Ohio theme parks CEO hopeful as economy improves | News

BATAVIA, Ohio (AP) - The CEO of Ohio-based amusement park operator Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. says he believes parks will benefit from people embracing "staycations" and visiting attractions near home even as the economy improves.

CEO Matthew Ouimet said Wednesday he's encouraged about the company's future and the industry and believes one key is keeping people happy. He said the company's new dramatic roller coaster under construction in southwest Ohio will help achieve that goal.

Ouimet was in Batavia, east of Cincinnati, touring the Clermont County plant constructing the new winged coaster known as the Gatekeeper. Ouimet says the Gatekeeper will provide thrills and surprises to help park visitors build new memories.

Sandusky-based Cedar Fair operates more than a dozen amusement parks or water parks, including Kings Island north of Cincinnati.

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