Cement and: A Weird Amusement Park Converted from a Deserted Factory
If we were parents, we’d be reluctant to take our kid to “Cementland,” an amusement park.’ Consider how someone could hurt oneself by scraping against the cement features. However, there’s more to this intriguing park than meets the eye. Cementland, the brainchild of the late sculptor Bob Cassilly, was a visionary project celebrating the history of cement production in St. Louis. Tragically, Cassilly’s life was cut short in 2011, and the fate of Cementland hung in the balance. In this article, we delve into the captivating journey of Cementland and its creator.
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The 54-acre region where Cementland is situated is just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. Occupies was once a bustling cement factory. However, when the factory ceased operations, it became a dumping ground for dirt and construction materials. The original buildings gradually decayed, becoming an eyesore to the St. Louis landscape. This was until Bob Cassilly set his sights on the location and saw its hidden potential.
Bob Cassilly, renowned for his eccentric projects, had previously designed and opened St. Louis’s City Museum, a testament to repurposed architectural and industrial objects. Drawing inspiration from the factory’s ruins, Cassilly envisioned an art amusement park showcasing cement production’s rich history, art, architecture, and evolution. With a bulldozer and construction materials, Cassilly started moulding the dirt and debris into awe-inspiring attractions at Cementland.
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Soon enough, Cementland began to take shape, and attractions emerged from the once barren landscape. Cassilly transformed a warehouse into a majestic castle, and the courtyard became adorned with exquisite sculptures crafted from cement, rocks, and antique machinery. The project garnered attention and enthusiasm for the park’s completion spread among the public.
However, tragedy struck when Cassilly was found dead at the Cementland building site. Initially ruled as a bulldozer accident, some doubted the official cause of death. In 2016, physician Dr Arthur Combs thoroughly examined the scene and autopsy reports, suggesting that Cassilly might have been beaten to death and the bulldozer incident staged to conceal the crime.
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Bob Cassilly’s untimely death left his vision incomplete. Work on Cementland came to a screeching halt, and the park remained unfinished. In 2016, a devastating warehouse fire caused significant damage, leading to further setbacks. Efforts to secure the area against vandals and trespassers were initiated in 2017, but the lack of evidence of security in 2022 raised concerns.
Memorials honouring Bob Cassilly’s life have been held at Cementland. Still, the true testament to his legacy lies in completing the amusement park and its grand opening to the public. Cementland stands as a unique and ambitious project, representing its late creator’s artistic spirit and passion.
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As we stand amidst the remains of the Cementland project, we can’t help but appreciate Bob Cassilly’s determination to create something extraordinary out of the abandoned factory. The park’s potential as a celebration of American industrial innovation is undeniable. Beyond the tragic events that followed, Cementland is a testament to the human spirit’s boundless creativity and perseverance.
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While the future of Cementland remains uncertain, let us remember the inspiring journey of its inception and the artistic vision that once breathed life into the cement wasteland. As the years go by, may the dream of completing Cementland and sharing its wonders with the world become a reality, paying homage to the indomitable spirit of Bob Cassilly and his passion for art, history, and innovation.
Source: abandonedspaces
