Kiddieland Amusement Park: Difference between revisions
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==The Little Dipper== |
==The Little Dipper== |
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The Litter Dipper was designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by the [[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]] in 1950. The brakes are operated manually by a wooden handle in the station. The out-and-back coaster is {{convert|24|ft|m}} tall and travels a course of {{convert|700|ft|m}}. It was awarded the ACE Coaster Classic award by the [[American Coaster Enthusiasts]]. |
The Litter Dipper was designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by the [[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]] in 1950. The brakes are operated manually by a wooden handle in the station. The out-and-back coaster is {{convert|24|ft|m}} tall and travels a course of {{convert|700|ft|m}}. It was awarded the ACE Coaster Classic award by the [[American Coaster Enthusiasts]]. |
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[[Six Flags Great America]] bought the ride in November 2009 at the park auction. It is expected to be |
[[Six Flags Great America]] bought the ride in November 2009 at the park auction. It is expected to be installed in a kiddie section of the park by 2010. The ride cost $33,000.[http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/11/kiddieland-amusement-park-auction-rides.html] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 22:39, 24 November 2009
| File:Kiddieland.jpg Sign at the front of Kiddieland. | |
| Location | Melrose Park, Illinois, United States  |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1929 |
| Closed | 2009 |
| Owner | Family owned and operated |
| Operating season | April-October |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 30 |
| Website | www.kiddieland.com |
Kiddieland Amusement Park was an amusement park located just west of Chicago at the corner of North Avenue and First Avenue in Melrose Park, Illinois. It was home to several classic rides including the Little Dipper roller coaster, which opened in 1950. The park closed on September 27, 2009 at 8 PM.
History
Kiddieland started out as a small venture of Arthur Fritz in 1929 when he purchased six ponies and offered rides as an escape for parents reeling from the Great Depression. Miniature gasoline-powered cars were added a few years later after Fritz learned that they were being given away to children by a Chicago newspaper as a subscription promotion.
In 1940, the "German Carousel", two Miniature Steam Locomotives, the "Little Auto Ride", the "Roto Whip" and the "Ferris Wheel" were added. The Roto Whip and the Ferris Wheel are still operated at the park. The park saw its first major expansion in the 1950s with the addition of the Little Dipper and the Carousel, of which both still exist today. Bumper cars were added in the 1960s as they replaced the original pony ride.
The park transferred ownership in 1977, as Arthur Fritz's grandchildren took over the park and its operation. The park continued its expansion and installed several major attractions, including a Log flume, a swinging pirate ship, a 40-foot (12 m) long water coaster, and numerous other attractions.
Closure
A dispute developed between Shirley and Glenn Rynes, who own the land that Kiddieland occupies, and Ronald Rynes, Jr. and Cathy and Tom Norini, who own the amusement park itself.[1] The landowners sued the park owners in 2004, claiming that the park had an improper insurance policy and that fireworks were prohibited in the lease. The case was thrown out in a Cook County court and later in an appeals court. The landowners declined to extend the lease on the land in early 2009.[1]
The rides are expected to be sold by late October, when the park closes for the season.[2]
The Little Dipper
The Litter Dipper was designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1950. The brakes are operated manually by a wooden handle in the station. The out-and-back coaster is 24 feet (7.3 m) tall and travels a course of 700 feet (210 m). It was awarded the ACE Coaster Classic award by the American Coaster Enthusiasts. Six Flags Great America bought the ride in November 2009 at the park auction. It is expected to be installed in a kiddie section of the park by 2010. The ride cost $33,000.[1]
References
- ^ a b Kara Spak (2009-05-20). "Kiddieland, Chicago area's oldest amusement park, to close". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2009-05-20.
- ^ Staff (2009-05-20). "Family feud closing kids amusement park". Chicago Breaking News Center. Retrieved 2009-05-20.
External links