Former SeaWorld Ohio property transformed into a public park
The former SeaWorld Ohio property has a new chapter as Aurora Park at Geauga Lake, a public recreation space in Aurora, Ohio, with restored entrance pavilions and renewed access to the waterfront.
Image courtesy of United Parks & Resorts
Aurora Park at Geauga Lake is now a public park with amenities such as a beach and non-motorized boating, as originally reported by WKYC, a local Cleveland news station in October 2025. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on Oct. 23, 2025.
What’s included in Aurora Park’s first phase?
The city scheduled Aurora Park’s grand opening for Oct. 25, 2026, at 1100 Squires Road. The initial nine-acre section includes two restored SeaWorld gatehouse pavilions, seating and picnic areas, restrooms, kayak and boat access ramps, and a pier overlooking Geauga Lake.
The project also preserves reminders of neighboring Geauga Lake amusement park. Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin told News 5 Cleveland that the city has a rocket ship from the park, a Raging Wolf Bobs roller coaster car and a large Geauga Lake sign.
Additional recreation facilities are planned for future phases, including a swimming beach. Visitors should distinguish the completed boating access ramps from kayak or paddleboard rental services, whose availability has not been confirmed.
Attractions Magazine has reached out to acquire official photos of the new park. In the meantime, this Facebook post from Amusement Preservation Museum provides a quick look at some of the features.
History of Geauga Lake amusement property
The property has a long history in the attractions industry, chronicled by WKYC, dating back to its opening as the Geauga Lake amusement park in 1887. SeaWorld Ohio opened adjacent to the park in 1970 before both establishments became a Six Flags destination in 2001. The final remnants of what ultimately became Wildwater Kingdom water park closed in 2016.
Today, SeaWorld parks continue to operate in Orlando, Fla.; San Antonio, Texas; San Diego, Calif.; and in Abu Dhabi. SeaWorld’s parent company, United Parks & Resorts, also operates Busch Gardens and Sesame Place theme parks. Meanwhile, Six Flags merged with Cedar Fair in 2024 and now operates 34 amusement parks and water parks across 23 locations in North America in its combined portfolio.
When a theme park, water park, or amusement park closes, history has shown us varying examples of what happens next. Disney’s River Country water park at Walt Disney World sat dormant for years following its 2001 closure; the property is on its way to become Lakeshore Lodge, a new Disney Vacation Club resort opening July 1, 2027.
On the site of the former Six Flags New Orleans, a developer announced plans for a sports complex, water park, movie studio, hotels, and retail locations in 2024.
Six Flags America closed permanently last year near Washington, D.C.; time will tell what becomes of the park’s property.
Did you ever visit SeaWorld Ohio, Six Flags Ohio, or Wildwater Kingdom? Stay tuned to Attractions Magazine for daily coverage of theme park news, trip reports from parks around the world, and exclusive interviews.
Article originally published October 2025, updated by Dani Meyering October 2026.
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Our one family vacation was driving from Niagara falls Ontario to sea world Ohio and Cedar point. Still remember the trip and the giant stuffed manatee my parents bought me from the main gift shop. Also Disney’s animated Hercules had kids meal toys at Burger King that summer! Good memories