Playland Park (San Antonio, Texas) facts for kids

Playland Park was a fun amusement park in San Antonio, Texas. It first opened its gates in 1943. Jimmy Johnson owned this popular park. Before becoming Playland Park, it was a smaller attraction. This park was famous for its exciting wooden roller coaster, called The Rocket.

A Park with a Famous Roller Coaster

Playland Park was a popular spot for families. It had 16 different rides. The most famous ride was a wooden roller coaster. This thrilling coaster was named The Rocket. It brought joy to many visitors.

Not to Be Confused

There was another park called Playland Park. This other park was in Houston, Texas. It also had a wooden roller coaster. That coaster was called "The Skyrocket." The two parks were not connected. They operated completely on their own.

The Park's Closure

Playland Park closed its doors on September 1, 1980. This was on Labor Day. For many years after, the park's original sign remained. It was the last piece of the old park. Today, a college campus stands there. There are no signs left of the old amusement park. After Playland Park closed, Six Flags Fiesta Texas became San Antonio's main amusement park.

The Rocket Roller Coaster

The Rocket was a very special ride. It was designed and built by Herb Schmeck. His company was the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The roller coaster ran from 1947 until the park closed in 1980.

Moving The Rocket

In 1984, another park bought The Rocket. This park was Knoebels Amusement Resort. It is located in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. Workers took the roller coaster apart in 1985. There were no original plans for the ride. So, each piece of wood was carefully numbered. This helped them put it back together.

The Phoenix Rises

The restored roller coaster opened at Knoebels. This happened on June 15, 1985. It was given a new name. Now, it is known as The Phoenix. It is still a very popular ride today.