The Lakemont Park Situation - Are Leap the Dips & Skyliner in Danger?

[@RampagingRex]

UPDATE 05/02/2024: It has been revealed that Lakemont Park has removed both Lil' Leaper and the 4x4 Trucks. Both rides have been sold and have already been dismantled and shipped elsewhere. At this time, Leap the Dips, Skyliner, the classic cars, and the train are the only rides remaining.

[@Bryancooler485]

No way omg

[@TNParadeFan]

I betting that Six Flags entertainment company will buy the Classic Cars from lakemont park to be put in Carowinds.

[@Productions427]

This whole situation with Lakemont is so sad. As someone who grew up going to Conneaut Lake Park and Geauga Lake, I am very concerned about what the future may hold for the park and both of its historic wooden coasters. I was lucky enough to ride both of Lakemont’s coasters last year, but I still think it would be a shame if they’re not preserved for future generations.

[@jpgiles1725]

I live in PA. I have yet to visit Lakemont Park. I was planning on visiting this year for the first time. Sadly, that's not a possibility. Leap the Dips looks better than a lot of people would think

[@kwood4800]

I have a soft spot for Lakemont Park. I was part of a group that marathoned Skyliner during the Minor League World Series in 2006. I don't even remember how many laps we did.

[@RampagingRex]

You probably rode more times than me, but I rode 14 times in a row and still wanted to do more!

[@rowdyruffboy120]

@@RampagingRexI have a question about your Six Flags Killed By Katrina video, theres a song I wanna know the name of. The timestamp is at 8:08

[@mrkevinwood7124]

I love this small little park. I really hope im able to ride these coasters again!

[@FUNKRUBICON]

Knoebels has always been a beacon in the amusement park industry for keeping older amusement rides operational. Perhaps with their expertise in wooden roller coasters and relocating them and the short distance of a few hours involved maybe they could relocate Leap the Dips and keep the oldest roller coaster operational.

[@emilypeduto981]

i drive through altoona pretty frequently, and stop at lakemont whenever i can...i've NEVER caught leap the dips on a day it was open. never even seen the shop or food stand open so i can throw some revenue at the park. i'm desperate to ride it and worry that i never will.

[@RampagingRex]

I've never seen the gift shop or food stands open during normal park hours. I had to call ahead just to ask if the gift shop was open, and it wasn't, but thankfully they offered to open it just so I could buy shirts!

[@Bryancooler485]

I wish that waterpark would open again, I miss it. Even those waterslides are still standing today

[@TheWolfXCIX]

I could see Knoebels buying Leap the Dips due to it's historical significance and their expertise in maintaining wooden rides. I could potentially see Delgrosso buying Skyliner if Lakemont completely shuts too, although it's probably more likely it gets scrapped.

[@RampagingRex]

My concern with Leap the Dips going to Knoebels would have to do with the coaster's low capacity. I bet the line for it would make the wait for Flying Turns look short.

[@gametime2473]

The problem is, the cost to relocate Skyline wouldn't be worth it.

[@Amerigo3356]

I was lucky to ride both as a kid. My mothers company had there picnic at the Altoona curves stadium next door. Loved both coasters!

[@karlieskaggs6857]

This was my favorite place as kid. Summer always meant visiting Lakemont Park. The Skyliner and The Taboggen were my favorite rides.

[@GregsRandomArchive]

I rode Skyliner and Leap the Dips on the same day back in 2012. I rode Skyliner 4 times, 2 front, 1 back and 1 middle. I'm from NY and only made the journey to Lakemont back then to ride Skyliner, Leap the Dips was a bonus. My early childhood was spent going to Roseland Park, but I was never brave enough to ride Skyliner back then. Did you know those waterslides you mentioned were also relocated from Roseland as well? Sad to see them abandoned too. I shared your video to a Roseland facebook page. Hopefully that gets you some more views!

[@coasterknowledge1982]

I called in for all of 2022 and 2023 to try and go when both wooden coasters were open. In August 2023 I some how managed to do that. And it was clear the park needed help. I also think the parks marketing is flat out awful and nonexistent. They need to actually promote the park to bring people in.

[@RampagingRex]

Excellent point, if it wasn't for me being in the coaster community, I may have had no idea the park even existed. I can't imagine how many people out there don't realize they're so close to the world's oldest coaster.

[@lostsheep2640]

That sucks about this park. I never went but just sucks to hear. Awesome video like always keep it up.

[@phantomFanDrake]

Hey Johnny! Kinda out of the blue but I was gonna do a boyertown video myself a long time ago I bought a bunch of merchandise from the park whenever it would pop up on eBay I got a mug brochures and heck even a license plate from boyertown I love lakemont as it is one of my home parks and as always a great video!

[@RampagingRex]

I actually have one single piece of Boyertown merchandise that I found at a thrift store a few years ago: a shot glass with Skyliner on it. I couldn't believe I had found it at the time, but I think you've got me beat!

[@bisem433]

I hope someone is at some point will be able to purchase Leap the Dips and relocate it. I was there for the Leap the Dips anniversary I think last year and spoke with Christi Draves, the general manager because the ride broke down for the day before we arrived. She seemed frustrated with the park in general and was telling me how they didn't have the money to repaint the Skyliner. Leap the Dips was in need of lumber replacement and a paint job at that time and if it continues to sit with the park closed it will fall into a state of disrepair that Lakemont will never be able to fix. I fear we will see a repeat of Conneaut Lake and the Blue Streak. I was in fear for my life the last time I rode it but it had a great layout and would have been a big asset to the park and community if they would have spent the money to restore it. Joesph Todd and Keldon Holdings,LLC along with Conneaut Lake Joint Municipal Authority have no appreciation for history and I got that same vibe from Lakemont's manager.

[@BC_Gaming831]

Hop The Gaps 1 looks too intense for me

[@drpenguin57]

I'm glad I went when I did last year and managed to catch leap the dips and skyliner both open at the same time. I doubt leap the dips will be demolished. From what I understand ACE provides extra money to maintain that ride, though I wouldn't be surprised if it gets moved somewhere else or only opens for special events or something. Skyliner might be in trouble though. That thing looked in worse shape than leap the dips despite being 40 years younger.

[@RampagingRex]

Skyliner was rough and shaky, even just from watching it go I could see each board rattle. If it ever gets relocated, the cost to refurbish it would likely far exceed the actual cost of relocation.

[@Thelightning1out]

Leap the dips is historic landmark and was placed by the government which means it can’t be demolished, it would unfortunately be illegal to demolish leap the dips, the coaster can’t be demolished

[@RampagingRex]

That's not unfortunate at all, that's a very good thing! Doesn't guarantee that the coaster will keep operating but it at least means it will continue standing.

[@xerlmx]

I hope, Leap the dips will at least be bought by another park and rebuild there

[@StamfordBridge]

I'm so sick at heart over this situation, and I don't trust this park president.

[@KoasterKrieger]

4:01 look at these nerds

[@Stagnant_Gravy]

I would bring in a group of investors and funding, buy the lease of the shady company running it now, and bring it back to life. The park was moderately busy back when I visited in 2015 or so, everything (including the water park) was open. They need ways to attract families and school picnic groups. And unfortunately from a price standpoint, a family coaster and refurbished water park will attract far more people than a basketball court.

[@RampagingRex]

The water park alone has the potential to keep the place operating, I just don't think they want to spend the money to get it back into operational shape. Laguna Splash at DelGrosso's has had a huge crowd every time I've gone there. The families that used to frequent Lakemont may have been driven away once their water park didn't reopen.

[@RollerCoasterManiac2020]

Nah, if LTD closes forever, Gene Staples will probably buy it lol

[@MrSRArter]

I'm personally hoping Gene Staples buys the operating rights to the park itself.

[@Stagnant_Gravy]

It would be difficult since it’s a national landmark. They’re really picky with that. Even with it closed, they have to preserve it in operational condition as long as it has that status.

[@RampagingRex]

Gene seems kind of hit or miss with how he runs his parks. Indiana Beach looks fantastic, meanwhile Niagara just has a whole catalog of rides sitting in the parking lot, and I haven't heard a thing about Clementon since it reopened. But hey, if that's what it takes to keep Lakemont going, then I say let him take a shot at it.

[@TNParadeFan]

Hey the California Great America is going to be close for good in 2033 if that or might be sooner make a documentary video about it. To make a good tile for it I like to call it California Great America from heavy invest park to dead park.