CINCINNATI — It has barely been a week since the owners of Cincinnati's Coney Island announced they would be closing the hundred year old park at the end of the year.
But in that short time, several petition drives have gone up, gathering more than 10,000 signatures from fans hoping to save the park and its iconic Sunlite Pool.
At the same time, some families holding season passes and gift cards are getting nervous.
Despite the petition, it appears the park and pool will not reopen in the spring.
That leaves people with season passes — and recently purchased gift cards — wondering what will happen with all the money they just spent.
Given that this is the holiday season, hundreds of families renewed their season passes for next year, while parents and grandparents across the Cincinnati area bought gift cards for their kids and grandkids.
We found several websites still selling Coney gift cards, a week after the announcement.
What the park is saying about refunds
So what will happen to passes already purchased?
The park issued a statement Friday afternoon, after our initial report, stating that it is working on refunds for anyone who wants one.
- The park has announced it is now refunding all season passes. You do not have to do anything to receive a refund (Full statement below).
- It now says gift cards do NOT need to be used at Nights of Lights, the park's massive drive-through light display, by December 31st. It hopes to have a solution soon (Full statement below).
Prior to Friday's statement, Coney Island said gift card holders could only use them at Nights of Lights.
Jean Perkinson of Anderson Township told WCPO 9 she just bought $200 dollars worth of gift cards for her grandchildren as stocking stuffers, and trying to use them all at Nights of Lights is not an option.
"The light show is only $30 for a carload. I mean that's peanuts compared to the amount if gift cards I have. We didn't really want to go to Nights of Lights," she said.
Jean Perkinson says it is only fair they refund gift cards, as well as passes.
"I feel they need to refund my money. I mean I bought them in good faith," she said.
It now appears she may be able to get that money back. Coney Island said in a statement on Friday:
"Thank you, loyal patrons, for your support over the years. We will miss your smiles and enthusiasm. We have been proud to provide a place where so many wonderful memories were created for families. We thank the millions of patrons and employees from Cincinnati and surrounding neighborhoods. You made Coney Island a special place for all of us.
We have completed the process of fully refunding all 2024 season passes. Credit card and payment plan purchases have been credited to the card used. Guests should check their statements over the next 5 - 7 business days for their refunds to appear. Purchases made via cash or check will be refunded via check mailed to the address of the passholder.
We’re also sensitive to guests having outstanding Coney Island gift card balances. Guests are welcome to use their gift cards for in-person admission at the gate for Coney Island’s Nights of Lights any evening through 12/31/23. We’re also making progress toward an overall gift card solution moving forward. Please visit www.coneyislandpark.com [coneyislandpark.com] for updates on this topic.
If you have any questions, please send an email to info@coneyislandpark.com
Thank you for your patience, but more so, for your smiles and memories over the years. It’s truly been our honor to serve you and your family."
As always don't waste your money.
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