Indiana Beach Sold...Makes Me Reminisce and Reflect

Even though I'm now living in Logansport and going to school in West Lafayette, you never forget your roots and where you spent most of your life growing up.
I spent 18 years of my life in Monticello, and lived in several houses during that time period.
But no matter where I was, there was always one place to go where you could have good old-fashioned, exciting fun.
That place is Indiana Beach, along with the surrounding campground.
I have had several amazing moments there and nearby. When we lived on Lake Shafer in a big brick house on Untalulti Drive (yes, the looping road surrounding the south parking lot), it was awesome to watch the firework shows every summer, hear the roller coasters, and watch all the other rides. Yep, we lived right across from the park.
Even though sometimes the sound of the train would be so annoying and constant, other times, it was cool.
In the actual park itself, I've enjoyed playing all the games like Skee Ball, Fascination, Boom Ball, Kentucky Derby, Pop-A-Ball, Whac-a-Mole, and the like.
I've enjoyed the food and the atmosphere.
In the water park, I've loved multiple trips up and down the Action River.
Heck, even though I was scared to death, I loved my one trip down the dark blue, closed water slide.
I've played mini-golf, heard the music, seen countless ski shows, worked there for a summer in Old Tyme Portraits, met tons of great people, met up with friends, been up in the Skyroom multiple times...I could go on reminiscing, but I have to share with you my favorite moment.
When I finally got up the courage to ride A ride.
Normally, I hate rides. I hate coasters, I hate going around and around, I just flat-out hate them.
But one day, on a field trip for our FACS class in high school, I told myself, "You know what? I'm going to try that new ride, the Air Crow. It actually looks cool, and if I never do it, I may regret it for the rest of my life."
Well, as I strapped myself in to these contraptions that fly over the water of Lake Shafer and that you control yourself, yeah I was nervous, yeah I was shaking. But as soon as we got going, it was all adrenaline. I never felt so free. I moved my rudder around, I hardly looked down...I just felt the wind all around me. Seriously, I felt like a crow flying over the water!
It was such a rush, such a thrill...but I was still a little woozy afterwards.
So, why I am I going on about all my previous experiences?
Well, Indiana Beach, who I have always associated with the Spackman family, was sold yesterday to some RV company. The park and everything associated with it.
Now, it sounds like this is going to be a great thing for Monticello and White County - they're adding a steel coaster for next summer that goes upside-down, the Steel Hawg; they're building new cottages, and there's talk of possible expansion into the future.
This is just the actual park - I don't know if they're going to change the campgrounds at all.
Because I have memories there, too - the Game Barn, Bankshot Basketball, and my amazing scores on the mini-golf course, including my personal best 15-under 44 last summer on my 21st birthday.
I am happy for my hometown and this exciting new change that's coming about. I hope it does do great things for the community and that the park continues to do well.
I just hope that the next time I see it or go there, I hope not too much has changed. I still want to feel that nostalgic, childhood feeling again.
Your memories are all you have from your past. Once you've done something, you never forget it, but life goes on. And when a place you are connected to changes, you have to decide whether or not to accept it. But at the same time, you can't forget your memories. You may just have to make new ones.
Good luck, Indiana Beach. I wish you nothing but the best for years to come, from a Monticello guy, born and raised who continues to change in his life as well.