Conneaut Lake Park chosen to compete in
National Historic Preservation Grant Challenge

Conneaut Lake, PA (June 1, 2011) - Preservation means saving the places that tell the stories that make us who we are.. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has used this platform for their annual “This Place Matters” grant challenge. Of 250 national submissions, 100 projects were selected to participate and will compete for three top prizes of $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. Supporters each get one vote to cast in the month-long contest beginning June 1 at 8:00am EST and closing June 30 at 5:00pm EST by visiting www.PreservationNation.org/communitychallenge. Click on the List of Sites link, then the link for the project page listed as Conneaut Lake Institute. You can also vote via the Park’s website www.conneautlakepark.com.

Conneaut Lake Park is open this season to celebrate its 119th year. The Park has had to contend with many obstacles, but continues to make major strides in its preservation efforts. This year will mark the first since 2006 that the 1938 Blue Streak will run a full season, and is an ongoing preservation project. Swank Conneaut Partners has invested in maintenance and repair of existing rides, and has added two new rides to the Park. Park Restoration has done major upgrades at the Hotel Conneaut and Dockside. The lakeside boardwalk continues to be updated with inscribed boards. Work is being done on the Midway to accommodate plans for activity in that area. CLP Trustee Lisa Rawson commented, “We are honored to have been selected to participate in this challenge; it demonstrates the historical significance of our Park, which has touched the lives of so many people. With the demise of many amusement parks, we are working hard to keep Conneaut Lake Park a place where generations can continue to enjoy, remember, and reunite.” Cast your vote at www.PreservationNation.org/communitychallenge or www.conneautlakepark.com.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history – and the important moments of everyday life – took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America’s stories.