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It was recently learned that small parks and family entertainment centers were approached with a list of rides for sale from Indiana Beach (Monticello, Indiana) and Fantasy Island (Grand Island, New York). Both properties are operated by Apex Parks. A few of the rides will be moved to other Apex facilities, but most are being sold or even discarded. It would appear a buyer coming forth to purchase the parks is, sadly, not an option.
Photo: Tim Baldwin
Photo: Rik Engelen
Apex Parks Group was formed in 2014. The company has acquired numerous family entertainment centers and waterparks. No reason was given for the sale of the rides. All the steel coasters are available for sale. Of the four wooden coasters (all by the former Custom Coasters International, Inc.), only Silver Comet (1999) is listed. The words “Sell if possible” were noted on the list supplied to possible buyers. The three other wooden coasters at Indiana Beach would have challenges if a move was attempted. Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain (2002) is built into a themed structure. Hoosier Hurricane (1994) and Cornball Express (2001) have some shared structure.
It is easy to fear the worst. ACE members can only wait with fingers crossed.
An earlier version of this article included a reference to the parks offering no official statement of the closing, but has since been updated as an Apex Parks Group official confirmed the closing of Indiana Beach.
Comments...
Jack Feldman
says... Posted Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Our family was going to visit Indiana Beach in June and none of us had ever been there before. Sorry to have missed that park, but feel worse for those who live in that region who will be most affected by this decision.
My dad, older son and I were fortunate to have visited Martin's about ten years ago. Silver Comet was one of the best coasters that no one ever talked about. It was superb. Sure would be great if someone saves it!
So sad, but I wish Apex Parks Group would respond to answer the questions about the future. If they don’t relocate the rides immediately perhaps an investor can swoop in and be the white knight. If the rides relocate, abandoning the coasters, the future is bleak. And it looks like the remaining properties aren’t a great fit for the easily transferable attractions.
Very Sad news. I was temporarily elated when I saw a posting that the parks were for sale, but it seems like they skipped past that option, or that it has already come and gone as options. and as usual, they wait until it is too late to save it. I betcha if they told everyone this is the final season, the parks would all have banner years, with their best attendance in years, but no one ever seems to try that with amusement parks. so sad that they just give up and do not have a feel for how much impact this is to the region and to us fans. Here's to hoping that a miracle will still occur and we have been told wrong or that a buyer for the parks comes through. Ride On!
Such sad news! I was fortunate to make my first visit in the fall and was blown away by this amazing park. So many treasures may be lost.
Lynn M. Gierek
says... Posted Wednesday, February 19, 2020
This is absolutely, unbelievably heartbreaking! Our favorite small park - and we can't even attend once more to say goodbye. I can say that we are all reeling with shock and upset here in the Chicago area. Losing Indiana Beach is more than just the closing of a park. It is hurting an entire community/town and resort area - and so many other businesses!!
Rick McIntosh
says... Posted Wednesday, February 19, 2020
This is devastating to the city of Monticello. 900 seasonal jobs and 27 fulltime jobs were lost yesterday, and many business's will fail because of this bad choice.
Andy Elicker
says... Posted Wednesday, February 19, 2020
I really loved this park during my one visit in 2009. They had 3 great woodies, I hope there is someway to relocate them. After all if Phoenix, Wild One, Comet were relocated I hope Cornball Express, Hoosier Hurricane and Lost Coaster can be moved to a new home.
Bob Redman
says... Posted Wednesday, February 19, 2020
My Region, the Midwest Region were making plans to have an event at Indiana Beach this Summer. I was glad to have made the trip in 2019 in 100 degree weather. R.I.P. IB
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Photo: Tim Baldwin
Photo: Rik Engelen