AURORA, Ohio — There's great news for folks with fond memories of Geauga Lake. The city of Aurora has approved the purchase of the lake and surrounding land with plans to develop it into a dynamic public park.
Aurora Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin said it's been eight years since the land was publicly used, back when it was the home of Wildwater Kingdom, and before that, Six Flags, Geauga Lake Amusement Park and SeaWorld Ohio.
On Monday night, Aurora City Council approved the purchase of Geauga Lake and 48 acres of surrounding land in the former SeaWorld from Industrial Commercial Properties for $5.3 million.
“I think people will be thrilled to be able to once again access and enjoy Geauga Lake, and it will certainly bring back memories for many who went to Geauga Lake Park, went to SeaWorld, went to Wildwater Kingdom as they were growing up," Womer Benjamin said. "We’ve had many people contact us about how excited they are that they’re going to be able to go back to this beautiful area, and it really is. The land is beautiful. Instead of having a lot of homes in that area, we’re going to preserve the green space and restore it for people’s future enjoyment.”
The mayor said the next six to nine months will be spent on utility infrastructure evaluation and developing the design for the property, which she expects to be redeveloped into a public park with a pool, beach and related amenities, non-motorized boating, and other recreational attractions.
She hopes for the first phase of the park to open during the summer of 2027.
As for the entire vision, Womer Benjamin believes the bulk of it could be done in five or six years.
She told 3News there's about seven acres that they haven't decided what to do with yet. She said she has some ideas, but will keep those close to the chest for now.
The mayor also shared that at some point they'll be hosting a community meeting to get public input on the park's design.
This is a legacy purchase for the people of Aurora,” Womer Benjamin added. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime to guarantee our residents lake access and a destination that is going to be one of the gems of Northeast Ohio.”