The Vision | Aurora Park Plan

Embracing Geauga Lake

The overall concept plan for Aurora Park seeks to strike a balance between active and passive uses, capitalize on the site’s natural assets—particularly its shoreline and topography—and usher in a new era for a location that has already experienced several evolutions in community recreation and amusement. At the heart of the plan is a vision to fully realize the potential of the site’s 1,700 linear feet of shoreline, bringing renewed access, variety, and moments of delight to this corner of Geauga Lake. Along the water’s edge, the design features docks, boardwalks, scenic overlooks, and connections to iconic, nostalgic landmarks like the Aquarium and Pearl Diving buildings. A central swimming beach anchors the shoreline experience and ties directly into the Lake Loop Trail.

The concept plan also leverages the previously developed, flatter areas of the park for more active uses, juxtaposed with the natural, wooded character of the southern portion of the site. In the northern section, flexible event lawns, plazas for community gatherings, and expanded parking areas are strategically placed to preserve views of the lake and honor the site’s history. The former Gatehouse and Turnstile buildings are reimagined as a community pavilion, ideal for farmers markets and artisan festivals. Meanwhile, the area that once held the lazy river has been transformed into an engaging adventure playground.

In the southern portion of the site, where the terrain begins to rise and the tree canopy remains largely intact, new park elements are thoughtfully integrated into the forested setting. Using previously disturbed pockets of land, this area offers traditional park amenities such as hiking trails, shelters, and picnic areas—while maintaining the integrity of the natural landscape. The bowl-shaped footprint of the former Seal and Penguin Pavilion has been converted into an outdoor amphitheater, while the former site of the Whale and Dolphin Pavilion has become a premier outdoor adventure zone featuring mountain biking, rappelling, and rock climbing.

Centrally located within the park is a sun-drenched community pool and bathhouse complex that offers sweeping views of Geauga Lake and close access to both the reimagined Aquarium building and the lakeside beach. Sun umbrellas dot the expansive pool deck, children play in a themed splash zone, and sunbathers relax on a lawn overlooking the open water. Adjacent to the pool, the new bathhouse incorporates playful design elements that echo the architectural character found throughout the park and offers shaded seating for guests enjoying a snack or cool drink.

Aurora Park offers something for everyone. Its variety of spaces and diverse programming ensures that visitors return time and again to experience the evolving charm of Geauga Lake’s shoreline.