Did you know Coney Island in Cincinnati held the world’s largest recirculating pool for decades? Sunlite Pool drew crowds since 1925. Families made memories there. But the park on Kellogg Avenue closed for good in 2023. This article covers its past, features, and future.
The History of Coney Island Kellogg Avenue
Coney Island sits at 6201 Kellogg Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio. It started as Parker’s Grove in 1870. James Parker founded it on the Ohio River banks in Anderson Township. People came for picnics and shade. The park renamed to Ohio Grove – The Coney Island of the West in 1886. It drew from New York’s famous spot. Steamboats like the Island Queen brought visitors. Floods hit often, but the park rebuilt.
Key Milestones in the Park’s Evolution
In 1925, owners added Sunlite Pool. It became a star attraction. The pool measured over 200 feet wide and 400 feet long. Divers used boards, and kids splashed in shallow areas. Marian Spencer fought for desegregation in 1952. Her work opened the park to all. This marked a big change.
Taft Broadcasting bought it in 1969. They closed rides in 1971 to build Kings Island in Mason, Ohio. Many attractions moved north. The park reopened as Old Coney in 1973. Ronald Walker purchased it in 1991. He focused on water fun and events.
Rides returned over time. But in 2019, owners removed most amusements. The site shifted to events. Coney Island Kellogg Avenue closed on December 31, 2023. Music and Event Management, Inc. (MEMI), a Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra subsidiary, bought the land. They plan a new music venue.
Impact of Flooding and Ownership Changes
Floods damaged the park many times. The Ohio River rose and wrecked rides. Owners adapted. They raised structures or rebuilt. Ownership shifted often. From James Parker to Taft Broadcasting, each brought changes. Ronald Walker added water slides like Twister and Cyclone.
Charles J. Jacques wrote a book on its history. It details the park’s ups and downs.
Iconic Attractions at Coney Island
Coney Island offered thrills for all ages. Families enjoyed rides and water features. Kids loved the family-friendly setup.
Kids playing at Typhoon Tower in Sunlite Pool
Sunlite Pool and Water Rides
Sunlite Pool stood out. It held over 3 million gallons of water. People swam laps or relaxed in the deep end. Typhoon Tower added excitement. It had slides and sprays. Cannonball Cove let visitors jump in. Water slides included Twister, a former roller coaster turned slide. Cyclone and Silver Bullet gave fast drops.
Challenge Zone featured a floating obstacle course. It tested balance and strength. Keep a close eye on little ones here.
Classic Rides and Games
Rides thrilled visitors. The Scrambler spun riders fast. Wildcat and Shooting Star were roller coasters from the past. The Clipper offered wooden thrills. Land of Oz had storybook themes. Carousel and Tilt-A-Whirl suited families. Bumper Cars let kids drive and bump. Cincy Mini-Golf provided putt-putt fun. Storybook Paddle Boats floated on Lake Como. Action Alley had games like cornhole and soccer darts. Carnival games tested skills.
By 2019, most rides gone. Focus stayed on the pool.
Aerial view of Sunlite Pool on a sunny day
Facilities and Atmosphere
The park had shady spots. Changing rooms helped after swims. Moonlite Gardens hosted dances. Lakeside Pavilion held shows. Beautiful grounds lined the river. Visitors parked off Interstate 275. The address: 6201 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230.
Events and Entertainment Hosted
Coney Island hosted many events. It became a multi-use venue.
Seasonal and Holiday Events
Nights of Lights ran in winter. Cars drove a 2.5-mile route with lights. Holiday music played. Lights synced to tunes. KidsFest happens each August. Cincinnati Parent magazine ran it. Andrea, a local blogger, shared tips. Summerfair Arts Festival drew artists. Cincinnati Celtic World Festival celebrated culture.
The Appalachian Festival highlighted music and crafts. Cincinnati Flower and Farm Fest showed plants.
Concerts and Performances
Riverbend Music Center sits nearby. But Coney Island had its own spots. Moonlite Gardens held concerts. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performed. The Banana Splits TV show filmed here in the 1960s.
Events ran from May to September. Tickets sold online or at the gate. Carload passes saved money.
The Closure and What’s Next
Coney Island Kellogg Avenue ended operations in 2023. The closure surprised many. Nostalgic fans shared memories. Demolition started in 2024. Sunlite Pool came down. Historic parts vanished. MEMI plans a new venue. It will host concerts and events. The site joins Riverbend.
Remembering the Park
Sarah McCosham wrote about it in 2016. She called it a Cincinnati institution. People recall childhood visits. Rides like Pipeline Plunge stick in my mind. The park was desegregated thanks to Marian Spencer. Her legacy lives.
Tips for Exploring Similar Spots
Visit Kings Island in Mason for rides. It’s in Deerfield Township, Warren County. Northern Kentucky has water parks. Check local pools for summer fun. To learn more, read Charles J. Jacques’ book. Or view old photos online.
Coney Island left a mark on Cincinnati. Its story is inspiring.
