Items from old Americana property divided between city, owner

Some items from the former Americana Amusement Park will be kept by the city of Monroe before the land is converted into a park and bike path.

Close to a dozen items will also be kept by Jerry Couch, the owner of the property, as part of an agreement approved last week by the city with Couch.

“It’s well-documented of what stays, and what items go,” said City Manager William Brock.

Vice Mayor Suzi Rubin suggested keeping as many of the former amusement park’s original items because they mean a lot to local residents.

The parcels include the city-owned land on Lakeview Drive that is the former LeSourdsville Fire House and about 51 acres of land owned by Couch that includes the former Americana Amusement Park.

“We hope to get it cleaned up and cordoned off by the end of the year so people can walk there,” Brock said.

Brock anticipates keeping the area mowed and evaluating if the former park administration building could be a future office for the city’s parks or public works departments.

He also said that a master plan will be developed to outline the park’s future use.

Current plans for the former amusement park property include an extension of the Great Miami River Recreation Trail bike path, which covers about half of the distance within the city limits.

Brock also said some of the other structures — such as the pool and other buildings — need to be checked for safety.

The former sky-ride towers and the former water tower may be torn down, he said.

The city plans to also install lights and security cameras to prevent vandalism at the site.

Last month, Butler Tech officials purchased $2.75 million purchase for 36 acres along the western border of Monroe will lead to a new adult education campus for the career school system.

The property along Ohio 4 just south of the Ohio 63 interchange includes the adjacent lot of what used to be Couch’s Campers as well as the former amusement park property.

Butler Tech said the area will be developed in conjunction with the city of Monroe, which has plans to convert a section of the former Americana property into park space.

City officials have previously discussed redeveloping the adjacent commercial properties near the site to enhance the area.

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