Lakemont, Pa. — Leap the Dips, recognized as the world’s oldest roller coaster and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996, stands at the heart of growing concerns as Lakemont Park suspends operations for a second consecutive summer. The park’s long-idle rides have sparked speculation about abandonment, although parts of the recreational area remain open, including mini golf, basketball courts, and batting cages.
Despite online chatter labeling the park abandoned, historian Dave Hahner of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) stressed that the park is not officially closed. “An abandoned amusement park would block the gates and keep everybody out,” Hahner said. He described the park’s current status as a “shining moment” in its long history.
ACE, a nonprofit focused on the preservation and appreciation of roller coasters, has raised alarms over the potential loss of Leap the Dips, a landmark piece of amusement park history. The coaster, which operated continuously for 123 years, is one of the last side-friction roller coasters in North America and retains unique historical value.
Lakemont Park’s other wooden coaster, Skyliner, designed by famed coaster engineer John Allen, remains a local favorite and offers a distinct experience, including views over PNG Field. Josh Brown, ACE’s preservation director, noted the unique interaction between baseball fans and coaster riders, highlighting the ride’s cultural significance.
Calls from social media to sell the historic coasters if they remain unused are dismissed by preservationists. Hahner explained that moving Leap the Dips would require costly modernization to comply with current safety regulations, stripping it of its historical authenticity. Despite lacking modern automatic brakes and electronic monitoring, the ride meets state safety standards and remains secure due to its single-car design.
Lakemont Park management cites high costs for repair and maintenance as reasons for the extended shutdown of the rides but has not clarified why the entire amusement park remains closed. Hahner expressed confusion over the dormant status of other attractions such as the C.P. Huntingdon train ride, antique car ride, and Go-Karts, noting their potential as family entertainment staples.
The park, owned by Blair County, has weathered challenges before. After a devastating flood in 1936 damaged the park and depleted finances, the county commissioners assumed ownership from the Altoona & Logan Valley Electric Railway. The park was restored and reopened the following year, averting abandonment at that time.
Currently leased to the Lakemont Partnership, the park’s operational group, concerns have emerged from county officials. Blair County Commissioner Dave Kessling expressed worry that the partnership is neglecting the park, allowing deterioration while opting not to operate the rides. “They have chosen not to open the park rides for the past two years and in my opinion, they will continue to allow the park to deteriorate as they state it is too costly to maintain. We cannot force them to open the park with the rides,” Kessling stated.
While preservation grants are available, and ACE has contributed nearly $70,000 in donations over 15 occasions, no applications for funding have been made by Lakemont Park or the county since 2023. Maintenance on the wooden coasters has not been conducted for four years, and no future repair plans are scheduled. Hahner emphasized the obligation tied to the coaster’s historic landmark status to maintain structural integrity, warning that neglect could lead to irreversible damage.
“For every year that you wait, more damage is done by weathering,” Hahner noted.
Repeated attempts by Nexstar’s WTAJ to contact Lakemont Park for comment on reopening plans have gone unanswered, with calls diverted to voicemail.
ACE advocates for a new operator to take over Lakemont Park and restore its iconic coasters but acknowledged that no concrete plans have been announced.
