CLP Junction, The Unofficial Guide To Conneaut Lake Park
July 4, 2007 - New board takes over
The new 15 member CLP board of trustees met in a closed session on Monday to begin the task of re-opening the financially troubled park. Officers were elected and it was announced that all refund requests submitted for weddings scheduled at the park will be honored. The board plans to meet again next week. [Read More] [Discuss]
June 9, 2007 - Stearns to remain park custodian until July 6
Court appointed custodian LeRoy Stearns will remain in control of Conneaut Lake Park until July 6, after that time a new park board will be appointed. The park was officially closed on May 23 but Stearns says that if sufficient funds are raised he will consider opening parts of the park. A benefit concert will be held today at the Fairway 12 Motel just down the road from the park. [Read More] [Discuss]
June 6, 2007 - Petition filed to create new park board
Attorney Dana Watson has filed a petition on behalf of the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County which calls for a new 11-person park board to be appointed. The petition lists the names of 11 people to be considered for positions on the new board or as a new park custodian. [Read More] [Discuss]
May 23, 2007 - CLP will not open
It was announced this morning that the park will not open this summer. Efforts to raise the funds needed to open the park were unsuccessful and a last minute offer from a local buisness person turned out to be a loan which the park has said it would not accept. The activities scheduled for Memorial Day weekend have been cancelled and all employees have been laid off. [Read More] [Discuss]
May 22, 2007 - Decision on park's future expected today
CLP officials expect to announce by 11:00am today if the park will open as planned for the Memorial Day weekend. The announcement was postponed by 24 hours due to a last minute offer from an anonymous local business person offering to help fund the park's opening weekend. It is estimated that the park will need $30,000 to open as planned and over $100,000 to stay open through July 4. If the park does not have the funds to open, court-appointed custodian LeRoy Stearns plans to recommend to Crawford County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony Vardaro that the park be liquidated. [Read More]
April 26, 2007 - Token sale raises over $2K in first day
The first day of selling tokens in an effort to raise the funds needed to open the park was a busy one at Conneaut Lake Park. Close to 500 tokens were sold during the day. The park needs to sell nearly 60,000 by the middle of May to be able to open as planned. Tokens are available to purchase by calling the park or at several area businesses. [Read More] [Discuss]
April 23, 2007 - Judge rejects land sale
Crawford County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony Vardaro has rejected the parks proposal to sell 3.3 acres of land. The sale would have given the park the funding it needed to open this summer as well as paid outstanding debts. [Read More] [Discuss]
April 12, 2007 - Public offers input on zoning changes
Summit Township supervisors heard input from the public last night regarding the proposed zoning changes which would allow CLP to proceed with the sale of 3.3 acres of lakefront property. The board heard opinions both in support of and opposed to the change. A vote on the changes is scheduled for Tuesday, April 17 at 7pm. [Read More] [Discuss]
April 5, 2007 - Significant errors found in CLP master plan
The master plan for the future development of Conneaut Lake Park has been found to contain significant errors. Inconsistencies were found in details regarding leases to some properties, the park water system and the future planned uses of some areas. Most importantly the plan does not seem to include much space for parking lots; something which would be vital to an amusement park. The plan was prepared by the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County and was funded by a $140,000 state grant. [Read More] [Discuss]
March 31, 2007 - Condo developer challenges decision
Greg Sutterlin, the developer seeking a zoning change that would allow condos to be built in Conneaut Lake Park responded to a decision made by the Crawford County Planning Commission. The commission rejected the plan on Wednesday. If the proposed sale is not finalized the park's existing debt would increase approximately $200 per day while the historic amusement resort sits idle this summer. [Read More]
March 30, 2007 - Land sale proposal formally submitted
Conneaut Lake Park has formally submitted to the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas a plan that would allow the park to sell 3.3 acres of land to developer Greg Sutterlin. The plan would allow the park to reduce existing debt and enable it to open in 2007. [Read More] [Discuss]
March 29, 2007 - Zoning commision rejects proposed changes
The Crawford County Planning Commission has rejected a proposed zoning law change that would clear the way for the sale of the former Flynn property to proceed. The decision is not binding and will be submitted to Summit Twonship supervisors for consideration. The proposed changes would allow up to 10 housing units per acre, rather than the current limit of 6. If the sale does not proceed it is very unlikely that the park will open for the summer of 2007.
March 8, 2007 - Zoning amendment clears way for land sale
Summit Township supervisors approved a change to zoning regulations to allow CLP to proceed with a proposed land sale which would give the park the funding to open this summer. [Discuss]
March 1, 2007 - Master plan filed, Stearns to step down
The Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County has filed a long awaited master operating plan for the future of Conneaut Lake Park. Court-appointed overseer LeRoy Stearns has announced he plans to step down from that position within 25 days in preparation for a new park board to be assembled. [Read More] [Discuss]
January 12, 2007 - CLP nearing deal on sale of Flynn site
Conneaut Lake Park has received an acceptable bid on the lakefront property it hopes to sell in order to pay off most of its $2.2 million debt. Under the proposal condos would be built on the site. The exact number of units will be determined once the land is surveyed. The area also includes 4 homes on leased land. The buyer has said he would not force the homeowners to leave. The oldest building on park property, the McClure House would be also be part of the sale and would be preserved if possible. The funds received from the sale would allow CLP to open this spring. [Read More] [Discuss]
December 2, 2006 - CLP land sale fails to attract buyers
A plan to sell a parcel of lakefront property in order to eliminate a large portion of outstanding debt has hit a roadblock. Only 2 proposals were received but they involved much larger portions of the park and were rejected by CLP management. If the park is unable to attract an acceptable offer for the property it is not likely to be open in the summer of 2007. [Read More]
November 11, 2006 - CLP accepting proposals for land sale
Conneaut Lake Park has begun advertising to attract interest in 3.3 acres of lakefront property it wishes to sell to pay its outstanding debt. The land for sale is the former site of the Flynn House, the residence of the Flynn family when they owned the park. Proposals will be accepted until 5pm on November 30. [Read More]
November 11, 2006 - Leased docks to remain
Conneaut Lake Park will continue to offer leased dock space to boaters even after the former Flynn property is sold. The docks will likely be moved to an area near the Hotel Conneaut. [Read More]
November 1, 2006 - Park debt rises over $2 Million
A financial report covering the period from Jan 1 to Oct 15 has showed that Conneaut Lake Park lost $225K so far this year. The figures do not include any revenue generated during PumpkinFest or future revenues from the Holiday in the Park event. Significant areas of the park did show a profit this year. Rides, Camperland, Midway Games & Food, Picnics and Parking all finished the summer in the black. Dreamland Ballroom, Elizabeth's Restaurant and some emergency repairs accounted for the majority of the park's losses. [Read More]
October 8, 2006 - Classic darkride gets a new home in '07
The historic Frightzone darkride from the now defunct Erieview Park will have a new home at Conneaut Lake Park beginning in the summor of 2007. The ride was purchased at auction by a private collector and will be leased to CLP. Work is already underway to prepare a section of the midway to house the ride. [Read More] [Discuss]
August 16, 2006 - CLP enforces beach alcohol ban
CLP management has begun enforcing a long standing rule prohibiting alcoholic beverages on it's public beach. The decision was made to increase public safety on the beach at times when no lifeguard is on duty. The beach will remain "dry" through the end of the season. [Read More] [Discuss]
July 19, 2006 - Blue Streak Marathon
This year's Blue Streak Marathon only had 6 registered riders due to the event being postponed when the coaster was struck by lightning in June. Despite the low number of riders over $2000 was raised for maintenance of the classic coaster. [Read More] [Discuss]
July 19, 2006 - Fundraiser reaches goal
CLP's Brick-by-Brick campaign has raised an impressive $57,700; more than enough to complete repairs to the Miniature Train ride. The decorative bricks which were sold will line the walkway to the ride's station and are expected to be in place by the end of August. [Read More]
July 8, 2006 - The Bug is BACK!!
Following years of donations and repairs the Tumble Bug ride at Conneaut Lake Park is once again operational. The 24 seats on the first ride were auctioned to raise money for future maintenance of the ride. CLP's Bug is the oldest of the 2 still operating in the world. [Read More]
July 3, 2006 - Train ride returns to CLP
Thanks to tremendous support from the community the Miniature Train ride is once again operational at Conneaut Lake Park. A buy-a-brick fundraising campaign as well as donations from local businesses made Sunday's ribbon cutting ceremony possible. [Read More]
June 29, 2006 - Fundraising campaign nearing goal
The Brick-by-Brick campaign is nearing it's goal of $36,500. To date $31,600 has been raised. The funds were being raised to make repairs to the park's Miniature Train ride. Repairs have been completed and the ride will reopen to the public on Sunday, July 2. Bricks will still be available for purchase until the final goal is reached. [Read More] [Discuss]
June 28, 2006 - 200 Acre resort planned near park
The proposed development would include a marina, condominiums, golf course and possibly other facilities. It would located just up the road from Conneaut Lake Park where a mobile home park and Park Golf Course now sit. [Read More] [Discuss]
June 28, 2006 - Blue Streak back in operation
The spare motor has been installed and the Blue Streak is back up and running as of noon today [Read More] [Discuss]
June 22, 2006 - Blue Streak struck by lightning
On Thursday afternoon the Blue Streak's lift chain was struck by lightning. The electricity travelled down the chain to the motor. The structure of the coaster was not damaged and there were no injuries. A spare motor will be intstalled and the coaster is expected to reopen by the middle of next week. [Read More] [Discuss]
June 20, 2006 - Long-range planning begins
A state grant has allowed contracts to be awarded to attorneys, accountants and surveyors to begin establishing a long-range plan for the development of the park. [Discuss]
June 17, 2006 - Park to hold Community Appreciation Night
On Wednesday, June 21st Conneaut Lake Park will hold a special Community Appreciation night. Parking & Rides will be free from 6-10pm. The event is being held to pay back the community for the support it has given the park for the past several years.
June 14, 2006 - Former owner's claims groundless
Conneaut Lake Park's former owner has repeatedly filed objections to interfere in the park's plans. However, Crawford County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony Vardaro has ignored his filings because it was previously determined that he has no legal standing. [Read More] [Discuss]
May 29, 2006 - Opening weekend crowds exceed expectations
Thousands crowded Conneaut Lake Park Saturday and Sunday as the park began it's 114th season. The larger than expected turnout caused Elizabeth's Restaurant to literally run out of food and close early on Sunday. [Read More]
May 26, 2006 - Opening Day!
Conneaut Lake Park's 114th summer season begins today! New at the park this year are a totally revamped games midway, the return of a sightseeing boat to the lake, and the return of some favorite rides. [Read More] [Discuss]
May 12, 2006 - Loan approved, park will open on time
Crawford County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony Vardaro has ensured Conneaut Lake Park will open on schedule this year by clearing the way for it to close on a $250,000 loan. [Read More] [Discuss]
May 4, 2006 - Park secures loan, awaits judges approval
On Wednesday CLP secured a $250,000 loan and park employees returned to work preparing the park for it's Memorial Day weekend opening. The park still must get court approval for the loan. [Read More]
May 3, 2006 - CLP likely to secure loan
It appears that Conneaut Lake Park has once again cheated death. The park is expected to finalize a loan agreement today that will provide the funds the park needs to open this summer. All 30 park employees have been called back to work. [Read More] [Discuss]
May 1, 2006 - Loan falls through, park might not open
The anticipated bank loan has fallen through and unless the park can find a way to get $250,000 by Friday May 5 it WILL NOT open this summer. [Read More] [Discuss]
April 29, 2006 - Judge approves sale, park will open on time
Crawford County Court of Common Pleas Judge Anthony Vardaro approved the parks plan to sell three acres of property which will allow them to secure a loan that will provide the funds needed to open the park this summer. The judge ruled that the sale must be part of a comprehensive plan for the economic development of the park. [Read More] [Discuss]
April 27, 2006 - Elizabeth's Restaurant opens Friday
Elizabeth's Restaurant at the Hotel Conneaut will open Friday, April 28. The menu will be expanded from what had been offered in the past. Work continues around the park in preparation for the projected Memorial Day opening. [Discuss]
April 26, 2006 - Carousel Ball to be held as planned
The Carousel Ball will be held this Friday as planned at the Hotel Conneaut regardless of any decisions made regarding the park's opening. The event is sponsored by the Conneaut Lake Institute and proceeds will used for maintenance of the park's Carousel. [Read More] [Discuss]
April 25, 2006 - Park's opening date in doubt
Park officials expect a judge to rule by Friday April 28 on whether or not CLP can proceed with the sale of three acres of lakefront property. If the sale is approved the park will seek a $250,000 loan which will be secured by the future profits from the sale. The sale of the land is expected to enable the park to eliminate its entire $1.9 million debt. The properties considered for sale are the site of the former Flynn House and the McClure House which has fallen into disrepair and was condemned by Summit Township. If the sale is not approved the park will have to consider delaying its opening weekend or only opening parts of the park. [Read More] [Discuss]
April 22, 2006 - Sprinkler upgrades completed
Renovations on the Hotel Conneaut's 1,500 sprinkler heads has been completed and will inspected on monday. The work was required before the hotel could be approved for occupancy.
April 18, 2006 - Fundraiser nearing important milestone
The Brick by Brick fundraiser has nearly raised enough money to cover the cost of the materials neeeded to repair the miniature train ride. Just 15 more bricks need to be sold before the park can place the order for new ties for the ride

UPDATE: As of April 19 the total raised is $14,550 -- which is enough to allow the park to order the rest of the needed materials. Another $41,450 is needed to cover labor. The ride is expected to be open by July 4. [Read More] [Discuss]
April 8, 2006 - CLP seeking loan to prepare for opening
CLP officials intend to seek a $350,000 loan to prepare the park to open this summer. The loan would pay for items such as supplies and prizes for the midway games, gift shop supplies, and food supplies. It would also pay maintenance, groundkeeping and management staff. [Discuss]
April 7, 2006 - PA Lt. Governor visits CLP
PA Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll toured Conneaut Lake Park on Thursday. The visit marked the first time in over seven decades that a high-ranking PA official has visited the park on official business. [Read More]
April 3, 2006 - Volunteers spend weekend cleaning up CLP
A team of volunteers spent the weekend at Conneaut Lake Park painting, raking leaves and doing other clean-up work to help the park get ready for the summer. It was the first of two volunteer weekends organized by the Conneaut Lake Institute. The second clean-up weekend is May 6-7. [Read More]
April 2, 2006 - Flynn House demolished via controlled burn
Firefighters from 9 departments took part in a controlled burn exercise to demolish the remains of the Flynn House at Conneaut Lake Park. The house had been damaged by a fire in the fall of 2005 and was determined to be too deteriorated to be rebuilt. The park decided to demolish the structure. Bids are being accepted for removal of the debris and it is expected that the 376 feet of lakefront property will sold for the development of condominiums. [Read More]
April 2, 2006 - New sternwheeler to call Conneaut Lake home
A century long Conneaut Lake tradition will be given new life this summer. Conneaut Lake Park has negotiated a contract that allows the 43 foot paddlewheel boat to dock at the Hotel Conneaut and the park will recieve a percentage of the ticket sales. The most recent sightseeing boat to cruise the lake was the Barbara J which was retired in 2001. The new boat was purchased from the Ottawa Riverboat Co. in Ottawa, IL by Fisher 1 L.L.C. and will arrive at Conneaut Lake by the end of next week. The boat will be available for daytime tour cruises and private parties, and it can hold 49 passengers. A naming and christening ceremony is to take place during the park's opening weekend May 26-28. Ideas for names may be emailed to clp7289@verizon.net, the deadline for entries is April 7, 2006.
March 26, 2006 - CLP purchases materials for train ride
The Brick-by-Brick fundraiser has allowed the park to begin to purchase the materials needed to complete repairs on it's miniature train ride. Over $7,000 has been raised to date and the order has been placed for replacement rails and spikes. Local businesses have been using collection cans to assist Conneaut Lake Park with it's fundraising effort. [Read More]
March 25, 2006 - Sprinkler system upgrade to delay hotel opening
The opening of the Hotel Conneaut & Elizabeth's Restaurant will be delayed by a few weeks due to work being done on the sprinkler system. According to an past agreement between the park's former overseer and the Sadsbury Township building code officer, one quarter of the hotel's 1,000 sprinkler heads were to replaced every year beginning 5 years ago. This work was never done and the park's current general manager was not aware of the agreement until a recent inspection. Due to the hotel's seasonal operating schedule it's sprinkler systems must be tested before it opens every spring. Replacement of the sprinkler heads is estimated to cost between $15,000 and $25,000. The money will come out of the $500,000 the park needs to open this summer. The building code states that the sprinkler heads must be replaced after 50 years. The park plans to have the hotel open in time for events scheduled for the ballroom on the third weekend in April.
March 17, 2006 - CLP recieves $175K Grant
The Economic Progress Alliance will receive a $175,000 planning grant to develop a master plan to re-establish Conneaut Lake Park as a premier tourism destination. Located in Sadsbury and Summit townships, the project will entail using professional service providers to enhance the tourist experience. Funds will be used for a development plan, including facility and infrastructure assessments, financial and operational assessments, a legal review, engineering pre-design, and site analyses. The total planning costs is estimated at $175,000. [Read More]
February 21, 2006 - CLP begins fundraiser to restore train ride
The park is starting a buy-a-brick fundraising campaign to raise the nearly $56,000 needed to restore it's miniature train ride. The bricks will pave the path to the ride's station. Each engraved brick will cost $100 and can be purchased [HERE] [Read More]
February 21, 2006 - CLP's debt nearly $850K lower than previously thought
Conneaut Lake Park's debt is approximately $848,000 less than had been previously estimated. The inaccuracy was due to a series of accounting errors made by the park's previous management teams. Some debts were listed twice & other debts that had been paid were still shown as outstanding. [Read More]
February 19, 2006 - Three Rides To Return
Three rides will be returning to Conneaut Lake Park this summer. The Tempest, Tumble Bug and Miniature Train are expected to be in operation when the park opens on Memorial Day weekend. [Read More]
February 14, 2006 - Public Meeting Scheduled
A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 20 at 7:30 pm at the Conneaut Lake Park Volunteer Fire Department Hall. The park's court-appointed overseer LeRoy Stearns and manager George Deshner will be present to discuss plans for the future of the park. The event is hosted by the Conneaut Lake Historic Society and the public is encouraged to attend free of charge. Refreshments will be served following the meeting.

2005

December 18, 2005 - Improved accounting system will help park
The park will implement a new improved accounting system in January in order to get a clearer picture of where the park stands financially. [Read More]
December 8, 2005 - Park sinks deeper into debt
Preliminary figures show that Conneaut Lake Park sunk $650K deeper into debt as of September 1, 2005. [Read More]
December 6, 2005 - McClure house awaits it's fate
The oldest building in Conneaut Lake Park has been condemned and it slated to be torn down. The McClure house had been used in the past as a dormitory for the park's employees. Estimates on restoring the home are as high as $500K. [Read More]
November 27, 2005 - Holiday events raise funds for park
Over 70 decorated trees in the Hotel Conneaut's ballroom are the highlight of the park's Holiday in the Park event. Many of the trees will be auctioned to help the park. [Read More]
November 16, 2005 - CLP seeks $200K grant
CLP will be working with the Economic Progress Alliance of Crawford County to obtain a $200K grant that will assist the park with planning & preparations for the future. [Read More]
January 1, 2005 - CLP offers financial plan for 2005
CLP's board of directors submitted a financial plan outlining how the park will open without borrowing more money and begin paying off it's considerable debt. [Read More]

This website is not affiliated with Conneaut Lake Park and is not intended to replace the park's official website. All information provided is for entertainment purposes only and is not guaranteed to be completely accurate. © 2007 All Rights Reserved

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