26-02-2025
Lakemont Park to remain closed for second summer
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — The rides at Lakemont Park will not reopen again for the upcoming summer.
Managers of the park and Blair County Commissioners aren't commenting on the closure or what needs to be done to reopen the rides. But in an email to WTAJ News, Commissioner Dave Kessling called the park unsustainable and said there is ongoing discussion about the future of Lakemont Park.
The park was given to the county decades ago, and the estate that gifted them the park spelled out in specific terms what the property could and could not be used for. But according to Kessling, due to the age of the document, the interpretation of the property's use could be open for debate.
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He went on to say that while multiple managers have tried to keep Lakemont Park open, their efforts have not been enough to sustain the park. He pointed to the park having to close last year due to the costs associated with operating the county owned park.
Lakemont Park happens to be home to Leap the Dips, the oldest roller coaster in the world. This second year of closure has roller coaster enthusiasts and historians concerned for the beloved ride.
'It would be a tremendous loss to not just the enthusiasts like ourselves, but to history in general. This is how our great, great, great grandparents spent a summer afternoon going to an amusement park. It was a totally different type of sensation and we're lucky that this ride got to survive this long,' said David Hahner, Historian for American Coaster Enthusiasts.
Built in 1902, Leap the Dips is the last coaster of its kind and was declared a national historic landmark in 1999.
Skyliner, which towers over the outfield at Altoona Curve games will also not be in operation.
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