Years after the closure of its theme parks, Geauga Lake is witnessing a wave of redevelopment. Among the most notable projects, Meijer is set to begin construction on a new store as soon as later this month. The retailer purchased 16 acres in Bainbridge Township in 2023, an area that once housed the parking lot, main gate, and the roller coaster “The Mind Eraser.” A spokesperson for the supercenter chain confirmed that once construction starts, the store is expected to open within 12 to 18 months.
Revitalizing a Once-Iconic Space
Geauga Lake permanently shut its doors in 2007, followed by the closure of Wildwater Kingdom in 2016. Since then, the site has largely remained abandoned, becoming a hotspot for vandalism and trespassing. Now, Meijer represents just one of several ongoing projects transforming the 377-acre site, which spans Bainbridge Township and Aurora.
Aurora’s Vision for a Public Park
Aurora is moving forward with plans to develop a public park after acquiring the lake and 46 acres of the former SeaWorld property last year. Newly released renderings showcase a vision that includes a beach, walking trails, and repurposing the famous wave pool—though without the waves. Several original SeaWorld structures, including the welcome plaza, the tri-quarium, and multiple docks, will be preserved.
“Right after you come into the park, you’re going to see these buildings that people who had been there before had always seen and loved,” said Aurora Mayor Anne Womer Benjamin. “That’s going to bring back all kinds of memories.” The mayor acknowledged structural issues with the former aquarium space but expressed optimism about transforming it into an open-air pavilion.
She also emphasized the importance of honoring the park’s history. “We have an idea we’re working on to have a parks-themed play area,” she said. “I’ve insisted somewhere in here we’re going to have a whale.” While there is no official timeline for specific elements of the park, the mayor hopes to provide public access to the lake by summer 2026.
Housing and Residential Growth
Residential development is also progressing. The first units of Vision Development’s apartment complex, VC Park at Geauga Lake, will begin welcoming residents by the end of April. A company spokesperson confirmed that four buildings are nearing completion, offering two- and three-bedroom townhome units. Once fully developed, the complex will include 331 units, with rents starting at $1,025 per month for a 328-square-foot studio and reaching $3,430 per month for a three-bedroom, 1,948-square-foot townhouse.
So far, nearly 10% of the units have been pre-leased, and the first of the larger 54-unit buildings is expected to open this summer. To read up on more developments regarding the market-rate apartments, follow this link to the VC Park at Geauga Lake website.
Adjacent to the apartment complex, another project is in the proposal stage. A recent Bainbridge Township meeting detailed a plan to build a 77-unit, single-level condominium-style community for residents aged 55 and older. Spanning 23 acres, homes in this “active adult community” are expected to start in the mid-$500,000 range, according to Bainbridge Township Trustee Jeff Markley.
The Future of Menards at Geauga Lake
Menards, the home improvement retail giant, acquired land at Geauga Lake in 2020, but there are no immediate plans for development.
Reflecting on the changes in Bainbridge Township, Trustee Jeff Markley expressed optimism about the transformation. “It’s good to see not a brownfield,” Markley said. “Is it perfect? No, not by any means. Would I have preferred it to be rides and whales? Sure. But it’s not going to be rides and whales anymore, and it’s going to be something else, and this was something we could conceivably do.”
With various projects underway, the long-dormant site is on its way to a vibrant revitalization, bringing renewed energy and purpose to the historic location.