Balboa Fun Zone
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This article relies on references to primary sources or sources affiliated with the subject, rather than references from independent authors and third-party publications. Please add citations from reliable sources. (August 2007) |
The Balboa Fun Zone is a small amusement park located on the Balboa Peninsula in the city of Newport Beach, Orange County, California. However, little is left of the original park.
It was built in 1936 by Al Anderson, who initially leased the land. Mr. Anderson bought the property from the owner in 1948. In 1956 Bob Speth, a former employee, bought the Ferris wheel but sold it back in 1964. Jordan Wank rebuilt the entire park and re-opened it 1986. In 1987, the Australian band INXS filmed their video "Devil Inside" by director Joel Schumacher at various locations at the Fun Zone. In 1988 Doo & Sons owned The Balboa Fun Zone.
In 1994 the Balboa Fun Zone was purchased by former employee Joe Tunstall.[1] The Fun Zone consisted of an arcade and amusement park with shops, restaurants and rides on the Newport Harbor.
While the Ferris wheel and the merry-go-round remain as reminders of the park's past, you can also take harbor cruises and enjoy the arcades on the boardwalk. The Ferris wheel is a frequently photographed night landmark on the Balboa Peninsula. The Balboa Fun Zone was purchased in December, 2005 by the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.[2] On September 30, 2006, most of the rides—the Drummer Boy, Bumper Cars, and Scary Dark Ride were closed and have been removed to make room for the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum.[citation needed] The carousel is planned to be moved to nearby Westminster in early 2012.[3]
The current Ferris wheel is not the original from 1972, and it is not even in the same location that the original one was in.
On the corner was the original Balboa Beach Company and the Ferris wheel was behind that building in 1972.
Balboa Fun Zone is also the name of OC punk band Adolescents 1988 Album.
[edit] References
- ^ The Balboa Fun Zone History
- ^ History of the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum
- ^ Peters, Sarah (November 10, 2011). "Balboa Fun Zone carousel to land in Westminster area". Daily Pilot. http://www.dailypilot.com/news/columns/tn-dpt-1111-carousel-20111110,0,3795274.story. Retrieved November 10, 2011.
[edit] External links
Coordinates: 33°36′10″N 117°53′56″W / 33.60278°N 117.89889°W
