Chutes Park facts for kids

Postcard showing Chutes Park around 1906

Chutes Park was a fun amusement park in Los Angeles, California. It started way back in 1887. This park was huge, covering about 35-acre (140,000 m²)! It had all sorts of exciting things like rides, animal exhibits, a theater, and even a baseball park.

In 1910, the park was sold and got a new name: Luna Park. But sadly, the amusement park closed its doors for good in 1914. The name Chutes Park was also used for the baseball field there. This field opened around 1900 and was the first home for the Los Angeles Angels baseball team.

Discovering Chutes Park's Past

Washington Gardens in 1876, before it became Chutes Park

The story of Chutes Park began in 1887. A man named David V. Waldron bought a large piece of land. This land was once a hotel site. He wanted to create a special place for people to visit.

Since the park was outside the city, he arranged for a horse-drawn rail line. This connected the park to the city's streetcar lines. Mr. Waldron started with weekly variety shows in a small building. He also brought in animals to show off. Plus, he planted a beautiful orange grove.

Over time, the park became less popular. But in 1899, new owners took over. They formed the Los Angeles County Improvement Co. They worked hard to make the park exciting again. They built a new theater, a baseball park, and added many new rides.

Thrilling Rides at Chutes Park

A view from the top of the famous water chute ride

Chutes Park was famous for its amazing rides. One of the most popular was the "chutes" water slide. Riders would get into boats and drop from a 75-foot (23 m) tower! They would splash down into a big, man-made lake.

The park also had a fun roller coaster. You could also enjoy a ride on a miniature railroad. The park's merry-go-round was special because it ran on electricity. Even the engine that pulled the boats back up the chute tower used electricity.

In October 1903, the park added another exciting ride. This was a steel-framed roller coaster shaped like a figure-eight.

Exciting Attractions and Shows

A view showing the theater and an amusement ride

Besides the rides, Chutes Park had many other cool things to see. At different times, you could find exotic animals like seals and ostriches. There were also unique attractions like the "House of Trouble" and the "Cave of the Winds."

By 1901, the park had a huge theater that could seat 4,000 people. It also had a large baseball park with seats for 10,000 fans. The Los Angeles County Improvement Co. added even more fun. They created a fishing pond and a small circus. You could even go on hot-air balloon rides! The Catalina Marine Band played music, and a small railroad circled the edge of the park.

The Baseball Park at Chutes

By 1900, a baseball diamond was ready at the north end of the park. This became the home field for the first team called the Los Angeles Angels. The Vernon Tigers baseball team also played there. After games, a gate in the outfield would open. This allowed fans to walk right into the amusement park!

The Chutes Park baseball field was sometimes called Washington Park. In 1911, a "new" Washington Park was built nearby. This new ballpark was expanded in 1913. It took over most of the old amusement park area. The Chutes Park site was completely left behind when the Angels moved to Wrigley Field. Today, the area where Chutes Park once stood is home to a courthouse and parking lots.

The first Washington Park, before 1911. The Chutes Park water slide and building are visible beyond right field.

Images for kids

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  Postcard, c.1906

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  Washington Gardens c.1876

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  View from the chute

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  View showing theater