Stricker's Grove facts for kids
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Location | Ross, Ohio, U.S. |
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Coordinates | 39°17′43″N 84°40′09″W / 39.295278°N 84.669167°W |
Opened | 1924 |
Owner | Stricker Family, Stricker's Grove Management LLC. |
Slogan | A park for families and children. |
Operating season | Closed to the public most of the year |
Area | 25 acres (10 ha) |
Attractions | |
Total | 17 |
Roller coasters | 2 |
Water rides | 0 |
Stricker's Grove is a special family-owned amusement park in Ross, Ohio, USA. It's different from most parks because it's usually closed to the public. Instead, people can rent it for private events like parties or weddings.
But don't worry, you can still visit! The park opens to everyone for eight days each year. These days include July 4, four days in mid-July for the Hamilton County 4-H Community Fair, a special Family Day in August, Labor Day, and a "Customer Appreciation Day" in October.
Contents
History of Stricker's Grove
Stricker's Grove began in 1924 in Mt. Healthy, Ohio. Henry Stricker started the park on a large piece of land. He wanted a place where his coworkers could relax and have picnics on weekends.
In the 1940s, a fun pony cart ride was added. The first amusement rides arrived in 1954. These included the Boat Ride and the Rockets, which are still enjoyed today!
Moving the Park and New Owners
Henry Stricker passed away in 1960. His three sons, Harold, Elmer, and Ralph, took over the park. In 1972, the park moved to its current location in Ross, Ohio. Ralph Stricker then became the only owner.
Ralph passed away in January 2007. Today, his daughter Debbie and three longtime employees keep the park running. They continue the tradition of this unique family park.
Rides and Fun Attractions
Stricker's Grove has many exciting rides for all ages. It even has two classic wooden roller coasters!
Tornado Roller Coaster
The Tornado is the bigger of the two roller coasters. Al Collins designed it, and Ralph Stricker built it. Construction started in 1990, and the ride opened in 1993.
The Tornado uses a single train from Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. It's a mirror image of an older roller coaster called the Jet Coaster. The Tornado can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour!
Teddy Bear Roller Coaster
The Teddy Bear is a smaller wooden roller coaster perfect for families. Ralph Stricker also built this ride, and it opened in 1996.
The Teddy Bear was built using the original plans from a 1935 coaster. That coaster was also called the Teddy Bear and was located at Coney Island in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Teddy Bear at Stricker's Grove is recognized as a classic coaster by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE).
Other Exciting Rides
- Boat Ride
- Rockets
- Little Cars
- Kiddie Whip
- Kiddie Turtles (a kiddie-sized Tumble Bug)
- Carousel
- Train ride
- Ferris wheel
- Tilt-A-Whirl
- Scrambler
- Flying Scooters
- Electric Rainbow (Round Up)
- Miniature golf
- Pirate ship
- Elephants
- Tip Top