When I set out for my Labor Day solo excursion my plan was to visit Idlewild & Soakzone followed by DelGrosso’s Amusement Park. Lakemont Park wasn’t even on my mind, especially since it was closed. As I began seeing the signs for Altoona, Pa., however, curiosity got the best of me.
I knew there was a parking garage next to the park and the minor league ballpark bordering Skyliner. Maybe I could swing by and take some photos of the coasters from outside the park? As the exit approached, I decided to take it.
Limited Views
I ended up parking at the ballpark. There was only one other car there and no game going on, thankfully. I grabbed my camera, locked the car, and took a walk. I didn’t know what I could get, even with a zoom lens, but I’d try.
Skyliner
While standing outside the ballpark I was able to get a few shots of Skyliner just over the outfield wall. I never came over to take photos of the ride from this angle, so I’m glad I stopped just for this alone. I always thought this was a neat background for a ballpark. Being a fan of baseball and roller coasters, I am partial. I’m sure you’ll all agree though, even if you’re not a fan of the sport.
Once I walked over to the parking garage I was able to get some even better shots. Shots of the station, turn around, and numerous ones featuring the entire ride. And yeah, it looked even more run down than the last time I was here coming out of Covid.
Leap the Dips
Sadly I was unable to get any good views of Leap the Dips from the parking garage. With the rough shape Skyliner looks to be in, I hope Leap the Dips is fairing a little better. If the ride is destined to rot, I hope someone can swoop in and save it – whether at its current location, or by moving it somewhere that might give it a new lease on life. Somewhere like Knoebels, perhaps? But at this point I want Knoebels to save Leap the Dips, Skyliner, and the soon to close Wild One at Six Flags America (SFA). Too many wooden coasters are in danger of being lost forever in this region of the country and it sucks.
I Hope the Park's Fortunes Change
I have no idea what the future holds for this park. I’ve only been a few times, but I did like my visits a decade ago better than in more recent years when it changed to the mixed use version of the park with ball courts and such. I’m glad I got to experience both Skyliner and Leap the Dips, but I know I’d treasure the chance to take some of the other crew members here. Not all of them got the chance to visit, sadly. I guess we will have to wait and see.
Lakemont Park Photo Gallery - September 1, 2025
If you would like to use any of the images in the gallery above for your commercial and/or non-commercial projects, feel free to do so. I ask that you credit We Were Inverted whenever they’re used. I also ask that you do not alter the image or remove the watermarks. If you need any images/video resized or without the watermarks, please contact me directly.
CREW MANIFEST
The following flight crew members attended this park, & earned the respective credits below:
Patrick
CAG
New Credit(s): n/a