Parks/Rides that need to be saved - Need Your Input!

Hello everyone! For an upcoming project I am compiling a list of rides that have on-going preservation efforts or parks that are in danger of closing. I am also looking for organizations who engage in preservation effors.

This is not a "wish list" but rather a list of on-going efforts by organizations such as ACE, Conneaut Preservation Society, etc. Therefore I don't think Miracle Strip's Starliner and Myrtle Beach would qualify unless there is an organized effort to save them. Same for Americana/LeSourdesville Lake.

This is the list I have thus far...have I missed anything?

--COASTERS--

Blue Streak [Conneaut], Leap-the-Dips

--PARKS--

Arnold's Park, Camden Park, Conneaut Lake, Lakemont

--ORGANIZATIONS--

ACE Preservation Fund, Conneaut Lake Preservation Society / Blue Streak Challenge, Leap-The-Dips Foundation, The IGL Maritime Museum / Arnolds Park

Thanks for your help!

mOOSH

*** Edited 9/12/2004 4:14:55 PM UTC by Mamoosh***

The 1920 Scenic Railway at Dreamland in Margate!

The Save Dreamland Campaign has Nick Laister among its organisers, and he was responsible for getting the scenic railway listed, which makes it much harder to demolish.

The current owner, however, wants the real estate value and has, effectively, run down the park so that it cannot be sold on as a going concern, although there are other park operators ready to buy the place. Sadly,the real estate value far outweighs the amusement park value...

The ride itself is still capable of thrilling the masses, as demonstrated throughout the 2004 Summer season. It was great to see so many happy faces, and hearing the delighted screams of the younger riders.

Margate needs tourist attractions, and Dreamland could be a real people magnet once more...

Well, it's not really all that big or special of a coaster, but it's been a staple at the park for decades...

At Marty's Fantasy Island, Wildcat is rumored to be in its final season & will be removed after this year.
Yea, its just a wild-mouse... a pretty old one at that... but it's always been with the park, and just wouldn't feel the same without it. Not to mention, if they rid of it... it's probably going to just be a bunch of scrap iron, instead of going somewhere else.

Edited to add: I'm too slow!

Moosh,

If you want an international flavor, try this: http://www.savedreamland.co.uk/

Dreamland in the UK is trying to preserve save the Scenic Railway. It seems the last one in the US closed in 1991. *** Edited 9/12/2004 5:12:34 PM UTC by IBsteve***

DawgByte - thanks, but unless there is an organized effort to save Martin's Wildcat I can't include it. But I agree, it would be a shame to lose it...those are one of my favorite Schwarzkopf models.

Robster & IB Steve - thanks...that's what I'm looking for ;)

mOOSH

NAPHA has a heritage fund program that donates money to parks/rides in need.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/napha/heritage.html

Lakeside, please everybody who can patronize this park! It's the last of the White Cities/Luna Parks. It survives due to the determination of Rhoda Krasner and her daughter. The rest of the family (who by the way own several "attractions" around Colorado)would rather just sell it off to the developers that have been circling it for years.

Carrouseler - thanks, I completely forgot about NAPHA.

Dutchman - I may make mention of a few parks that could benefit from people's patronage, such as Lakeside, Camden, etc. Thanks for reminding me.

mOOSH

I'm offended, Moosh... your list of organizations is missing something VERY obvious!

The WCFC is included, just not in my post ;)

Is Whalom a lost cause? Although the park closed in 2000, it seems Allyson Bowen was doing her best to buy the land to resurrect it. But, latest news on her site: www.savewhalompark.com isn't encouraging. There is a contact number for more information, though.

Whalom is another I'm considering but frankly there's not much left of the park. IIRC most of the rides have been sold as well as parts and trains of the Comet. I've written Allyson but I have a feeling its a lost cause.

mOOSH

The National Carousel Association www.nca-usa.org has a Preservation Fund that offers grants for the preservation and restoration of operating carousels.

No specific projects listed on the site that I can see.

And I might as well add www.dafe.org to the list. The Darkride and Funhouse enthusiasts group was founded with a goal ofs aving “lost” dark attractions, and preserving and restoring darkrides.

Thanks, Moosh! Researching the subject was informative and fun.

*** Edited 9/13/2004 12:48:50 AM UTC by IBsteve*** *** Edited 9/13/2004 12:50:05 AM UTC by IBsteve***

Steve - I remembered DAFE after posting. Thanks for finding NCA...I hadn't considered carousels but I'll include them, too.

mOOSH

Golden Nugget, Wildwood, NJ

Lesourdsville Lake :(

Chuck - is there an ORGANIZED effort? One were people can donate their time or money to help save the park? If so, can you email me the name of the organization, their contact info, street address, and web URL if they have one?

HangingandBanging - The Golden Nugget has been saved and is slated to reopen, hopefully next year.

mOOSH

I wouldn't say that Whalom is a lost cause but it is certainly not looking good. There was a time when no news was considered good news but with so little left of the park, I think the reason for no news is the fact that there is nothing left to report about.

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Mamoosh said:
Chuck - is there an ORGANIZED effort? One were people can donate their time or money to help save the park? If so, can you email me the name of the organization, their contact info, street address, and web URL if they have one?

mOOSH

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Moosh, we've had some meetings about trying to save the park. There have even been a couple of intersted buyers, Funding seemed to be the major problems there. As far as official organizations, No, there really isn't one.

Chuck, who really misses the only true traditional park left in OHIO

I'm sure once the fate of the park becomes clearer, an effort to save the Pavillion will be underway.