MASON — After nearly three decades, The Beach Waterpark is putting its operations on hold for 2012. Company officials announced today the popular amusement would not open this upcoming season, citing low attendance, the poor economy and competition as the reasons for the shutdown.
“The Beach Waterpark management team is extremely saddened to make today’s announcement,” said spokesman for the investors of Beach Waterpark Ralph Vilardo Jr. “We have been proud to provide entertainment and employment to Southwest Ohioans for more than 27 years. Like many businesses these days, we had to make the difficult decision to close after concluding that further investment to support the business cannot be justified.”
The waterpark posted a statement about its closing to its Facebook and Twitter accounts just before noon, advising season pass holders to write to thebeachwaterpark@northlich.com and provide contact information and the number of passes purchased.
Closure of the park means the loss of 11 full-time year-round jobs and about 450 to 500 seasonal jobs, Vilardo said.
“We are saddened to hear The Beach Waterpark will not be open this summer,” said Phillip Smith, president & CEO of the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Tourism is the largest industry in Warren County and as a significant attraction and major landmark in the county for more than a quarter of a century, The Beach has had a lasting impact on visitor spending which, in turn, fuels jobs and revenue for the County.
“We realize this was a difficult decision for the park’s management and hope they can reopen in the future.”
The Beach Waterpark opened in 1985 and had more than 50 rides and attractions.
The 35-acre attraction employed more than 15,000 people during the course of its operation. An estimated 7.5 million people have visited the park.
However, the park operated at a deficit during the past several years and in October, it called off its “Beach On Ice” holiday event. The park said that decision was based on disappointing winter season attendance in 2009 and 2010 and a desire to focus additional resources towards the upcoming summer season.
Splash Moraine near Dayton announced its closure in October 2009.
Kings Island, located less than 2 miles from The Beach, is investing $10 million to double the size of its Boomerang Bay water park, renaming it Soak City.
Poster Comment:
That sucks. I had a season pass for this year.
