Popular Ohio amusement park closing after 125 years; replacement could receive state money

CINCINNATI — A new music venue at Coney Island could receive state money under a bill passed Wednesday by the Ohio House.

The proposed $118 million music campus located on the former Coney Island amusement park site would get $8 million from the state in an appropriation bill that members of the Ohio House of Representatives released Tuesday night.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Popular Ohio amusement park to permanently close this year

That’s less than the $20 million originally sought by Greater Cincinnati business leaders, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Coney Island’s last day of operations was Dec. 31, 2023.

Coney Island first opened in 1886, according to its website.

“We have been proud to provide a place where so many wonderful memories were created for families,” the park said in a statement obtained by WCPO. “We thank the millions of patrons and employees from Cincinnati and surrounding neighborhoods.”

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Popular Ohio amusement park permanently closing after 125 years; posts emotional ‘Thank you’

News Center 7 previously reported park will be sold to Music & Event Management Inc. (MEMI), which is a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

MEMI said in a statement it aims to create “the nation’s best amphitheater.”

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