originally posted on 4/4/2020
Photo: Judy Marcin. View full-sized image.
Before 2020 concludes, it will undoubtedly be considered a harsh year for amusement parks. The COVID-19 global pandemic has made a substantial blow to the industry, as it has to numerous businesses. ACEers, along with the affected communities, have also had to endure news of traditional parks closing their gates. Add one more.
The Municipality of the County of Annapolis, Nova Scotia, has acquired Upper Clements Park for $600,000 so the property can be redeveloped as a private school.
The council held a special meeting on March 17 to approve the purchase of the local amusement park, which is located five kilometers (approximately three miles) west of Annapolis Royal. A video was posted online by the council. Warden Timothy Habinski said, “It is going to be a game changer for Annapolis County. It was a bit of a longer road than we anticipated initially, but we are delighted that we are finally here.”
Photo: Michael Horwood. View full-sized image.
The $62 million boarding school is expected to bring new employment and significant spending to the region. Municipal officials believe that the school will attract students from not only North America, but Europe and Asia as well.
While that may be good news for the area, it does come with an unfortunate loss.
Upper Clements Park opened in 1989. After three decades of operation, it would appear that 2019 was its final season.
Roller Coaster, formerly Tree Topper, was one of Bill Cobb’s last projects.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Michael Horwood. View full-sized image.
Photo: Michael Horwood. View full-sized image.
Among the attractions at the park was Roller Coaster. The wooden coaster opened as Tree Topper with the park in 1989 and operated as such for 20 seasons. It, along with Anaconda at Walygator Parc (Maizières-les-Metz, France), was one of the last projects built by coaster designer Bill Cobb. Both coasters opened in 1989, the year before Cobb passed away.
As wooden coasters go, this was Cobb’s shortest project. At approximately 1,400 feet in length, the ride’s most notable feature was that it used the park’s sloped terrain. Following two smaller dips, the coaster’s third and fourth drops are the largest on the ride.
The 10-hectare (approximately 25 acres) site also offered a unique flume ride and assorted flat rides, including one of the few remaining Rock-O-Planes in operation. Attractions were spread out over the scenic property, which featured a lake in the center and views of the Annapolis Basin. The setting is considered a “prestigious” location for Gordonstoun, a private boarding school in Scotland that was looking to open a location in North America. If all goes as planned, the school could open in the fall of 2021. If so, the removal of rides would most likely come quickly.
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Habinski pointed out that despite the best efforts of the Upper Clements Park Society, the amusement park was struggling financially. "The park's board has been diligent in their efforts to keep the park open and safe," he said. "The society must be commended for its service to our community."
Because of its remote location, the park was a challenging venue for many enthusiasts to visit. That opportunity unfortunately now no longer exists.
—Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.
Photo: Michael Horwood. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
#ACENews