MONROE — Memories proved one of the strongest attractions as LeSourdsville Lake Amusement Park — closed since the fall of 1999 — reopened Friday .

        “We came here 62 years ago on one of our first dates,” said Fred Buckley of Wilmington. He and his wife, Jo, came to reminisce and see how things had changed.

Francis Sack of Middletown watches her granddaughters Nicole Isroff, 4, (left) and Brooke Isroff, 3, on the carousel Friday at LeSourdsville Lake. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        “It was probably the summer after our junior year in high school,” Mrs. Buckley said. “We came over to swim and dance. They had a live band.

        “We're thankful that it's still here,” she said.

        The park reopened Friday under new ownership. Entrepreneur Jerry Couch of Couch's Campers purchased the property in 2000.

        Dropping the previous name of Americana, the managers returned to the park's original name.

        The reopening this weekend and next is billed as a “Sneak-a-Peek” opportunity at special reduced prices, since renovation work is not complete and not all the attractions are up and running.

        Hamilton resident Debbie Ramsey found many features she remembered from her childhood, when she and her siblings romped on the lakeshore and saved their last ride tickets for nightfall.

        “When it got dark, it was more magical to be here,” she explained.

        Others were disappointed that the facilities weren't completely ready.

        “I was expecting that it might have been redone, like painting,” commented Anne DeMoss of Covington, pointing to the buildings near the entrance.

        Renovation has been tackled in phases, with first attention to rides and grounds, explained marketing director Mike Mefford.

        “Some areas are lacking a little, but within the next couple of weeks we'll have this place looking really good,” he said.

        Sneak-a-Peek Weekends continue noon to 10 p.m. today, Sunday, and June 13-16 at the park on Ohio 4 south of Middletown. Admission and parking are $1 each. Each ride and food item is also $1.

        Normal hours and pricing begin June 20. Information: 539-2193 or www.lesourdsvillelake.com.

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