Gary Wachs, a resident of Traditions at Camargo in Madeira, has been honored with induction into the International Amusement Park Hall of Fame. His legacy is one that millions of families across Greater Cincinnati and beyond have experienced and loved.
Gary is best known as the man behind Kings Island, one of the region’s most beloved attractions. Since opening in 1972, the park has welcomed hundreds of millions of visitors, offering thrills, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
“Gary really was the individual who is responsible for Kings Island, without him Cincinnati wouldn’t have this major theme park,” said Dennis Speigel, CEO and founder of International Theme Park Services.
Gary’s journey began at Coney Island, the amusement park his father, Ralph Wachs, owned since 1924. Coney was a local treasure, drawing more than a million visitors annually — even Walt Disney himself admired it. But the park was landlocked and vulnerable to flooding.
When a devastating flood in the 1960s left Coney underwater, Gary saw opportunity in the challenge. “I have an expression, it’s easier to have a flood in your basement than your living room,” Wachs said. “And we wanted to become a nice living room, quote unquote.” After the flood left Coney Island underwater, Wachs knew it was time to move on to bigger, better, and drier land. We picked the best ideas, left the worst and we made Kings Island, and we did this all ourselves,” Wachs said.
At just 26 years old, he envisioned something bigger: a new amusement park with room to grow, free from flooding risks.
Gary was inducted into the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Hall of Fame in a special black-tie gala on Nov. 27 in Orlando, along with living legend, pop culture icon, and fellow theme park legend, Dolly Parton. Gary’s family attended the event and accepted the honor on his behalf.
Beyond building Kings Island, Gary mentored hundreds of professionals who went on to shape the amusement park industry at Disney, Universal, Six Flags, and SeaWorld. His influence extended far beyond Cincinnati, helping define what theme parks could be. Gary’s longtime friend and colleague, Dennis Speigel, nominated him for the Hall of Fame honor, recognizing his determination and vision. “Gary really was the individual who is responsible for Kings Island. Without him, Cincinnati wouldn’t have this major theme park,” Speigel said.
Today, Gary reflects on his career from his home at Traditions at Camargo. His philosophy remains simple yet profound:
“It was just like Walt Disney’s philosophy, we were in the fun business, and we were trying to provide people with a day of fantasy,” Wachs said. “If you can keep a family up there 8-9 hours of having a great day, that’s all we asked.”
For residents and families at Traditions, Gary’s story is a reminder that dreams can grow even out of life’s challenges — and that joy, imagination, and determination can leave a lasting local legacy.
Watch Gary’s interview on Fox19 News.
