No plans for movie studio at former Geauga Lake property

Former roller coaster at Geauga Lake Park

While Aurora and Bainbridge Township would love to see a movie studio break ground on the former Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom property, there are presently no deals on the table.

“The concept of film studios is ideal,” said Jennifer Syx, president, inSITE Advisory Group. “However, plans are not currently underway for that type of use at the site.”

inSITE is working on a development plan with Cedar Fair on behalf of the city and township. Cedar Fair owns the 650-acre property,

The development plan is a combined effort between Cedar Fair, Aurora and Bainbridge. It will help Cedar Fair market the property to developers.

Both communities had hopes a movie studio might locate there, telling the Aurora Advocate that a studio could be a “game changer.” Figures shared by Syx with the Advocate included the possibility of 1,000 jobs, more or less.

“The communities are certainly desirous of having film studios in this area, as it would serve as a very positive economic driver for the region,” she said.

Still a chance? Maybe

One developer had interest in including a movie studio as part of the comprehensive development plan, said Karen Endres, Bainbridge Township zoning inspector. The property is zoned mixed use planned unit development and movie studios are among the permitted uses in the district.

“I would like to believe there is still interest in constructing movie studios in Bainbridge,” said Endres. She said a studio could provide more than minimum wage jobs and a be a catalyst for economic development.

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