The popular Indiana Beach claims it’s back, with a new owner, and plans are to re-open this year.

Monticello Mayor Cathy Gross calls the amusement park “our jewel,” adding, there’s a lot of joy in the community.

An official announcement Thursday triggered a lot of a lot of excitement. Details about a sale price were not available. Gene Staples, a consulting engineer in Chicago, is listed as the new owner. Local leaders in White County call him an amusement park enthusiast. Staples has taken over as the owner of the nearly 100-year-old amusement park. Staples is president of Indiana Beach Holdings, LLC.

It was reported in February Indiana Beach was closed for financial reasons. The previous owner, Apex Parks Group, had said the park was listed for sale but no buyer could be found. Since then, White County officials and economic leaders were looking for alternative moves.

94.1 WGFA