The once-thriving Upper Clements Park in Nova Scotia has been a ghost town since its closure in 2019, leaving locals and visitors alike wondering what could have been. The park, which once boasted a flume ride, a haunted house, and a wooden roller coaster, now lies in ruins, with only a few remnants of its former glory remaining. The story of Upper Clements Park is a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement, changing hands, and the struggle to find a new purpose for a beloved local attraction.
The park's history began in 1989 when it opened as a provincial government venture, attracting families and school groups with its unique attractions. However, the park's initial success was short-lived, with attendance falling short of projections. The park changed hands several times, with different operators failing to turn a profit. Despite injections of cash from the provincial government, the park's financial troubles persisted, leading to its eventual closure in 2019.
The municipality's attempt to sell the land to a private school was thwarted by a legal challenge, leaving the park's future in limbo. The land has since been difficult to sell, with no bids received for the most recent call for proposals. The county is now hoping that a new request for development proposals will attract interest and breathe new life into the property.
The county is open to all proposals, with a focus on creating jobs and housing. The park's location and potential for development make it an attractive prospect for investors. The county's chief administrative officer, Rob Frost, believes that the park can be transformed into something new, but the challenge lies in finding the right developer who can see the potential and bring it to fruition.
The park's closure has left a void in the community, with locals remembering it as a hidden gem. The county's deputy warden, Dustin Enslow, hopes that the new call for proposals will reignite interest and bring back the park's former glory. The park's story is a reminder of the impact that local attractions can have on a community and the importance of preserving and revitalizing these spaces for future generations.
As the county seeks a new purpose for Upper Clements Park, it is a call to action for developers and investors to step forward and help bring this beloved park back to life. The park's story is a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving local history and culture.
