Yogi Bear opens a new park: The birth of Kings Island
1971 was the final season for old Coney Island (Ohio). With plans to open the new park in 1972, Coney management put on a major marketing push for people to come enjoy the old place one last time. It worked—over 2.75 million guests pushed through the ticket gates that year. Certainly there had to be second thoughts and lots of butterflies…I mean really, with business going so well are we nuts to close it down and start all over again in a new location?
Meantime things were coming together at the newly named Kings Island, and after Coney closed for good many attractions, including a brand new Arrow flume and the unique, square-shaped gingko trees, were transferred over. Interestingly, the park’s main icon, a $1.2 million, 1/3 scale replica of the Paris landmark, had been designed and ordered earlier for Coney. Intamin, the manufacturer, agreed to hold off until the new site was ready. As the park began to take shape, local news and officials were invited to see the progress and hear what all the fuss was about. Shortly before opening, extensive newspaper accounts were published showing what was in store for guests in this new magical playland.
