CINCINNATI — The demolition of Coney Island's Sunlite Pool has begun.
Over the fence, an area around Sunlite Pool was littered with concrete debris, that had been chipped up from the surface of the pool. Nearby, a backhoe was parked, but it wasn't actively being used when WCPO crews were on scene.
The construction activity has begun just days after a group hoping to save the historic Sunlite Pool and other aspects of Coney Island offered to spend around $150,000 to purchase the land containing the pool. The group, Save Coney Islanders, is a grassroots one comprised of community members who have been circulating petitions, organizing rallies and fighting in any way they can think of to preserve the history contained within Coney Island's property.
The park announced in 2023 that, effective at the end of last year, it would be permanently closing. The park was acquired by Music & Event Management Inc. (MEMI), which is a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO).
MEMI announced its plans for the space will be to instead build a "first-of-its-kind" music venue that will boast "cutting-edge performance and entertainment technology" alongside "best-in-class amenities."
Sunlite Pool does have a storied history, including serving as inspiration for many over the years — including Walt Disney himself. In 1925, Sunlite Pool opened and has since remained the world's largest recirculating pool.
But the local historical significance of the Sunlite Pool, specifically, goes even deeper than inspiring other parks' future designs.
It was also a battleground for civil rights.
Civil rights pioneer Marian Spencer, who died at the age of 99 in 2019, fought to integrate the Sunlite Pool in the 1950s. Her challenge to Coney Island began after her sons, Donald Jr. and Edward Alexander, heard an advertisement inviting local children to visit.
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