originally posted on 5/26/2023
Paul Nelson, seen here on Waldameer Park’s Grand Carousel, passed away on May 21 following a 78-year career at the Erie, Pennsylvania landmark.
Photo: Matthew Greene. View full-sized image.
Not many people ever get to work at their dream job in life. Paul Nelson not only got to work at his dream job at Waldameer Park (Erie, Pennsylvania), but eventually did so for 78 years, starting at the mere age of 11. He eventually owned the park and grew it into one of the most successful family-owned amusement parks in the United States – and one of the most respected in the industry. He also was a revered business leader in the Erie community that he so loved. Nelson passed away on May 21, 2023.
Paul Nelson considered ownership of Waldameer Park his dream job and his enthusiasm was always contagious, such as when speaking to a gathering of coaster enthusiasts.
Photo: Sarah Windisch. View full-sized image.
Nelson is survived by many family members, including four who continue to run the park. Nelson’s wife, Lane; daughter Nancy Gorman; son-in-law Steve Gorman; and grandson Brian Gorman all remain involved in the operation.
As mentioned, Paul began working at the park in 1945 at the age of 11. His father and then park owner, Alex Mueller, were good friends. Mueller put Nelson to work washing dishes and cleaning restrooms at the park that first summer, and young Nelson fell in love with Waldameer Park. Eventually, Alex and L. Ruth Mueller adopted Nelson from his parents, promising him the park when Alex was gone, as long as Nelson agreed to look after his adopted mother in the process. Nelson worked his way up within the ranks at the park until he ultimately became general manager in 1957. He then took over the ownership of the park after Alex Mueller died in 1965 and, good to his word, took care of L. Ruth until she passed a few years later.
Under Paul Nelson’s ownership, Waldameer Park grew with the installation of many rides still in operation and now considered classics, such as Bill Tracy’s Whacky Shack.
Photo: Rob Ascough. View full-sized image.
Nelson continued Mueller’s legacy and began to modernize the park with underground utilities and infrastructure, all while adding new features every year. He continued to care for the classic 1950 Herbert Schmeck-designed Comet, a ride that he had a special affection for while growing up in the park and watching it being built. He also oversaw the additions of new classic attractions like Whacky Shack and Pirate’s Cove, both designed by legendary dark ride creator Bill Tracy. Nelson did make one controversial decision when he sold off the park’s historic 1905 T.M. Harton carousel in 1985. He did so to help pay for the park’s largest addition of the Water World waterpark in 1986, which increased the park’s attendance dramatically, ensuring Waldameer Park’s future, as the waterpark remains one its most popular features today.
Proving the power of perseverance, Ravine Flyer II was constructed after more than a decade of planning. Today it is regarded by many as one of the best wood coasters in the world.
Photo: Rob Ascough. View full-sized image.
In 1992, Nelson announced a 10-year plan for Waldameer Park that included a new wooden roller coaster to be built on the site of the former John Miller-designed Ravine Flyer that operated from 1922 until 1938. Like its predecessor, Ravine Flyer II would cross over Peninsula Drive, making the coaster a memorable gateway to the beaches of nearby Presque Isle State Park. Unfortunately, the coaster’s construction was delayed owing to legal challenges and environmental issues. However, thanks to the perseverance and resolve of Nelson and his family, the park was able to overcome these obstacles after 15 years of hard work and persistence and offer one of the greatest wooden roller coaster experiences in the world. The magnificent design, created by The Gravity Group, LLC, opened to the public on May 17, 2008, when Paul was 74 years old. The new wooden coaster masterpiece, Ravine Flyer II, opened to rave reviews and was named Best New Ride for 2008 by readers of Amusement Today.
In 2014, Paul Nelson received an Honorary ACE membership from then-President Dave Altman.
Photo: Joel Brewton. View full-sized image.
Undoubtedly, Ravine Flyer II put Waldameer Park on the map for enthusiasts. Beginning that year, regional ACE events were an annual tradition at the park, usually paired with an event at nearby Conneaut Lake Park with its ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Blue Streak until it last operated in 2019 before being torn down in 2022. Nelson was always visible during the events and took time to address attendees during meals. Always grateful, always glad to share the stories that helped shape the park, Nelson was beloved by those who met him. Many remember how spry he was even in his 80s as he was found zipping around the park in his golf cart. He worked every operating day and was always friendly when someone stopped him to say hello. He was made an ACE Honorary Member in 2014.
Waldameer Park owner Paul Nelson auctioning a brake handle from Comet. Observing on his right is son-in-law Steve Gorman, who will eventually assume ownership of the park.
Photo: Sarah Windisch. View full-sized image.
He had many plans for the park up until the end. Just days before his death, Nelson was interviewed about the waterpark’s new water coaster, Rocket Blast, that was currently under construction. In another recent interview with the media, he spoke about the adjacent mobile home property that he had acquired just weeks before his death. He was always looking toward the future for Waldameer Park and for his family. And yes, his vision of the future included new coasters for the park. Sadly, Nelson won’t be around to see these new additions, but his efforts are evidence that he was always wanting to improve and grow his beloved Waldameer Park. And his family will continue that vision for generations to come.
— Dave Hahner, ACE Historian and ACE Western Pennsylvania Assistant Regional Representative
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