Roadside Peek : Amusement Parks East 2




East Main \| Amusement Parks \| Architecture \| Auto \| Bowling \| Drive-ins \| Eateries \| Icons Motels \| Neon \| Retrolook \| Signage \| Theatre \| USA Main Pages : 1 [2] Ice Cream Stand Pittsburgh, PA Photo courtesy Mark Hackett Kennywood Park of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a national historic landmark and home to the Thunderbolt, a wooden roller coaster that first began operation in 1968. Art Deco Refreshment Stand Photo courtesy Mark Hackett Kennywood is also a site of some of the best art-deco and neon buildings and signage in the nation. Samples include the art-deco refreshment stand at the right and ice cream stand at the left. If you're a fan of classic nostalgic amusement parks, Kennywood is a must visit. Playland Park Photo by Steve Felder Another great roadside find, Playland Park (top right) on the south side of Akron is located near the "Rubber Bowl." But eventually this marquee may be all you'll see, as this funland has become just another statistic in the great defunct parkside in the sky. Coney Island is also home to the Wonder Wheel. Another survivor of the "Golden Age" at Coney, the ancient wonder wheel has operated at Deno's Wonder Wheel Park since 1920. It is a giant, unique ferris wheel in which cars along its inner diameter rock back and forth at unannounced intervals. The neon on the sign travels from car to car, giving it an animated touch. The Wonder Wheel is a NYC landmark. Wonder Wheel Sign Photo courtesy Mark Hackett Games Building Photo courtesy Mark Hackett Here is the Games Building at Cedar Point, Sandusky Ohio. Cedar Point is one of the most popular seasonal amusement parks in the country and home to 12 roller coasters. Cedar Point is ideally located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie, and is a total vacation resort. Despite a recent modernization effort, a few traditional elements, including the Fascination Building facade, still remain in this park that has been in operation for over a century. Thunderbolt Coaster Photo courtesy Mark Hackett Over in Riverside Park, Massachusetts is a "good little wood coaster" that's been servicing thrill seekers since 1940. The Thunderbolt is one of the old classic wooden roller coasters sporting a great neon entranceway. Update : Riverside Park in Agawam was bought by Six Flags and has been converted to a mega park as is their style. However the good news is the coaster has survived the change. Many thanks to Paul Roy for update. Kennywood Turtle Ride Pittsburgh, PA Photo courtesy Mark Hackett At Kennywood Park is the Turtle Ride, known for bubbles floating out of the mouths of each turtle. On a historical note, the Turtle debuted in 1927 at Kennywood. Currently, there are only 4 such rides in existence of which 3 are in the States (1 is in England). Lakeside Amusement Park Photo courtesy Mark Hackett Another honorary Roadside Peek East member, this time from Colorado. The Lakeside Amusement Park has been around since 1908. In one roadside travelers opinion (I wonder who), Lakeside is "easily America's art deco and neon capital." Wild Chipmunk Sign, Lakeside Park Photo courtesy Mark Hackett Some more potentially great neon in Lakeside Amusement Park. Perhaps the mystery traveler may be right. Then again, maybe not. Autoskooter, Lakeside Park Photo courtesy Mark Hackett Just look at the lettering on the Autoskooter ride at Lakeside Park. Storybook Land Cardiff Egg Harbor Township, NJ Photo courtesy Bob Jagendorf Looking for a storybook themed fun park based upon nursery rhymes and childhood stories? Well, Storybook Land is the place. Check out the marquee and entranceway in this photo. For more information on the park, see the Storybook Land website. Pages : 1 [2] East Main \| Amusement Parks \| Architecture \| Auto \| Bowling \| Drive-ins \| Eateries \| Icons Motels \| Neon \| Retrolook \| Signage \| Theatre \| USA Main Home \| Search \| What's New \| Contact Disclaimers, Copyright, and Trademarks Page Last Updated June 17, 2005