Luna Park Glenelg facts for kids
 |
|
| Location | Glenelg, South Australia, Australia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34°58′45″S 138°30′40″E / 34.9792°S 138.511°E |
| Opened | 8 October 1930 |
| Closed | 1935 |
| Slogan | Just For Fun |
| Attractions | |
| Roller coasters | Big Dipper |
Luna Park Glenelg was a fun amusement park that opened in Glenelg, South Australia. It welcomed visitors from 1930 until 1935. This park was a popular spot by the sea, offering exciting rides and attractions. It was similar to the famous Luna Park Melbourne.
The idea for an amusement park in Glenelg first came up in 1928. However, nothing happened right away. In 1929, permission was given to build a large roller coaster, called a scenic railway, at Colley Reserve. This permission grew in 1930 to include many other rides. Luna Park Glenelg officially opened its doors on 8 October 1930.
During the time the park was open, there were some disagreements between the park's owners and the local council. The owners felt they were not making enough money. They asked the council to lower the rent or let them stay open longer. The council did not agree to these requests. Some people living in the town also thought the park attracted unwanted visitors. Because of these issues, the park's owners started looking for a new place. In late 1934, they decided to close the company. They then bought the park's rides and attractions at an auction in April 1935. All the rides were moved to Sydney, where Luna Park Sydney opened in October 1935.
Contents
History of Luna Park Glenelg
Early Plans for the Park
In March 1928, a man named F.S. Gordon suggested building an amusement park to the Glenelg Town Council. He wanted it to be near Wrigley Reserve. This new park would be like other famous parks in Marseilles, France, and White City, England. It would have a scenic railway (a type of roller coaster), a water slide, and other fun things.
Gordon's idea did not go forward at that time. But, some land was set aside at Colley Reserve for a future park. In October 1929, David Atkins was given permission to build a scenic railway. This roller coaster was known as The Big Dipper.
Building and Opening the Park
In February 1930, the permission was expanded. This allowed for more attractions to be built. These included a Ferris wheel, Noah's Ark, River Caves, and Goofy House. David Atkins and Herman Phillips then started a company called Luna Park Glenelg Ltd. They built a park that was inspired by Luna Park Melbourne.
Luna Park Glenelg officially opened on 8 October 1930. The park did not have a main entrance fee. Instead, people paid for each ride or attraction they wanted to try.
Challenges and Moving the Park
While the park was running, there were problems between the park's managers and the local council. Mr. Atkins asked the council many times to lower the rent. This was because fewer people were visiting the park. But the council said no. Requests to open some rides on Sundays were also turned down.
Some people living nearby also complained. They felt the park attracted people they did not want in the area. Because of these ongoing issues, Mr. Atkins started looking for a new location for the park.
In 1934, a good spot was found in Milsons Point, Sydney. This area was where the Sydney Harbour Bridge had been built, right by Lavender Bay. The company that ran the park decided to close down in late 1934. They said the park was not making enough money.
On 8 April 1935, all the park's rides and equipment were sold at an auction. Mr. Atkins and Mr. Phillips bought everything. The rides were taken apart and shipped to Sydney. They were then put back together at the Lavender Bay site. The new park, called Luna Park Milsons Point, opened on 4 October 1935. This amusement park is now known as Luna Park Sydney and is still open today.
Images for kids
-
Luna Park Glenelg's main entrance.
