Lakemont Park closes for summer
Operator plans improvements to create ‘family entertainment center’
Trending
HOLLIDAYSBURG -- Lakemont Park's amusement rides and related attractions are expected to remain closed this summer while the park operator undertakes improvements.
Plans call for removing some of the older rides, with exceptions, to make way for a mini golf course, a volleyball court, a basketball court, a bocce court and an expanded picnic area.
Older rides to remain in the park include the Leap the Dips and Skyliner roller coasters, the Lakemont Train, the Tin Lizzy's Antique Car rides, the paddle boats and the go-karts and Mini-Indy kids go-karts.
"The changes should create the feel of a traditional community park, as well as a family entertainment center," Melissa Vyborny said Tuesday on behalf of the park.
In a presentation before Blair County commissioners on Tuesday, attorney Walter Wall described plans being prepared by the Lakemont Partnership, which leases the facility from the county. Principal partner Ralph Albarano was handling other responsibilities and unable to attend Tuesday's meeting, Wall said.
"My client believes this should be viewed as the most viable approach for the continuing success of Lakemont Park, for the people of Blair County as well as for the county and the Lakemont Partnership, Wall told commissioners.
While the amusement park is typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Wall said the decision to stay closed this summer is based on the proposed work.
"There's no safe way to do this by partially shutting down the park," Wall said. "There's going to be major construction and more going on."
But if all goes as planned, the work should be far enough along so Lakemont Park can set up and reopen on Nov. 17 for the annual Holiday Lights on the Lake show.
And it will be open daily from late May through early September in 2018, Vyborny said.
Before moving forward with the proposed improvements, the Lakemont Partnership needs an approval from county commissioners and court approval on a change to the documents governing use of the park.
In 1937, the former Lakemont Park Co. deeded the park to the county, with the restriction that it be used for "public park and recreational purposes and for enjoyment of the general public."
In 1985, when the county was having trouble affording the park's upkeep, it secured an OK to lease the facility to private enterprise, as long as it was used for public park and recreational purposes.
Wall said the request to the court will focus on the creation of a new parking area inside the gate, closer to the picnic pavilions. He also said that parking area would be used exclusively by Lakemont Park patrons.
Commissioners agreed Tuesday that they wanted more time to review the proposed plans but offered supportive comments.
Commissioners Chairman Bruce Erb said he admires the plan and the partnership for recognizing the need to improve and market the facility.
"It is a community asset, but it has become less so in recent years," Erb said. "So I think this is a great opportunity to see some improvements."
Commissioner Ted Beam Jr. said that based on the plans as developing, closing this summer makes sense.
"With the magnitude of the work proposed, I think that's a wise decision on your part," Beam told Wall.
Wall said the partnership intends to retain and enhance the park's landscaping and trees.
He also told the Mirror, after addressing commissioners, that the developing project includes no proposal for a gambling casino that's long been rumored for the site.
"There's never going to be a (gambling) casino in Lakemont Park for two reasons," Wall said. "First is the $55 million cost for a (casino) license and second, Lakemont Park is not the place for it" based on the restrictions governing how the park is used.
Wall also joked that there already is "a casino" at the park, referring to the name of its restaurant and dining facility.
Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 946-7456.