1-04-2024 10:13pm

As Coney Island Prepares To Permanently Close, Others Call For Boycott On The Land's New Owners

Beth Callahan Editor

Photo contributed by John Na

CINCINNATI, OH -- Coney Island's announcement that it would officially close its doors after its Nights of Lights holiday event at the end of 2023, has created a stir. The park, which is to be sold to Music & Event Management Inc. (MEMI), a subsidiary of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO), has many Coney Island gift card holders wondering about refunds, while others are seeking a way to preserve Coney Island's Sunlite Pool as a swimming pool.

On the Coney Island Park Website, there is a statement thanking its loyal patrons for their support over the years and how gift card holders can either spend their balance on merchandise or be refunded on any remaining balance...

"Guests holding outstanding Coney Island gift card balances are invited to attend an exclusive Coney Island merchandise sale from 10am – 2pm on Saturday, January 20th, at 6201 Kellogg Avenue, 45230. Items available will include Coney Island branded apparel, accessories, drinkware and other items, while supplies last. Guests may also obtain gift card refunds at this event. This event is not open to the public. As such, gift card holders will be required to show their gift cards for entry. If you have any questions, please email info@coneyislandpark.com ."

But one loyal patron, John Na, isn't interested in refunds, he is more interested in saving Sunlite Pool, which is the largest flat-surface pool in North America, covering more than two acres and holding over 3 million gallons of water. In his efforts to help safe Sunlite Pool, Na is asking for people to Boycott MEMI and CSO.

"The message of this boycott to the new owners is plain and simple: Either preserve Coney Island's Sunlite Pool as a swimming pool, or suffer irreparable loss of the Cincinnati community's trust, respect and business. This loss of public trust will then flow through directly to the balance sheet and income statement, exactly as it should whenever a company fails to listen to its customers," Na explained.

Na added, "Even after receiving multiple petitions totaling over 20,000 signatures asking to keep Coney Island open, MEMI has proven its disregard for the voices of everyday Cincinnatians by continuing on with its plans to pave over Sunlite Pool. The company has demonstrated no respect for preserving the rich cultural history of our city and no respect for the need to preserve this one-of-a-kind affordable swimming, relaxation, and community gathering space."

Na is asking others to show their support in saving Sunlite Pool by signing the boycott petition, which is found when clicking here.

"It's free, easy, and it will demonstrate to MEMI, CSO and all of Cincinnati that corporate greed cannot overpower the will and the needs of the community in which a business operates. Sunlite Pool must be saved, and together, we the people can defeat corporate greed and preserve one of Cincinnati's most cherished historical landmarks and community gathering spaces," he noted.