Cascade Park officially opened as a public park on May 29, 1897. Over the next few decades it grew to include an outdoor theater, a large dance pavilion, a fifteen-acre lake, a zoo, several baseball fields, a carousel, a picnic grove, concession stands, a rollercoaster, and a host of midway rides. The heyday of the urban park was during the 1920’s when it was expanded to a full 183 acres. The park has seen its share of ups and downs over the years since, but it remains in existence – as a nature park. Many other so-called “luna parks” or “trolley parks,” such as Idora Park in nearby Youngstown, can’t make the same claim. Today, the midway rides and rollercoaster are long gone from Cascade, but the property has been transformed and restored to its natural beauty.
 The large entrance sign erected back in about 1926. (Feb 2016) |
 The iconic sign above the entrance to the main parking lot at the intersection of Frank Ave & E. Washington St. (Jul 2010) |  An old entrance gate off of E. Washington St. (Jul 2010) |
 The refurbished dance pavilion, now an indoor facility, is still a very popular place for dances amd other gatherings. (Jul 2010) |  The old Floral Steps, minus the Flora and looking more ordinary. The dance pavilion is visible up the hill. (Jul 2010) |
 The old carousel house was built back in 1922. The carousel is long gone but the building was restored in the late 1980’s. (Jul 2010) |  The old carousel house was built back in 1922. The carousel is long gone but the building was restored in the late 1980’s. (Feb 2016) |
 Remnants of the old spans that supported the Comet rollercoaster that ran through the gorge. (Jul 2010) |  The waterfall on Big Run is still one of the most scenic locations in the city. (Jul 2010) |
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Comments
sue bush #
My first roller coaster ride with my grandfather was the comet. I was about 6 yr old. We sat in the first car. Comet was unique as it had no lift hill, just started by dropping you off the cliff toward a rocky stream. Loved the tumble bug too. Although i was born in New Castle i did not grow up there but my father did. My grandparents & parents are gone, but your website brought back good but bittersweet memories. Thank you!
John Morris #
My father worked for 16 years at Mesta Machine. Every year they had the company pinic at Cascade. Believe me, to a kid this was a VERY big deal! Always remember the little Crosley “firetruck” and if you where quick, you got on first and got to ring the bell! And I got my first taste of hot french fries with vinegar and salt, in that big paper cone..Can’t find that anywhere else after moving away. Smiled at the Paul Vesco memorial. Remember him well, took music lessons from at his music store when I was in elementary school. And my first roller coaster ride was on the comet too!
Katie Kos #
I loved Cascade Park! Does the Lemon Ice stand still open in the summers? I will never forget the old woman who ran it, does anyone have any information about who she was?
george ross #
loved the French fries
is the stand still open
any pictures of the building
who own the stand
Moe A. #
I loved the lemon ice! I remember my older sisters taking me there when I was young, and I also remember the old Italian woman who ran it. A couple years ago, I was at the park for the Syrian picnic, and ventured down to see if the ice was still available. To my surprise, it was, along with that same old woman! I was hesitant to buy some, thinking, ‘it can’t be as good as I remember’. I am so glad I bought some. It hadn’t changed a bit! So few things in life are as good as we remember them as child. This lemon ice is! It is the best ever!!! I would love to know if that woman is still around.
Eric #
The woman who ran the lemon ice stand Mrs Benetas died Saturday February 22nd. She will be much loved and missed.
Edie McAnany Cade #
I am sitting here thinking of memories. I just have to add this in. Today I was talking to my youngest grandson Dylon Cade. I asked when his last day of school would be. In the background I heard his father (Rusty Cade) ask him if he was going to Cascade Park. Dylon was “WHAT’. Then I told him that is where his father got to go on his last day. Needless to say Dylon was at a loss of words. Time goes way too fast.
Chet Blake Jr #
In worked at Cascade Park in 1966. I thumbed to work from home, River Rd. I ran the Space ships, Tumble Bug, Train and various Kiddie Land rides. The park was open 1 To 5 and 7 to 11. Great times for a first job. The Cascade Park Fries, vinegar and the Pizza were tops. Brain freezes daily with the lemon ice.. way cool memories.
Chet Blake Jr #
I worked at Cascade Park in 1966. I thumbed to work from home, River Rd. I ran the Space ships, Tumble Bug, Train and various Kiddie Land rides. The park was open 1 To 5 and 7 to 11. Great times for a first job. The Cascade Park Fries, vinegar and the Pizza were tops. Brain freezes happened daily with the lemon ice.. way cool memories.
Joe A. #
anyone know where the original dam was located? No way it was that small one below the bridge, maybe that old stone structure downstream a few hundred yards?
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