The Uncertain Future of Conneaut Lake Park - Can it be Saved?

Coaster enthusiasts and Conneaut Lake locals are more than worried about their amusement park. This unique and historic park has had much of its standing history bulldozed recently after a change in ownership. From the removal of buildings and rare attractions to the lack of public comments from the new management, everyone has a reason to be concerned. This news prompted me to make a trip to the park at the end of their season to see the situation for myself. This video details all of the major changes that have happened to the park in 2021, as well as my own experience visiting on September 4.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
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Some footage in this video was provided by Steel City Thrills. View more of his content here: / @steelcitythrills2720
Certain information and images in this video originate from the Historical Coaster Foundation Facebook page. Follow their page for frequent updates on Conneaut Lake Park and Blue Streak: / historic-coaster-found...
#ConneautLakePark #BlueStreak #DevilsDen

[@RampagingRex]

On January 4, 2022, Blue Streak caught fire during its demolition. Half the coaster is demolished now, with the remaining parts of the structure expected to follow soon.

[@yogurt7843]

:(

[@rjkral]

Such a bummer

[@timbrandon3890]

As the GM I would like to make a statement explaining what happened today. Damage to the Blue Streak was NOT caused by the fire. It was from the heavy equipment demolishing it as per permit this morning. A burn permit was also issued to have small controlled fires to burn the wood as demolition continued. A mechanical issue occurred to the heavy equipment used to assist in the control, causing the fire to spread to the front part of the loading dock. To ensure safety the Fire Department was called to assist. Thankfully no one was hurt. The rest of the Blue Streak will come down in the next few days per permit.

[@pixelythegamer3260]

You should do a documentary on conneaut lake park

[@MyGman18]

Is he in violation of the law for the motion blue streak without permission from Pennsylvania

[@kaydub0623]

Even though Kennywood is my home park, Conneaut was basically my 2nd home park. In 2018 and 2019 I visited just as often as Kennywood. It was super sketchy and felt run down and you could tell it was in desperate need, but it gave off a "so bad it's good" vibe. The sketchiness added to the charm and fun of the park. They used to have a Music Express that went like 5mph and played music from a small boom box next to the operator booth you could only hear when you pass that side, it was hilarious. It's also home to my only evacuation on a ride, as the miniature train's engine partially derailed while I was riding, so we had to walk the tracks back to the station, which was pretty cool since it got close to Blue Streak. One time I came off of Blue Streak to look over at Tumble Bug and see that it was ON FIRE. Yes, on fire. But regardless of a freaking fire, they had it up and running for the next time I visited! And Blue Streak was a very fun wooden coaster. Some seats were an absolute jackhammer headache machine, but some other seats have great airtime and were fairly smooth. I remember one night it was pitch black out with no lights on and I was in the 2nd to back seat and it was hauling, and I was flying out of my seat on those camelback hills. I was happy to see that the park started to add smaller things such as a kiddie ferris wheel, and a big ferris wheel by the beach. That park has so much potential with its location, and it already has such a great history. Before the 2020 season, they did track work on Blue Streak and completely retracked the lift hill, which was great to see. Of course the pandemic hit and the park was bought, but at first I had optimism. Seeing those midway buildings being cleared actually made me happy because most of them were abandoned and became an eyesore. But then the Tumble Bug removal happened, Blue Streak wasn't open, and rides started going up for sale. A friend of mine who visited the park this year said that he talked to a maintinence guy who has worked at the park for a while and he told him some interesting things. He claimed that rides like Blue Streak and Tumble Bug were ready to go for the 2020 season and for 2021, but Todd refused to open it. He actually asked Todd himself and got a response along the lines of "Give me $1,000 and I'll open it." The only reason Todd said he would operate the park was to gain ownership. The old owners stated that they were only willing to sell the park to someone who would continue to operate it, and Todd was the only bidder. I wonder if there's any kind of legal statement in the sale that claims he HAS to operate it under his ownership since that's what the old owners wanted. I would've rather had the park just close permanently because of the pandemic rather than see a scumbag slowly torment people by tearing it down.

[@AnimationReCreation]

I really appreciate this video. We used to visit Conneaut after camping at Pymatuning in the 70's. I miss the midway, the games, the funhouse and of course, the Blue Streak. It was exciting enough without feeling like I left my stomach back on the first hill. I think the old train ride traveled underneath the Blue Streak's framework. Our camp director would get us kids the Ride-a-Rama, so we would go nuts on all the rides. Does anyone remember the Rotor? Whoo! But I'll never forget Conneaut. There were a few times when I felt like we had to watch our backs there, but the place was fun, and gave me a great connection to the past. Like being high-rollers in an old movie. Many thanks!

[@tammyscott3706]

Very sad to hear of the demise of this awesome park. Born and raised in Kingsville and went to this park quite often. Each year, my dad's shop picnic was held there. Just another sad sign of the past disappearing. Our country is not the same anymore and it's just sad!! Great memories at this place!! ❤❤❤

[@pretzelrides3748]

The covenant was removed by the bankruptcy judge when Todd bought the park. It doesn’t apply any more. Blame the former board of trustees and Eppac for promising Todd the park last year, well before the bankruptcy sale. He never had any intentions of operating this as an amusement park.

[@charleswolsonovich2568]

Like many of you, I grew up spending my summers at Conneaut Lake. Our cottage/summer home was the one at the end of Midway Drive, right on the corner by Midway Beach. (Yes, the one that burned down in 1998.) 20 years of my life were spent going to Conneaut Lake. In fact, I still try to get up there each summer, even though I live in FL. As much as I hate to admit it, the problem isn't necessarily the new owner of the park. The problem is that the demographics of Conneaut Lake have changed as a whole. When I was younger, 80-90's, most of the population during the summer was renters. Now, most of the population is owners. That tends to mean WAY fewer people are there during the week. Hard to sustain a business, especially an amusement park, when people only visit on the weekends. Many of the popular restaurants that have closed are good examples. Consider this. Even if a new owner poured $10M into the park and restored/replaced everything, do you really think it would generate enough revenue to stay open with the current demographics? I hate seeing the park in its current state as much as any of you, but thinking it will ever get back to its glory days is a pipe dream. However, I do think the owner, current or future, has options that could keep some charm of the old park while adding a few additional revenue streams. I honestly thought that was the direction he was going when I heard about some of the early changes he made. I genuinely hope that he's forced to sell the park and the next owner is able to put a plan together that makes everyone happy. To those of you that are working for something other than the park closing and mobile homes, keep fighting!

[@zachdayton4199]

This was my Moms childhood park and one of mine aswell. We are one of the families that has donated to the park in the past and we’re very upset over the recent changes to the park.

[@kevin-727]

It's sad to see this happening. Never been there before but was on my list.

[@InsaneCoasterJunkie]

You make a lot of good points regarding this park. As one of my home parks, it's a shame what Todd Joseph has done to the park. Me and my friend Alex have talked about this subject numerous times and honestly this park is gone. He basically bought the park to tear it down. The vlog "Marching In Time Farewell To Conneaut Lake Park" discusses all this and more about my feelings but I'll leave it at that. I appreciate your input as it might not be here much longer :(

[@sonic23233]

He broke the law

[@johnj.baranski6553]

@@sonic23233 libelous

[@shawnyoung820]

I think they shouldn't photos Carly Park in PA a rita put in mirage at the park I live at college Pennsylvania PA Why did a take out the tumble bug and train I don't under the end time Joseph

[@shawnyoung820]

My name is Shawn 😂

[@CoasterMan13Official]

He sounds like the Mike Kohan of the amusement park industry.

[@emsedits5692]

I honestly wish something could be done to help save this park but I doubt that’ll happen unfortunately. I loved this park growing up and would go every summer ever since childhood. It’s sad what Todd Joseph is doing to it. My heart is shattered by what is happening 💔

[@Wild1995]

This video made me sad. Congrats for over 20k subscribers. You deserve them all. Your videos are always top notch and so professional

[@SpectrumAssociates]

The new owners are gonna pull a Geauga Lake as soon as the season ends, announcing closure as soon as the season ends.

[@RampagingRex]

I hate to admit it, but you're probably right. I'm just waiting for them to break the news at this point.

[@SpectrumAssociates]

At this point, let Hershey of all things buy the property. Or even Hershend.

[@coasterdunesproductions]

I wouldn’t be surprised either. I’ve also heard rumors that is in fact the road they are choosing. Once it’s done for this year, it’s done forever. Those are just some whispers I’ve heard but wouldn’t be surprised.

[@WeWereInvertedVideo]

Being from Baltimore I've only visited Conneaut Lake twice. Once in 2014 or so and then again a few years later. Both times the park was not looking to be around much longer. I wish someone like Gene Staples has been able to save this park, but I don't know if it is something people would even support if money was poured into it.

[@Splater765]

Pardon my language, but hearing Todd calling the police on protesters trying to save the park pisses me off to no end

[@johnj.baranski6553]

trespassing

[@domenicmartucci140]

Joseph is a Slum Lord from Philadelphia, he only bought the Park as a financial investment. He knew that he could liquidate its assets ( rides)and sell the beautiful trees. Then sell the property as Lake front property . He never had any intentions to fix up the Park, The State of Pennsylvania should have qualified it's potential buyers. Set up rules and regulations what could and couldn't be done. So sad that this once beautiful Park is almost completely gone....

[@LordMatthewSorg]

I have lots of memories of this park, being not too far from where I grew up in Jamestown. This and Geauga Lake Park were the common parks we visited and one of them has already went under, I hope this one doesn't follow suit.

[@kandaceperkins1220]

I REMEMBER WHEN IT WAS BOOMING! I MISS THE MEMORIES AND ALL THE GOOD TIMES! I ❤️ THE PARK.

[@XscreamThrills]

It's always sad to see a theme park die. I'm still a little optimistic. Maybe they'll go the direction of lakemont by demoing all the rides and leaving the coasters, mini golf, go karts, etc

[@ThemeParkVex]

Well...

[@SanduskianHistorian]

I've never been to the park, which I will likely never get to do, but man..Todd Joseph seems more and more like Kieran Burke everyday.

[@kimberlyboysza4954]

This is so sad. Adults and children alike look forward to visiting this park. Please lets save it.

[@TPD_fools_gold]

still making content after 13 years, amazing

[@RampagingRex]

It hasn't been THAT long! ...13 years is still pretty long though.

[@kimberlyboysza4954]

It was so sad to see another amusement park destroyed. I still think that Blue Streak should have been moved to a place where it could have been restored. These old roller coasters are classics. I am so happy that Leaps the Dips has been restored and is still giving people a nostalgic look back to the days when they rode this coaster. We need to save these roller coasters for the future. REST IN PEACE Blue Streak

[@MyGman18]

Thank god you went brother!

[@malefic5254]

I worked at this park for 3 years back in 2010-2013 and I can tell you right now that the trustees were likely in on it with the demolition of the park. They'd been trying for years to get rid of it so they could replace all that land with housing and such to bump up their property value. Though, to be completely honest, I'm not sure this park could have been saved aside from the historic rides like the Blue Streak as a novelty. Not will all the stuff that still hadn't been fixed when I moved on to other things, especially after the bar that was on the lake burned down.

[@danlacy4588]

Makes me very sad. I remember being young and the park had some big bands and was doing very well.. I hope this place is saved and improved upon.. Could easily be a cedar point type of location...

[@Jawon789]

This is giving off major Geauga Lake Vibes from 2007 everything was going downhill Cedar fair removed tons of rides staying silent about the whole thing. Just hoping this park wont end up like my long gone home park

[@no2hiswear]

Conneaut was always sketchy but not as sketchy as this Todd Joseph character

[@BHV0810]

I'm upset. Never got to come here. If this place closes, I SWEAR...

[@solfly6]

So, we’re they demolishing the Blue Streak or did “controlled burns” near the carousel “get out of hand”? I definitely had a sick feeling when this guy took over the park. Thanks for posting this video. A little prophetic…

[@Vulpovile]

Both.

[@nokrepkie]

They did not have demolition permits for blue streak at the time

[@Orange_Laowai]

The covenant should not have been placed on the hotel, this is very much a local park. That being said, there should have been better management in place, to begin with in order to ensure that the uphill battle the park went through was worth it. Just looking at the footage, the seemed just so rundown, and it is sad to see it like that.

[@jamesamsler2418]

Now that Blue Streak is gone...I'm convinced Conneaut is gone!!!!

[@urbex_coasters]

In 2017 I would've said "why are we having this discussion? The park was packed when I was there". In 2022 I'm saying "why are we having this discussion? The park is already gone 😢". As much as it pains me to say it but with how Todd Joseph has handled the park at this point I don't care if they build condos there. The only loss at this point would be Devil's Den, and even so knowing the owners of Bushkill Park I could see them buying it and relocating it to their park, putting it where their old Haunted Pretzel once stood before it burned down. Also, don't go giving me the excuse that Todd Joseph is a businessman, a good businessman wouldn't be looking at things like building a new teen dance hall, a concept that died in the 80s. He's a rich prick who wants what he's nostalgic for over actually preserving history.

[@freakfoxvevo7915]

Todd Joseph's the worst owner of any theme park ever. At least other owners try to care about the theme parks they own, Todd just said "F*ck this" and destroys history without a second thought.

[@pixelythegamer3260]

According to screamscape and the historic coaster foundation, knoebels had purchased conneaut lake parks kiddie turtle ride, and also 40 benches from the park.

[@yeahitme3392]

Though it was probably America's sketchiest theme park its sad to see it go. I highly doubt this would ever happen I think it would be amazing if kennywood were to buy devil's den and put it were le cachot used to be.

[@RampagingRex]

I would love for Kennywood to get another classic dark ride, but of course my preference would be for Conneaut to not go completely under.

[@nicoleackerman205]

They have Thomas land where that used to be.

[@yeahitme3392]

@@nicoleackerman205 I'm pretty sure le cachot was on the other side of that building

[@WoddCar]

Came here for the video game reviews, stayed for the coasters

[@RampagingRex]

Glad you enjoy both! Video game content will resume here soon as I'm finishing up moving much of my gaming equipment to my new place.

[@alanrobledo1573]

I just hope it gets saved.

[@katherineunroe1541]

I'm so sad to hear this. I've been many of times as a child. I don't even see the Story Land (Mother Goose Story Land) where you could feed the goats. I remember thinking how wonderful the park was. Sad day.

[@alexmcgrogan8557]

Great video

[@RampagingRex]

Thanks so much!

[@kilohotel1670]

This is so sad. . I'm moving to the Conneaut area and would've loved to have taken My Kid's there.

[@libimyheart7855]

Oh my I was told awhile ago it closed. I didn't know it ever reopened.

[@warsawred]

My home park is Knoebels and these smaller parks have such a charm to them. I have never been, but I am utterly devastated by this and the demolition of bluestreak. I really hope someone buys devil's den before this jerk bulldozes it.

[@lindaburger2695]

This is the only roller coaster I've ridden. I'm sorry that it's now gone

[@johnsokolowski3201]

Its a real shame to see what's happened, I feel that Ted Joseph is a lair and didn't intend to get the park back up and running, but destroy it, As a kid and growing up in Erie as a family we always came down to the park,, I even remember "Fairy Land Forrest" that was across the street, We have movies being there, But he never planned to keep it as a park but an investment in his pocket, , my opinion

[@libimyheart7855]

I went here as a child in the late 70s and early 80s. I remember walking down the walkway past the games and a lady standing near one of the posts handed my stuffed animal. I just took it and kept walking. She didn't say anything but just smiled and I did also. I don't know how old I was but I was very small. I remember going down the lake and riding the boat. Man parents told me the very next weekend the same boat was hit by a large boat. I wondered if it was the same guy doing the tour and if he survived.

[@JustCarolS]

I stayed in the Hotel Conneaut and frequented the park daily about 18 years ago with my family during our stay. It had so much potential, and then came Todd Joseph who is a moron with money to ruin the place.

[@elefanta1278]

Question: What is the worst theme park that you went to?

[@Chukalux77]

Man that Todd guy sounds like a real Jag! Huh?

[@joehung1552]

I was lucky enough to go in the mid 90's and ride both coaster credits. I hope the owner gets sued by the state and goes bankrupt.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

no reason for the state to sue.

[@joehung1552]

@@johnj.baranski6553 then fine his ass into bankruptcy.

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

Not only did they remove the rides and buildings . They Cut down EVERY Tree ! Who does that ???

[@happysunrise5053]

You should see it now😢

[@jamesklatt]

The owner didnt care about the pwrk and he just bought it for the land that it sits on. He wants to give the land to soneone who more more likely convert it into condos.

[@rjkral]

Well, time has told

[@patrickspeer2990]

This is like Geauga Lake, act 2. Somebody get an attorney! I am from Ohio, losing Geauga Lake is and was devastating to everyone in Ohio, PA, New York, Michigan. You guys cant let this park be destroyed

[@yogurt7843]

Dang, 4 months later and a fire is endangering Blue Streak. Let’s hope it gets rebuilt.

[@warrenkec374]

this aged poorly.

[@pattyhhh1]

Please save our conneaut lake park

[@tomscorner7970]

Sad

[@er1073]

It would seem that Mr. Joseph has no soul where did he grow up? Was there nothing in his past that made good memories make him smile or laugh? It is just a investment to him. I had great times here as a young boy and as a teenager when live bands played here one I vividly remember was Spiral Staircase More Today Than Yesterday. Ed Reagle

[@jdonovan74]

I would love for someone like Palace to buy it. I mean; it can't be worth too much money and the likely upcoming legal battle will make it likely he'd be okay dumping off the property. As for Palace, it gives them another park not far from Kennywood and their new HQ. Plus it has A LOT of room for additional rides if they decided that was the way they wanted to go.

[@nicoleackerman205]

One could so market this park as the shadiest park in America it would work trust me.

[@january._.]

rip blue streak (edit: typo)

[@mellowyellow6572]

I’ve done business with Keldon Holdings LLC, which is Joseph’s company. He’s the type of man to definitely play things safe with a new venture, he emulates business plans that have been successful in the past. I believe what he’s trying to do is something similar to Lakemont Park - cutting back on rides and focusing on concerts and events. As demands grow for bigger and better attractions this is simply the only way to keep smaller amusement parks operating, in many cases. The historic attractions (that is to say, attractions the state of Pennsylvania considers historic) are likely not going anywhere. Whether or not this includes the Blue Streak is up to the air at this point. Todd is a smart man, and he is not a criminal - he wouldn’t demolish anything historic if it were illegal. However, he isn’t one to place the aesthetic or historical value of something over his bottom line, which is unfortunate as he’s planning a rather unsightly development for the east side of the lake.

[@goodusernamesareoverrated]

YT algorithm is harsh 💀

[@mdteletom1288]

Not anymore.

[@centerline8075]

We need a petition to save blue streak

[@johnashbaughjr22]

the blue streek is gon naw

[@thepinkyprincesspoetc.a.5767]

#Wallieb26 posted a nice video in 2018/19 of this historic park...

[@F7PRO37]

Everything got removed

[@johnj.baranski6553]

if people aren't willing to pay to come to the park and no one turned out for any of the concerts..doesn't the owner need to recoup his 1.2 million by selling off rides and land ?

[@jayminyoel7911]

No

[@carrouselsandtheirwurlitze7909]

The party was over when they piecemealed the original animals from the carousel in 1989 in order to pull the park out of a financial rut this is sad and dissapointing, there are very few mom and pop parks like this surviving, the bug should have been a warning to us all, he just wanted to cut it's lifespan short, this guy is pure evil and we can't stop him, he's too powerful, the park was once bustling and beautiful but he ruined it completely, without a reguard to fun or history.

[@billleist4227]

he burned it. they where already tearing it down and the line broke on the ex and caught fire. he lied

[@airtimehillzone]

Well today we know the answer…

[@johnballish3016]

Nope wrong no covenant it was not legally binding Todd's properly Todd's decision

[@warrencleversy2773]

Today it's called "PROGRESS" yeah sure. What a shame it was a fun simple park.

[@lalababy8907]

Great video. I love your channel. Cant wait to watch more Check out Taylor's grand adventures for great travel videos and more

[@johnj.baranski6553]

did you stop at the Tiki Bar?

[@johnj.baranski6553]

you didn't report on how many people refused to pay reasonable gate prices and crushed the momentum for this year....

[@Sakura_Matou]

Todd is that you?

[@protorhinocerator142]

It's in a bad location. It's too far away from any population centers to justify its existence. Look at the map. People in Pittsburgh will just go to Kennywood, which is better. People in Cleveland could go just as far West and go to Cedar Point, also better. People from Erie might go but that leaves out campers and recreation. Which beach would you rather visit - Lake Conneaut (far away) or Lake Erie (right there)? I never went while it was open but my brother and I drove from Pitt a few years ago after it closed just to see. That "Poor Jonah" whale was still at Camperland. All run down.

[@sonic23233]

Can we put Todd in jail?

[@johnj.baranski6553]

no

[@Sakura_Matou]

@@johnj.baranski6553 Todd, really is that you?

[@johnj.baranski6553]

the Carousel is broken

[@johnj.baranski6553]

the park was dying for 2.5 decades...I mean it was sold in bankruptcy so what does that tell you?

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Well lockdown and mask supporters, hope you are happy. Honestly I am surprised we didn't lose even more parks to this insanity, the fact they could have a mostly normal 2021 season probably saved alot of parks from demo

[@StamfordBridge]

If everyone had worn masks and gotten vaccinated, the pandemic and its economic strain would have been over far sooner. The fact that you have emerged from this national crisis blaming those who recognized scientific reality, rather than those who continue to cling to idiotic anti-science conspiracy theories fanned by amoral political opportunists, shows that you have learned absolutely nothing, and if even at this stage you’re still managing to block out basic reality, then I’m guessing you never will learn.

[@StamfordBridge]

And just to emphasize the point that political bullsh*t brainwashing people to be anti-science is what caused by far the greatest devastation to our health and our economy, you can look right now and see that Biden-leaning counties are leading the economic recovery all over the country and there is little to no economic recovery in Trump-leaning counties. More specifically, counties with high levels of Trump support are currently seeing nearly FIVE TIMES THE DEATH RATE as counties with very low Trump support. Let that reality sink in, and maybe reconsider your shamefully deluded post.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

@@StamfordBridge NZ and Australia have given up on zero COVID. Zero COVID is not a possibility now and it wasnt a possibility in 2020, the fact this virus can transmit asymptomatically basically means it's impossible to eliminate on a global scale. The vaccines definitely help alot but even they won't lead to COVID eradication. Sorry time to accept this disease as a part of the human experience, get vaccinated and you will most likely be fine

[@StamfordBridge]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv I’m trying to wrap my head around why and how you thought that was a logical rejoinder, and I’m kind of floored. We can’t totally eliminate Covid so we shouldn’t be taking the scientifically proven steps to greatly reduce Covid??? Is there some propaganda source feeding you that so that you’re not thinking it through? Again, currently in the U.S. right now, counties where the political culture is pushing the idea that masks and vaccines are some kind of conspiracy have death rates almost five times higher than the counties where the culture supports science. If you want recovery in terms of public health and the economy, go with the proven route of accepting science and dealing with it, not pretending it doesn’t exist and exacerbating the pandemic.

[@StamfordBridge]

That said, I think we are agreed on one thing, perhaps: if everyone in the U.S. ignored the anti-science propaganda and got vaccinated, we’d all be doing fine and would not need masks most of the time. If everyone were vaccinated, we could return to 99% normalcy.