<P> Kings Island is divided into several themed sections . The seasonal amusement park is open from early spring until Labor Day in September, and then reopens for several weekends in the fall for Halloween - themed events . In 2016, Kings Island was the second-most visited seasonal amusement park in the United States behind Cedar Point, with an estimated 3.38 million visitors . It was third overall for seasonal attendance in North America, which was led by Canada's Wonderland . In addition, Kings Island has won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for having the "Best Kids' Area" in the world for sixteen consecutive years (2001--2016). </P> <P> Kings Island was conceived as early as 1964 when Coney Island, a popular amusement park 10 miles (16 km) east of downtown Cincinnati on the banks of the Ohio River, suffered from a major flood that submerged the area in over 14 feet (4.3 m) of water . Although occasional flooding was common at the successful park, the flood in 1964 was the fourth highest on record and caused considerable damage . Faced with already - limited space for expansion and parking, the event triggered discussions within the organization about relocating the park . </P> <P> Leading the way was Gary Wachs, son of Coney Island president Ralph Wachs, who with friends and family owned a majority of stock . He decided it was time to relocate the park to stay competitive . After years of research and traveling abroad, he presented ideas for a new theme park to the company's board of directors . Some board members opposed relocating, including significant stockholder Charles Sawyer . It wasn't taken seriously until 1968, when actor Fess Parker announced plans to build a theme park in Northern Kentucky--well within Coney Island's primary market that extended as far south as Louisville . The announcement highlighted the need for change and gave Wachs' proposal credibility within the organization . </P> <P> Gary met with the president of Taft Broadcasting Company, a business interested in promoting its recently acquired Hanna - Barbera division, to discuss a possible merger . After receiving support, Fess Parker's efforts to secure financing fell apart along with his plans to build a competing theme park . In July 1969, Taft Broadcasting Company purchased Coney Island for $6.5 million and soon after purchased 1,600 acres (650 ha) in Warren County, Ohio, for $3.2 million . Kings Island still owns 773 acres (313 ha) of that purchase . The site is located between I - 71 and the Little Miami River in what was then a part of Deerfield Township . </P>

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