Conneaut Lake Park Will Not Open in 2020

Currently in the midst of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy reorganization, Pennsylvania’s Conneaut Lake park announced today that it has cancelled its 2020 season, citing how post-COVID restrictions would affect their abilities to run their park effectively and economically.

The park published a letter on their website and Facebook page today that reads as follows.

“To our friends and followers of Conneaut Lake Park:

Under normal circumstances, we would be excitedly preparing the park to welcome you all for our 2020 season. Sadly, these are not normal times. So it is with great sadness that the Conneaut Lake Board of Trustees announces the cancellation of its 2020 park season.

As most of you are aware, many people have worked tirelessly over the past 5 years to bring the park back to life. Both then and now the health and safety of our staff and guests are always our top priority. Unlike many of the parks around us, Conneaut Lake Park is currently under a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy reorganization, which makes times like these especially challenging for us. We have been in contact with a representative from our secured creditors regarding the bankruptcy plan.

We have been given no guidance on whether amusement parks are allowable in the Green Phase however, even moving to the Green Phase only allows businesses to operate at 50% capacity. Compounding this are social distancing protocols and sanitization requirements, all resulting in a diminished operations model that would require resources the park simply does not have while working its way out of bankruptcy. We have brought the park back to life on the premise of a crowded midway and without crowds, our business model does not work. Additionally, we do not have the logistical infrastructure to control the number of people at the par as the IAAPA guidelines and known federal and state protocols require, nor virtual infrastructure to control crowds like larger amusement parks in the process of implementing. There is also the anticipated increased liability insurance costs for parks operating amidst the pandemic. All of these obstacles would make creating a fun and safe park experience while adhering to our fiscal responsibilities truly impossible.

We sincerely appreciate your patience, kindness and understanding during this unprecedented time. This decision was not made lightly and has been incredibly difficult and frustrating for all involved. Conneaut Lake Park has been helping folks make memories with their loved ones for 128 years and we look forward to returning to that tradition for the 2021 season. Thank you to all who have continued to support us. We are truly grateful.”

The park has made all 2020 season pass purchases valid for 2021, and is presenting the option for refunds as well. More information about Conneaut Lake Park 2020 Season Passes can be found here.

We visited the park last year, and really appreciated its unique charm and history, especially the historic Blue Streak Roller Coaster.

While it’s always difficult seeing a park have to close temporarily, we hope that Conneaut Park will emerge stronger than ever in 2021.

Share