MONROE — A new management team will help reopen Americana Amusement Park starting Memorial Day after a three-year hiatus, owner Jerry Couch said Monday.

        “We want to let people know that everything will be happening,” he said. “We're adding rides, moving my camper dealership to the park location and generally improving the place. Eventually, the whole camper dealership will go over there.”

        Park spokesman Mike Mefford said specific details about the reopening, management team and new rides will be announced today.

        Although the park has been closed, it has been maintained over the last three years, Mr. Couch said.

        Mr. Couch, who owns Couch's Camper Sales in St. Clair Township, bought the Butler County park in May 2000 from Park River Corp., owner of Coney Island, for an undisclosed sum.

        Park River bought Americana in 1996 and spent $4 million to improve it, but attendance didn't meet expectations.

        Several months after buying the park, Mr. Couch said he would reopen it in 2001. But he later backed off those plans, saying he needed more time to develop adjoining property and assemble a management team.

        Mr. Couch said he resisted offers to sell the land because the park means something to the community.

        “When you walk through, it gives you a certain feeling,” he said. “I know that sounds kind of corny, but the place is special.”

        Amusement park analysts say small parks generally are doing well. Of the nation's estimated 450 amusement parks, only 50 attract more than a million visitors annually.

        Mr. Couch said he hopes to cater to company picnics as well as families.

        “Everybody wants the park to succeed, especially me,” he said. “Honestly, it looks better than it ever did. It's beautiful.”

2 police officers under scrutiny in alleged kidnap
Officers' records reveal past troubles, suspensions
Cardinals will discuss sex abuse scandal with pope
Drug shortages try patients' patience
Heart-care workers offered big bonuses
Prime parking spaces at airport to reopen
Amusement park to reopen in May
Boycott: Episcopal gathering is canceled
Taxpayers scramble to meet deadline
Teen-agers accused of death plot
Two people slain in separate incidents
PULFER: Cleaning guy's floors shine, pecs bulge
Some Good News
School accused of misspending
Schools get $2.2 million for program redesign
UC hires surgical unit head
Welfare regulations criticized
Worker sues over return to City Hall
2 accused in sheriff's death
China condemns Cincinnati police shooting
Cleveland suburb sets gay rights trend
Council divided over arts subsidy
Ethics committee warns Traficant not to vote
Fairfield teacher suspended over content of his e-mails
False-reports trial begins
Judge ends racial busing in Dayton
Man indicted in Ritalin theft
Tristate A.M. Report
Boone expects to begin law enforcement building
Covington brings in heavy equipment to raze tents
Patton plans budget session
Kentucky news briefs