from American Rescue Plan Act funds, with the remainder covered by the city’s general fund.
What happened to Sea World and Geauga Lake parks?
Geauga Lake Park dates back to 1887, when it was called Giles Pond and shortly thereafter Picnic Lake Park. It closed for good in 2007. Wildwater Kingdom survived until 2016.
Sea World opened in 1970 and closed in 2000, when the park was acquired by Six Flags, which at the time operated the Geauga Lake amusement park.
Six Flags combined the two parks and billed the attraction as the largest theme park in the world.
Cedar Fair, Cedar Point’s parent company, took over in 2004 and slowly dismantled the combined park before closing the amusement park side of the lake in 2007. The Wildwater Kingdom water park remained active for another nine years.
What are the city’s plans?
Womer Benjamin said the park will include a beach, swimming pool and non-motorized boating. The former wave pool at Geauga Lake could be converted into a zero-depth pool, and the aquarium building is slated for commercial development, such as a restaurant.
“This was an extremely complex real estate transaction involving a 53-acre lake and land in two municipalities and two counties,” said Dean DePiero, Aurora’s chief legal officer, who played a critical role in negotiating the deal. “This is a project that will benefit the residents of this community and all of Northeast Ohio for generations to come. After overcoming several legal hurdles, all parties came together to finalize the deal.”
Bainbridge Township trustees also provided assistance during negotiations, according to city officials.
“I am very pleased that the purchase of the Geauga Lake property was successful, thanks to the combined efforts of the City Council, the Mayor and the Administration,” said City Council President George Horvat. the area into a beautiful green space for our community. The former Sea World estate is a cherished part of Aurora’s history, and we are excited to see it continue to bring joy and recreation to our residents.”
Several years ago, Womer Benjamin previously said, a developer approached the city with a plan to build hundreds of homes along the lakeshore. The city, she said, determined that the lakefront portion on the Aurora side would not become a housing development.
“This is a legacy purchase for the residents of Aurora,” said Womer Benjamin. “In lieu of commercial and residential development, we are preserving a beautiful and memorable lake and adjacent land for future public enjoyment.”
Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared in the Akron Beacon Journal: Aurora closes on purchase of Sea World, Geauga Lake property
