Weirs Beach Waterslide to be Torn Down

[Just Sold]

From the Laconia Sun today:

Weirs Beach Water Slide to be torn down soon

Published Date Thursday, 05 December 2013 01:30

LACONIA — The Weirs Beach Water Slide, among the most venerable and visible attractions at Weirs Beach, is slated for demolition early next year.
The owner, Robert Csendes of Bedford, doing business as 45 Endicott, LLC, said yesterday that he has nearly completed an application for a demolition permit and expects to raze the facility sometime in January. He explained that the attraction is in disrepair and costly to insure or renovate.
Csendes said that intends to lease the 2.4-acre property at the corner of Endicott Street North (Rte. 3) and Lakeside Avenue overlooking the iconic Weirs Beach sign where he would construct a building to suit the needs of a long-term tenant. He indicated that he has discussed the redevelopment of the site with several interested parties. At the same time, he anticipates leasing space on the property to vendors during Motorcycle Week in June.
The water park features four slides with a 75-foot drop, several waterfalls and a 110-foot tunnel passing through what is billed as the tallest man-made volcano in the world, marked by the remains of a crashed airplane protruding from its flank. The slides wrap around an 18-hole miniature golf course that meanders through the water park. According to a city property tax card, the attraction was built in 1979.
Cesendes acquired the property for $580,000 at auction in January, 2010 after Bank of New Hampshire foreclosed on the property when Lawrence Baldi,II, whose family had owned the water park since 1995, was defrauded by Financial Resources Mortgage, Inc. of Meredith and defaulted on loans totaling $703,000. The property is currently assessed at $540,900.
The other water park at The Weirs, Surf Coaster USA, which was built at the corner of White Oaks Road and Endicott Street East in 1983, closed after the 2006 season and has been for sale ever since.

[Silver Duck]

Sad news, but I was afraid that would happen.

[WeirsBeachBoater]

Property has become an eyesore in the last few years. However, I cringe to think we will be staring at another empty lot. No doubt it will become one of the many pieces of property in that area, that the owner pulls money out of bike week, and then, us local residents have to stare at the ugly unmaintained lot for the other 50 weeks of the year.

[MeredithMan]

Agree with WBB. We lose an eyesore, but gain an empty lot. Like swapping deck chairs on the Titanic...

So this will join the empty lot at the old Karl's restaurant; the empty lot at the old Wide Open Saloon; the empty lot next to The Lobster Pound; the empty lot near The Cumby's gas station; the empty lot just up 11B heading toward Gilford....have I missed any?

MM

[Jeanzb1]

I am truly sad to learn this news. The Water Slide has been a Weirs icon for decades. Even at age 66, I loved sliding with the granddaughters who are going to cry when they hear this news. And, by the way, we also miss the other water slide that has been closed for quite a few years.

[BroadHopper]

Liability insurance is at an all time high. Many Mom and Pop ski areas have folded as well as water attractions and ride attraction to name a few. Now we have to pay outrages fees at the ski area, water countries and amusement parks so the few who makes a living suing people and companies can sponge off of us.

I will never forget a 20/20 segment on a man in California that actually make a living suing in court. He will actually travel and find a way to sue someone and gets away with it. They have also found others who do the same.

It is a sad situation.

[Orion]

Seems like a potential opportunity for some development group (similar to Meredith) to combine all those properties and build a first class resort area and shops in what seems to be a prime location.

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by Orion

Seems like a potential opportunity for some development group (similar to Meredith) to combine all those properties and build a first class resort area and shops in what seems to be a prime location.

A few years ago I heard through the grapevine that a group was considering purchasing the property by the roundabout where the Logs of Fun arcade, mini-golf, post-office, etc. are located, tearing it all down and building a Church Landing style Inn. If I remember correctly they wanted to build a new footbridge over the Weirs Channel to the beach and also invest in and upgrade the beach.

It could have just been a rumor and I never heard anything else about it. It certainly would have changed the Weirs.

[Fargo]

Glad to hear it will be torn down. What ever takes its place on that prime corner will set the tone for the next 40 years for the rebirth or death of the Weirs.

[pcmc]

This might be a good spot for a jumbo Ferris wheel. I wonder how the view would be from up there?
Just a thought.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by pcmc

This might be a good spot for a jumbo Ferris wheel. I wonder how the view would be from up there?
Just a thought.

IMO, the area needs more year-round things. Too much seasonal stuff.

On a related note, Laconia should do something to prevent major properties from being "bike week only" use. I really hate to suggest the government step in to more things, but it seems like the alternative is to just sit and watch the area decline.

[AKADQ]

Originally Posted by webmaster

A few years ago I heard through the grapevine that a group was considering purchasing the property by the roundabout where the Logs of Fun arcade, mini-golf, post-office, etc. are located, tearing it all down and building a Church Landing style Inn. If I remember correctly they wanted to build a new footbridge over the Weirs Channel to the beach and also invest in and upgrade the beach.

It could have just been a rumor and I never heard anything else about it. It certainly would have changed the Weirs.

If I recall and my memory is correct, Rusty who owns that complex was trying to get approved from the city of Laconia a hotel complex for that site but got denied. Not sure if my facts are correct but I think it's close...

[Resident 2B]

I believe what is sorely missing is a master plan for the Weirs Beach area. Something that make sense and is financially viable after considering all the current and potential uses of the area, including how to host Bike Week in any new arrangement. The square footage of the vacant lots is growing faster than the property value of the surrounding real estate is dropping. Piecemeal development without a master plan is doomed to failure.

I do not know why one of the local politicians does not start this ball rolling. What we have now is a big mess that seems to get worse each and every year. This is a beautiful part of the lakes region and it is not being treated with the respect it deserves.

That is my 2-cents worth.

R2B

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

I believe what is sorely missing is a master plan for the Weirs Beach area. Something that make sense and is financially viable after considering all the current and potential uses of the area, including how to host Bike Week in any new arrangement. The square footage of the vacant lots is growing faster than the property value of the surrounding real estate is dropping. Piecemeal development without a master plan is doomed to failure.

I do not know why one of the local politicians does not start this ball rolling. What we have now is a big mess that seems to get worse each and every year. This is a beautiful part of the lakes region and it is not being treated with the respect it deserves.

That is my 2-cents worth.

R2B

I couldn't agree more. The leaders of Laconia have totally butchered what should be a jewel of the Lakes Region. I am not sure what the problem is but the result of Laconia's inaction has been to drive commerce to places like Meredith. It likely will get worse before it gets better.

[birchhaven]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

I couldn't agree more. The leaders of Laconia have totally butchered what should be a jewel of the Lakes Region. I am not sure what the problem is but the result of Laconia's inaction has been to drive commerce to places like Meredith. It likely will get worse before it gets better.

I could not agree more. I wrote in another post this exact situation, that bike week drives development away because a land owner can generate income with no improvements, making the land owners pretty much lazy, where as anywhere else you need to improve the land to make a buck. I know for a fact that the powers that be, take the attitude that, it is what it is, and who are they to change it, really great planning attitude.
Speaking of Laconia planning, the new steep slope ordinance pretty much makes all of the weirs need a zoning variance, so they just keep adding regulation to stop development. That entire area is over 25% slope (so is pretty much the entire lakes region). So anyone looking to buy up and revamp the Weirs has a serious up hill battle and a lot of extra expense to make that area into the great place we all know it could, simply because of Laconia. Not only that but they are adding more regulations.
I have never understood the steep slope ordinances towns put in place, if you want a walk out basement on your house it requires a lot with greater than 25% slopes pretty much, yet with these regulations it makes an area like that unbuildable.
I could go on about this for a while...

[JasonG]

It's been a few years since I have been up there so I may be out of date. Could the problem be the lack of activities during the off season, thus no tourists to generate revenue then?

Bottom line...having a business that is only operational 4 months a year is tough to push on any investor. As someone else said, Meredith is where money is going. Why not? They make things interesting year round.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by JasonG

It's been a few years since I have been up there so I may be out of date. Could the problem be the lack of activities during the off season, thus no tourists to generate revenue then?

Bottom line...having a business that is only operational 4 months a year is tough to push on any investor. As someone else said, Meredith is where money is going. Why not? They make things interesting year round.

Meredith is in the same geography with a similar asset and it has been able to flourish. What Laconia has in the Weirs is irreplaceable. That being said, any high caliber asset can be mismanaged and that is what we have seen the leaders of Laconia do with the Weirs.

[JasonG]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

Meredith is in the same geography with a similar asset and it has been able to flourish. What Laconia has in the Weirs is irreplaceable. That being said, any high caliber asset can be mismanaged and that is what we have seen the leaders of Laconia do with the Weirs.

So the general feeling is the existing businesses (most?) could be managed correctly for a year round appeal? However, the effort has not come?

[birchhaven]

Originally Posted by JasonG

So the general feeling is the existing businesses (most?) could be managed correctly for a year round appeal? However, the effort has not come?

Management is part of it, but more importantly the lack of investment in the properties and also a serious lack of imagination. The whole place needs to be torn down and rebuilt.

[Colby]

The area can not support a water slide? What's happened to our Weirs?
There used to be three water slide areas around Laconia. The SurfCoaster, Part of the Alpine Slide Gunstock ski area and the Weirs Beach water slide. Now we are losing the last waterslide.

When I try to encourage friends to visit the area they talk poorly about the Weirs. They call it a honky tonk atmosphere. Run down, nothing to do. Great scenery though.

Those who are black, gay or Jews feel unwelcome. Real or perceived that is how they feel.

What was the Weirs Water Slide land used for in the past? Will it be abandoned and just exist except for Bike week+ ?

It's awful to watch the area get so run down.

[ishoot308]

"Those who are black, gay or Jews feel unwelcome. Real or perceived that is how they feel."

What!?? While the Weirs may have issues, racism certainly is NOT one of them!!

Give me a break!

Dan

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by Just Sold

From the Laconia Sun today:

Weirs Beach Water Slide to be torn down soon

• 

Published Date Thursday, 05 December 2013 01:30

LACONIA — The Weirs Beach Water Slide, among the most venerable and visible attractions at Weirs Beach, is slated for demolition early next year.
The owner, Robert Csendes of Bedford, doing business as 45 Endicott, LLC, said yesterday that he has nearly completed an application for a demolition permit and expects to raze the facility sometime in January. He explained that the attraction is in disrepair and costly to insure or renovate.
Csendes said that intends to lease the 2.4-acre property at the corner of Endicott Street North (Rte. 3) and Lakeside Avenue overlooking the iconic Weirs Beach sign where he would construct a building to suit the needs of a long-term tenant. He indicated that he has discussed the redevelopment of the site with several interested parties. At the same time, he anticipates leasing space on the property to vendors during Motorcycle Week in June.
The water park features four slides with a 75-foot drop, several waterfalls and a 110-foot tunnel passing through what is billed as the tallest man-made volcano in the world, marked by the remains of a crashed airplane protruding from its flank. The slides wrap around an 18-hole miniature golf course that meanders through the water park. According to a city property tax card, the attraction was built in 1979.
Cesendes acquired the property for $580,000 at auction in January, 2010 after Bank of New Hampshire foreclosed on the property when Lawrence Baldi,II, whose family had owned the water park since 1995, was defrauded by Financial Resources Mortgage, Inc. of Meredith and defaulted on loans totaling $703,000. The property is currently assessed at $540,900.
The other water park at The Weirs, Surf Coaster USA, which was built at the corner of White Oaks Road and Endicott Street East in 1983, closed after the 2006 season and has been for sale ever since.

First the Woodshed, now the Weirs Beach Waterside, what is next the sinking of the Mount Washington in the Broads?

[fatlazyless]

It just seems like the City of Laconia missed the boat a little bit when it comes to the physical appearance of the new Weirs Beach traffic roundabout. This new roundabout, built in 2012, is not particularly attractive looking when you compare it to the Meredith roundabout that's about five miles north in neighboring Meredith.

So, what is the difference? It is all about the smooth concrete outer circular apron of smooth concrete that is so visible at the Weirs. In Meredith, a few hundred grey granite cobbles were used as opposed to smooth concrete, and it makes a big difference in how the whole roundabout looks.

Weirs Beach has a very ugly roundabout, and Meredith has a very attractive roundabout ...... due to the concrete vs granite cobbles difference.....suggest you go take a look-see yourself....and see if you agree on this.

[MeredithMan]

very true. Weirs rotary is drab and un-inviting and unattractive. When they were building it, I assumed the smooth drab concrete and lack of attractive landscaping was only temporary....that they would finish it to look like the Meredith rotary. Wrong! Since the rotary is one of the first things that visitors to the area see, one would have thought that the town would have made it much more attractive, especially being a tourist area.

[Lakesrider]

I might gets some angry replies, but I have always thought the whole strip should be torn down. It needs to get completely rebuilt into something more akin to the Lake George Boardwalk area. You should see the tourism that Lake George gets compared to the now sparse visiting that the Weirs gets. I think it is really sad that there is such potential in that little strip of land and the surround area, and it sits there looking like a slum. Sorry. Just the way I see it. That area needs a planning committee that will step up and control what goes in there. Not people that just buy and put things in hither thither and mess the place up. Laconia is lost in the planning process of just about everything they do...

[Chaselady]

Originally Posted by Lakesrider

I might gets some angry replies, but I have always thought the whole strip should be torn down. It needs to get completely rebuilt into something more akin to the Lake George Boardwalk area. You should see the tourism that Lake George gets compared to the now sparse visiting that the Weirs gets. I think it is really sad that there is such potential in that little strip of land and the surround area, and it sits there looking like a slum. Sorry. Just the way I see it. That area needs a planning committee that will step up and control what goes in there. Not people that just buy and put things in hither thither and mess the place up. Laconia is lost in the planning process of just about everything they do...

Believe it or not, I totally agree with you.

[HellRaZoR004]

And demolish and rebuild the docks. They are way too narrow.

[Fargo]

I just returned from having lunch in Kennebunkport. We thought this would be their off season and a quiet day since it was raining. The place was packed with people and 90% of the businesses were open. Low key Xmas decorations, beautiful hand carved business signs, all the store fronts were painted and windows were washed. No vacant lots and no broken down chain link fences. What isn't there is a beautiful lake and mountain views you'd think the Weirs would want to capitalize on and be open for business year round. Go figure.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

It just seems like the City of Laconia missed the boat a little bit when it comes to the physical appearance of the new Weirs Beach traffic roundabout. This new roundabout, built in 2012, is not particularly attractive looking when you compare it to the Meredith roundabout that's about five miles north in neighboring Meredith.

So, what is the difference? It is all about the smooth concrete outer circular apron of smooth concrete that is so visible at the Weirs. In Meredith, a few hundred grey granite cobbles were used as opposed to smooth concrete, and it makes a big difference in how the whole roundabout looks.

Weirs Beach has a very ugly roundabout, and Meredith has a very attractive roundabout ...... due to the concrete vs granite cobbles difference.....suggest you go take a look-see yourself....and see if you agree on this.

I'm glad they built the roundabout. When I have to drive by the Weirs I go around the circle several times. I get dizzy enough so when I cross the bridge I can't make out the depressing landscape of that corner.

[RailroadJoe]

How about a nice new Marriot Hotel with indoor pool and fabulous restaurant? No condos, just apartments to rent by the day or week. And while they are at it tear down the drive in theater and make it the parking for the hotel.

[webmaster]

I don't recall the source but a few years ago someone told me that putting a upscale Church Landing style hotel at the Weirs on the site where Logs-O-Fun, the post office (and not much more) now is was being considered. Part of the plan was to build a nice footbridge over the channel to the beach and invest in beach improvements.

Apparently the plan was shelved but I thought that would be a great first step in transforming Weirs Beach.

Did anyone else hear about this?

[VitaBene]

I don't think investors will spend much money before a comprehensive master plan is established.

[jrc]

There's lots of ways this can happen but the likely ways are very slow.

The city can get involved, using taxes or permits to indirectly drive development.

The city can sit back and let private entities buy up the land for cheap as it gets more and more run down. Bike week does set a bottom limit on the value.

The city can take certain parcels by eminent domain and develop them or sell to a developer.

I'm not sure how a master plan comes in to play, who pays for this plan and who enforces it?

It only takes a few successful businesses to flip the trend. Think about a string of old time lakefront camps. One guy sells out and someone builds a mansion. Now all the nearby places, become much more valuable and their taxes shoot up. Suddenly the old timers places can't afford the taxes and must sell.

[BroadHopper]

Right now they are concentrating on revitalizing downtown, the character was destroyed by Urban Renewal. (City flatly denied to this day UR was not the problem). Weirs is the least of their problem as there is enough money generated by Bike Week.

I agree a master plan must be established. The beach erosion must be taken care of. etc. etc.

Until the city wakes up, I think Weirs will become a ghost town.

[pcmc]

Ok so if Bike Week is the bread and butter for them, they need to get on the ball before it migrates away. The two other events that I know of just off the top of my head are 1. Lake G. NY has a big event, 2. Hershey PA has an event. Both right in the backyard.

One thought I keep having for an idea at the Wiers is a long pier that would extend way out into the water. Similar to Clearwater, FL., I believe, but am not positive that is the right beach area. The attractions are out at the end, and the walk out offers great views . Although that pier is located on the ocean it would be nice on the lake, maybe a little smaller version. The winter ice may cancel that right out but it's only a thought.

[BroadHopper]

Make an extension to the Winni Ballroom pier would be an awesome idea. Except Shoreline Protection act and the DES will put a huge NO NO on the project.

The current public docks are useless as far as I'm concerned. They should rearrange the docks wider so they can be more useful.

[Sal]

Could be interpreted as another bridge to Governor's Island . . .

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by Sal

Could be interpreted as another bridge to Governor's Island . . .

Yes, that is not the exact one in Clearwater, FL., but the exact same idea. I would vision that with provision for boat docking on either side. It could open a lot of options or just offer a nice walk with a different view perspective.

[Sal]

This pier is located on Clearwater Beach, about 1/4 mile from the HUGE Marriott. I took the picture this February.

[pcmc]

Originally Posted by Sal

This pier is located on Clearwater Beach, about 1/4 mile from the HUGE Marriott. I took the picture this February.

Oh, sorry. That isn't the pier I had been to years ago, but just as welcoming.

[RLW]

Hasn't anyone taken a resent picture as to how it looks at the present time? I would love to see how the property looks vacant.

[birchhaven]

Rlm sorry no pic but progress is very slow for a demo project.
The Land is valued at 165k so the owners only need to rent a couple tents a year and they will be in the positive so I don't see anything happening there for a long long time.
I had an interesting conversation about my position on bike week and I realized I might be stating why bike week needs to end for the place to be rejuvenated incorrectly. The actual bike week is not the actual problem it is how it breeds lazy land owners.
I will say it again the city could have easily made a condition of approving the demo permit that unless the site is redeveloped it will not receive a bike week permit. They have placed restrictions on other properties in the area exactly like that. I know for a fact.
Also I am always amazed on how this website works. You have 95 percent of the comments saying weirs needs something done, then along comes someone who wants it to stay the same or be turned back to trees.

[Billy Bob]

We are residents os st Pete beach/Clearwater and have a home on the lake for the summer . Attempting to compare the 2 isen't possible . Clearwater has a 12month season with snowbirds packing the area now and southern state folks enjoying the beaches in the summer. Also a lot more to do with the ocean and the Disney / Bush stuff so close. The lake has a very short season to make a buck and the return on investment isen't possible for large scale redevelopment. The weirs might have nostalgia but at this point it is what it is a dump that no one without a lake history will find cool.
Laconia is a financially poor city with big problems , few decent jobs and big drug and small time crime problems. Using development money to get more low paying seasonal jobs at the crummy beach probably is not at the top of the list

We avoid that area with the grand kids , it's history

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

We are residents os st Pete beach/Clearwater and have a home on the lake for the summer . Attempting to compare the 2 isen't possible . Clearwater has a 12month season with snowbirds packing the area now and southern state folks enjoying the beaches in the summer. Also a lot more to do with the ocean and the Disney / Bush stuff so close. The lake has a very short season to make a buck and the return on investment isen't possible for large scale redevelopment. The weirs might have nostalgia but at this point it is what it is a dump that no one without a lake history will find cool.
Laconia is a financially poor city with big problems , few decent jobs and big drug and small time crime problems. Using development money to get more low paying seasonal jobs at the crummy beach probably is not at the top of the list

We avoid that area with the grand kids , it's history

I think this sums it up pretty well. Attempting to hang on to the past and nostalgia is only going to bring things down. The number of people with a "history" of the Weirs are outnumbered by newcomers who only see it as a place with little to no draw.

[pcmc]

https://www.google.com/search?q=st+p...&client=safari

I don't recall comparing, merely suggesting a thought of a pier at Wiers beach.
I found the the one we visited. It was in St. Petersburg, FL.

[Misha888]

Today's progress photo.

[glennsteely]

Irishfan, great post feeling of old time mems! I used to LOVE weirs! I litterally spent every minute (and cent) that I could there when I was a youngster. Lots and lots of memories! 😎😎👍

[Lin]

Unfortunately we are not up at the camp because our daughter wanted to share it with friends this weekend. She has been gone for four years at a Florida college and is back this summer. She helped me open the camp earlier this month. She had not been to Weirs beach since she was 18 and this is what she said when I asked if she was having fun. They were at pirate's cove mini golf, red hill dairi and a couple of other fun places but then she texted -"also the weirs is very run down - everything is pretty much closed down."

We love the location at the weirs pretty views, the icecream shops, and the beach and have had very fond memories of being at the weirs both as kids and as raising our kids. My aunt Shirley Avery Hames (related to Captain Avery that used to captain the MT Washington) grew up there and one of the cottages to the north of the pier was Nana and my great Aunt's first purchase at the lake back in the thirties. My parents spent summers at the weirs before my great aunt bought a nice place up on wentworth shores in the fifties. I and my siblings spent every summer at the lake and enjoyed our weirs visits as did our kids. But it is getting run down over the years.

It would be nice to see some improvements on the strip.

[diz]

Originally Posted by RLW

Hasn't anyone taken a resent picture as to how it looks at the present time? I would love to see how the property looks vacant.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Compare those pictures to post #43 and you'll see there has been some progress since my photo.
I think the excavator moved 35 feet.
Here's a couple pictures of the other side of the street.

[Misha888]

Originally Posted by RLW

Hasn't anyone taken a resent picture as to how it looks at the present time? I would love to see how the property looks vacant.

I'll take some tomorrow. Heading down that way for a Mothers Day cruise on the mount.

[MeredithMan]

....drove by there on Friday afternoon and it looks like they had just hydro-seeded where everything had been. So, at least it'll be a classy vacant lot....

[Irishfan]

Sad to learn the waterslide is being torn down. I remember it much different growing up spending summers at the Weirs. My uncle has a small seasonal cottage within walking distance of the Weirs. There were, I think, four waterslides total if my memory serves me correct. No cheesy volcanoes or any other props that take away from the attraction. Even my dad and uncles went down the slides. Great memories. That volcano looked like it was about to fall over any second.

I remember getting up early and going to the country store at the top of Lakeside Ave. for the fresh donuts they made at the store. Anybody else remember those? They were the best. Learning how to waterski with the old orange life jacket. Going to the arcades to play skeeball and save up your tickets all summer to get decent prizes. Last time I visited, most of the games in the arcades were out of order and there were a few skeeball games but it just wasn't the same. How bout those bingo and poker machines with the pink rubber balls? Great times.

I'm usually a lurker but just had to throw in my two cents. Sorry to rant.

[minni on winni]

Doesn't sound like a rant to me. Rather like a trip down memory lane and a pleasant one at that!

[Gilligan]

Too bad that another attraction goes away with nothing to replace it. The costs of food and lodging goes up and the attractions go down. It feels odd that on one hand there is more crowding while on the other hand there are fewer entertainment destinations. Kids don't seem to mind that the Weirs are a bit run down as long as there are fun things to do there. Take away the fun and they are not pestering their parents to go there.

I wish I had answers or plan ideas but I don't. I just hate to see the current state of affairs and the dwindling number of family fun places.

[Jeanzb1]

I know that I'm in the minority, but I will miss the water slide. The grandkids didn't mind that it was run down. And now that it is in the process of being torn down, I just hope that they clean the debris up and not leave an unsightly empty lot.

[fatnoah]

As someone who grew up in Laconia (LHS class of '93), it's sad to see the Weirs fall into the state it's in. As a teenager, it didn't seem particularly seedy and I generally knew someone working in almost every single one of the businesses, whether it be the water slide, Surfcoaster, arcades, pizza/fried dough joints, etc. Compared to the rest of the area, the boardwalk was a pretty happening place in the summer.

Going back now, it seems much smaller and seedier than I remember. That's probably a combination if it actually being seedier and me having a slightly different world view than when I was 17.