Coney Island Amusement Park Gone Forever!

Coney Island, Cincinnati's oldest amusement park closes.

Located 10 miles from Downtown Cincinnati, one of Ohio's oldest amusement parks is shutting down for good. Coney Island, an amusement park that sits on the banks of the Ohio River will shut down for good on Dec. 31.

"Thank you, loyal patrons, for your support over the years. We will miss your smiles and enthusiasm. We have been proud to provide a place where so many wonderful memories were created for families. We thank the millions of patrons and employees from Cincinnati and surrounding neighborhoods. You made this a special place for all of us."

Since 1870, Coney Island had served over 23 million visitors and has a place in Cincinnati.

The park sits adjacent to Riverbend Music Center and Belterra Park Racino [formerly Riverfront Downs]. 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. Over the years, the park expanded with dozens of rides and attractions, leading to its popularity as an amusement park destination.

As they are celebrating their last festival of lights, the amusement park will pull the plug on everything in preparation of a new musical amphitheater in the works.

The park was acquired by Music & Event Management Inc. (MEMI), which is a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO).

They will tear down the amusement park and build a multi-purpose amphitheater and shopping complex. They will allocate funds to redesign the Kellogg Avenue and Interstate 275 exit ramp to provide access to the facility as well as Riverbend and Belterra Park.