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07/18/2008 08:54 PM

 

Amusement Park No More April 25, 2008 Amusement Park No More Everyone has heard of Kennywood, Idlewild, or even Cedar Point but have you heard of Rock Point Park? You haven’t, well that’s no surprise to me seeing as the park was opened from 1885 to 1911. This once populated Victorian style park is an experience to endure. You are invited to take a tour of this park on Saturday April 26th, 2008. There will be a carpool meeting in front of the Ellwood City Historical Society building at 11:30 AM and will plan on returning back at 3:00 PM. Before you journey off on this fun filled day, I’m sure you’re starving for information on this former amusement park. This park was started in the “Trolley Park” era during the late 1800’s. This park instantly became a successful recreation for citizens in the surrounding Western Pennsylvania area. But shortly after the success began, it came to a halt in 1911. Why would such a popular park shut down? The railroad decided to discontinue providing excursion service to the park due to a decrease in rider ship. This slowed down the park’s profitability and later resulting in the discontinuation of Rock Point Park. After being closed for a number of years, trees began to inhabit this area. The forest has taken over all but small remains of the park. This has become a natural hiking area and some parts can even be considered for only experienced hikers. The tour will mostly follow gravel roads and earthen pathways, but will occasionally head off-trail through the woods. The off-trail portions are fairly limited, and if anyone prefers to stay on the roads/pathways, they can remain there, and the tour will return to that point to rejoin them. The pace will be as slow as needed to accommodate everyone. Don’t worry; on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the hardest, the hike on April 26th is only going to be a 4. Being as this is a lengthy hike, there are some things you want to make sure to bring with you, along with some other helpful hints and tips. Bring a book bag to keep the following items in: · Water, you can never have enough (water will be provided, but extra is suggested) · Sun block, the sun can be very dangerous · First-Aid kit always comes in handy · Snacks (fruit, bread, etc.) · Toilet paper (keep in mind there are no restroom facilities) This is a hiking trip so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. Also, seeing as this is a wooded area, there are thorn bushes, so it is smart to wear a couple of layers. If it gets too hot just shed some layers. If you plan on attending this nature filled event, you can contact Bruce at bruce@rockpointpark.com *Due to supposed bad weather, if so, this trip will be postponed to a later date.