The sale of 48 acres of land that once housed a SeaWorld park has officially been completed, marking a new era for the historic site.
Located in Aurora, Ohio, this land was home to SeaWorld Ohio for just over three decades before the park closed in 2000. The closure of SeaWorld Ohio marked the end of the park’s initial journey as a major regional attraction, but it also set the stage for the property’s eventual transformation.
After years of limited use and periods of neglect, the land has now been purchased by the City of Aurora, which plans to convert it into a vibrant public park. The City Council approved the sale in September 2024, and as of this week, the purchase has been finalized, ushering in a new chapter for the once-thriving amusement park site.
SeaWorld has long been one of the most recognizable names in the theme park industry, with parks in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio, along with its water parks and Busch Gardens properties. However, the company has faced mounting controversies over the years, especially regarding its treatment of marine mammals for entertainment.
The most significant of these controversies came in 2013 with the release of the documentary Blackfish, which focused on the ethical concerns surrounding the captivity and treatment of orcas. The film’s emotional impact was felt worldwide, leading to a dramatic shift in public perception of SeaWorld.
The documentary sparked widespread backlash, pushing SeaWorld to reevaluate its practices. Attendance plummeted, and calls for reform grew louder. In response, SeaWorld ended its orca breeding program in 2016 and pivoted its focus toward conservation efforts and educational experiences, alongside investing in thrill rides to appeal to a broader audience.
Why Did SeaWorld Ohio Close?
However, SeaWorld Ohio’s closure came much earlier, in 2000, when the park was sold to Six Flags. The company cited a number of challenges that led to the decision to close the park, including the short operating season caused by Northeast Ohio’s harsh winters and difficulties in obtaining permits for large-scale attractions like roller coasters, which were a major draw at other SeaWorld parks.
After the sale, SeaWorld Ohio was merged with the neighboring Geauga Lake amusement park to create Six Flags Worlds of Adventure. Despite hopes for a revitalized park, the combined venture was short-lived, and the property eventually came under the ownership of Cedar Fair Entertainment Company in 2004.
Cedar Fair decided to permanently close the SeaWorld section of the park, dismantling it over time, and the property remained largely unused for many years.
What Happens Next?
The land’s new chapter began when the City of Aurora acquired the 48-acre site. City leaders have long expressed a desire to revitalize the area, and Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin is particularly enthusiastic about the potential transformation.
“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,” said Mayor Benjamin. “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.”
With the sale officially complete, the City of Aurora has big plans for the site, aiming to develop a public park with a range of amenities. The proposed park will feature a beach, swimming pool, non-motorized boating, and various other recreational attractions.
The goal is to create a dynamic and accessible destination that will serve both the residents of Aurora and visitors alike. While these changes are not expected to happen overnight, the city is already in the process of developing conceptual designs and conducting engineering assessments. Officials hope to complete the park’s first phase by 2026, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for this once-dormant property.
The completion of this sale and the transformation of the site are a positive sign for the future of the area. While it may not be home to SeaWorld Ohio anymore, the plans for the new public park aim to preserve the beauty of the land while offering a fresh, modern experience for everyone. For those who remember visiting SeaWorld Ohio, the redevelopment of this property offers a chance to relive the nostalgia of the past while embracing an exciting new future.
Did you ever get a chance to visit SeaWorld Ohio?
Yes, went there many times when my kids were small. Very nice park and the kids loved it. Sorry when it was closed. I can understand though. Unless you have something under roof in the Northeast, it can’t really make it with what they had.