Coney Island Map and Brochure (2005 – 2023)
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Years Active: 1870 – Active
Coney Island is a small water park located on the banks of the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio, approximately 10 miles east of the downtown area in Anderson Township. It no longer has the old-time carnival rides pictured in many review sites and promotional materials still in use. As of the 2021 season, about one-third of the deep end is occupied by an inflatable obstacle course not pictured on the park’s website.
The park sits directly adjacent to Riverbend Music Center and Belterra Park. Beginning in 1870, the original owner called the area Parker’s Grove, which was later renamed Ohio Grove, The Coney Island of the West after the Ohio Grove Corporation purchased the park in 1886. The name was shortened to Coney Island the following season. Growth over the years spawned dozens of rides and attractions which led to its popularity as an amusement destination.
Coney Island was sold to Taft Broadcasting in 1969 with intentions to move the park to a new, larger destination away from frequent flooding. The new park opened as Kings Island in 1972, although Coney Island’s Sunlite Pool remained opened. Rides eventually returned, and additional investments and improvements were made to the Sunlite Pool area. These changes, along with the opening of the nearby Riverbend Music Center in 1984, allowed the park’s attendance and profitability to recover. In 2019, Coney Island focused its operations exclusively on its water park amenities and removed other amusement rides.
What happened to Coney Island Cincinnati?
Coney Island Cincinnati, an iconic amusement park located along the banks of the Ohio River, closed its gates for the final time in 1971. The park had been a beloved destination for over 70 years, featuring thrilling rides, a popular swimming pool, and various entertainment options. However, declining attendance and financial challenges led to its closure. The land was subsequently sold and redeveloped into a water park called “Coney Island Waterpark,” which continues to operate to this day, offering water-based attractions and family-friendly fun.
What is Coney Island famous for?
Coney Island, located in Brooklyn, New York, is renowned for its historic amusement park, iconic boardwalk, and signature hot dogs. The amusement park, with its historic Cyclone roller coaster and the Wonder Wheel, has been a popular entertainment destination for over a century. The boardwalk is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, beachfront views, and the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, which has become a national tradition. Nathan’s Famous, a hot dog stand on Coney Island, introduced the world to the Coney Island hot dog, a deliciously topped frankfurter that has become synonymous with the area’s culinary fame.
Why is Coney Island in Ohio called Coney Island?
Coney Island in Ohio was named in homage to the more famous Coney Island in New York. The Ohio amusement park was established in the late 19th century and aimed to capture some of the allure and excitement associated with the New York counterpart. While the Ohio Coney Island lacks the oceanfront setting of its New York namesake, it sought to replicate the fun and entertainment offered by the original Coney Island. As a result, the name “Coney Island” was chosen to evoke a sense of amusement and leisure, even though the two locations are geographically distinct.
