originally posted on 5/1/2020
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
It was the story so needed during these unprecedented and challenging times. As if prayers were answered, the April 21 confirmation that Indiana Beach (Monticello) was purchased and will operate again is one of the greatest preservation efforts in years.
Enter the coaster community’s latest champion: Gene Staples. With a background in business development, Staples had visited Indiana Beach as both a kid and as a father taking his own children. The Chicago businessman — and amusement park fan — was disenchanted with too many classic, traditional parks being lost. With this connection, Indiana Beach was not going to be the latest casualty if he had anything to do with it.
Photo: Courtesy Don Hurd. View full-sized image.
Staples became aware of the situation like everyone else in February through the public outcry at the announcement of Indiana Beach’s closure. Behind the scenes, he began to investigate, analyze and get his ducks in a row. He visited Indiana Beach and began formulating possibilities, including setting up the Indiana Beach Holdings, LLC. Upon the April 9 declaration of bankruptcy of Apex Parks, Indiana Beach’s former owner, he moved forward with a social media campaign. The response continued to show zealous support, and Staples finalized the purchase of the park working in partnership with White County.
When the confirmation was made public, enthusiastic reaction was immediate.
In an interview with ACE, Staples said, “The family-run parks are slowly becoming extinct. There is not another park like Indiana Beach. It is irreplaceable. This is to preserve a piece of Americana.”
Indeed, he will. While a few minor rides were sold — and, unfortunately, the park’s Grand Carousel on the south end — all coasters remain.
“The coasters are in good shape,” said Staples. “The big investment needed is the retracking of approximately the first third of Hoosier Hurricane, including the big drop. That work should be complete by July 1.”
Hoosier Hurricane will receive track work to make for a smoother ride.
Photo: Corey Mathery. View full-sized image.
Wild Hawg.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Wild Hawg was in need of some parts, and an order with S&S Worldwide is in place to begin bringing that ride up to where it needs to be. In addition, new improvements are in the works to increase capacity.
Staples credits Apex for resolving some issues with Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain in recent years, making it run more reliably.
It was confirmed that all attractions were in good working condition, and with some minor TLC, things should be fully operational, including the dark ride and Frankenstein’s Castle walkthrough attraction. Another favorite of his is the Air Crow flying scooters.
“Those vintage rides and attractions that make Indiana Beach what it is will be around for the long haul,” Staples acknowledged.
Frankenstein’s Castle.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Air Crow is a favorite of new owner Gene Staples and an example of the classic style rides he feels makes Indiana Beach special.
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.
Staples has a four-year plan to bring the park to what he envisions. Acknowledging some of the improvements and investments Apex had made in recent years, he also has seen the path to structuring the financing in a viable way. Among his goals are attention to detail, fresh paint and making the park fresh while keeping its nostalgic character.
“We want to put the spit-and-polish back on it, if you will,” he said. “We want to address some of the things that have been neglected over the years. We’re going to spend wisely to ensure the long-term physical health of the park.”
Although the process of due diligence was under way in February prior to the catastrophic impact of the coronavirus epidemic, his hope is to still be able to open the park in July. However, he acknowledges — as do all parks in the United States and beyond — that there are several unknowns with the evolving events, and restrictions are modified regularly. Even if the park is not able to have a 2020 season, that does not hinder the success of the purchase. He acknowledges what Apex was attempting by gating the park in terms of security, attendance count and the like. He is optimistic that the locals and boating audience will most likely be season passholders and will continue to show their support.
Staples became aware of parks gradually disappearing with Kiddieland in Melrose Park, Illinois, in 2009.
“You can’t replicate these things. You can’t replicate Indiana Beach. Of course, we have the Six Flags, the Disneys, the Cedar Points of the world, but the small parks and medium-sized parks such as this one are really becoming lost. I have the opportunity to step in and make a difference,” said Staples.
Enthusiasts everywhere can be thankful he has.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
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