TORONTO - For almost 40 years, the oversized golf-ball-like cinesphere of Ontario Place has been a landmark along Toronto's waterfront.

Adolescents tangled themselves in its roped obstacle courses, while others funnelled through water park slides.

Nearby, automaton mine workers waved mechanically at log riding patrons, about to plummet into a pool of water.

But soon the Ontario Place that many remember will be no more.

Ontario's tourism ministry, which owns and operates the amusement park, is asking for architects and developers to submit ideas to completely revamp the 39-hectare waterfront property.

Construction on the new Ontario Place could start by the end of next summer -- making the summer of 2011 the last for the amusement park as many know it.

Ontario Place opened in 1970, with the purpose of being a tourist attraction that celebrated the achievements of Ontarians.

Then it was a five-pod pavilion, with paddle boats, a marina, and the world's first permanent IMAX theatre -- the cinesphere.

It was built in the spirit of Montreal's Expo '67.

Now known mostly as a water park and concert venue, spokesman Hugh Mansfield said Ontario Place has drifted from its original purpose.

"I would say the last 10 or 15 years have been certainty not its best," Mansfield said Thursday.

The plan is to "breathe some life into the facility," which saw just under a million visitors last year.

The Ontario Ministry of Tourism plans to turn the land into a year-round venue that brings together retail opportunities with education, culture, arts and entertainment.

No price tag has been set for construction, however some of the project may be eligible for Ontario Infrastructure funding, Mansfield said.

The ministry will also "welcome and embrace" federal participation in the project.

Mansfield said developers will have a blank canvas for the new Ontario Place, and outdated facilities like the cinesphere will likely be retired.

Ontario Place's popular concert venue, the Molson Amphitheatre, may have the best chance of remaining -- in its current form or another.

Music fans flock to its grassy hill for concerts. Among the artists slated to perform this summer are Sting and Rihanna.

But while the entertainment component is important, Mansfield said developers will be under no obligation to include the amphitheatre in their plans.

"We're interested in seeing what people come up with," he said.