Protect Park History

The postcard reads "Lake Whalom, Whalom Park, modern amusement area, bathing beach and natural picnic groves, provide recreation for Fitchburg - Leonminster - Lunenburg, Mass."

Save Whalom Park: If you ask many people across the United States what they miss most about their childhood many will say it is the amusement park that closed in their hometown. From California's Long Beach Pike to Chicago's Riverview Park to Coney Island's Steeplechase Park, millions across America wish they could visit their hometown park one more time. Today in Massachusetts there is a park sitting and waiting for the chance to thrill the local citizenry one more time. For the 2001 season Whalom Park sat dormant, its rides folded up and quiet. Today the park is at a crossroads and you can help. One of the families which owned the park for many years is trying to save Whalom Park for future generations. Through Save Whalom Park the Bowen family is working to re-open Whalom for the 2002 season. Think of it, the Flyer Comet runs again, the rare rides like the Klaus Roto Jet and beautiful carousel spin and kids of all ages enjoy an affordable day at the amusement park. I know that we are in a recession and that for families every dollar must be watched. But, a little investment could help you ensure the happiness of other generations. There are thousands of strip malls and ugly apartments around the country- do you want to find condos replacing a one-of-a-kind amusement park? If you want to find out what Whalom Park could become without your help simply take a trip to nearby Holyoke. There the remains of Mountain Park sit empty. Every few years an editorial runs in their newspaper about how much the city misses (and needs) its amusement park. Ironically, the only part of the park saved today is the carousel, which spins in downtown Holyoke. It is one of the city's most popular attractions and reminds the citizens of what they have lost. DON'T let Whalom Park become the next missed opportunity. Please do YOUR part to help save Whalom- visit Save Whalom Park today.

Child's Restaurant: Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York is a place that many say has lost its magic. However, some important things such as the Steeplechase Parachute Drop, the Cyclone and the Wonder Wheel have been saved for future generations to ride or at least see. One of the most pressing issues on the island right now is the preservation of a beautiful piece of architecture. Child's Restaurant is located on the boardwalk and would be an ideal place for many different types of businesses. But, first we need to preserve the building to assure that future generations can enjoy this wonderful holdover from Coney's golden years. For more information on keeping this building standing click here to go to Preserve.org's site, which talks about the past and future of this beautiful seaside building.

Important Links:
Preserve.org: See what you can do.
Coney Island: Our section devoted to this seaside amusement area.
Coney Island U.S.A.: This active group helps to preserve the Coney Island tradition and has a wonderful performance group, Sideshows by the Seashore.

The Blue Streak is a classic coaster that needs some help each year. Take some time to paint the coaster if you can get to the area. (Photo Courtesy of the Conneaut Lake Preservation Society)

Painting the Blue Streak: The Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park is one of America's classic wooden coasters. The ride, one of the few remaining from designer Edward Vettel, is a wonderful out & back coaster that is full of airtime. In addition, it features Century Flyer trains from the National Amusement Device Company. Conneaut Lake, like so many traditional American parks, faces challenges in a world of large coasters and high-tech thrill rides. But, the park has some new owners that are working hard to bring the park back as one of the premier traditional parks in the country. The park and the Conneaut Lake Preservation Society have a day each year where everyone can help keep the Blue Streak looking great through painting. Check out their "Painting the Blue Streak" webpage that gives all of the information you need to donate your time to the park. Although theme parks are fun, it is important to remember that traditional amusement parks deserve your time and money, too. Few places are better on a sunny Saturday than Conneaut Lake Park and the Blue Streak at night is incredible.

Move the Lincoln Park Comet : The Comet was a wonderful wooden coaster that thrilled many in the Boston area from 1946 to 1987. The ride, designed by Edward Leis and Vernon Keenan of the National Amusement Device company, was a twister design but featured a lot of airtime hills throughout the course. The park sadly never opened for the 1988 season and has been a constant reminder of the loss the area has felt. Once home to Lincoln Park, Paragon Park and Revere Beach, Boston now had little left in the way of amusement parks. People who loved the park and coaster sadly watched it decay with time. But, it seems like that hope for the Comet to run again may come true. It was recently announced that Little A-Merrick-A is looking at moving the Comet from Massachusetts to Wisconsin. This website details all of the information and the money needed to successfully move the coaster. If you can afford to give it will help bring joy to thousands as this great coaster runs again.