Ponce de Leon amusement park facts for kids
The Ponce de Leon amusement park was a fun place built in Atlanta, Georgia. It was located where the Ponce de Leon Springs used to be. People could visit the springs for relaxation and fun. Over time, it grew into a full amusement park with many attractions.
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History of Ponce de Leon Park
The area around Ponce de Leon Springs became popular in the late 1800s. In 1872, a bus service called an "omnibus" started taking people from Atlanta to the springs. A few years later, in 1874, horse-drawn streetcars also began service. This made it much easier for families to visit.
Growing into an Amusement Park
By the late 1880s and 1890s, the springs area added more attractions. There were special activities for children to enjoy. A large dance hall and a theater were built for entertainment. People also loved to have picnics on the grounds.
In 1903, construction began to turn the area into a complete amusement park. It had rides and games, just like parks today. By this time, an electric streetcar line called the Nine-Mile Circle served the park. This made it even easier for many more people to visit.
Changes to the Area
In 1907, a big change happened nearby. A four-acre lake north of Ponce de Leon Avenue was filled in. This space was used to build the Ponce de Leon ballpark. This ballpark is now the Midtown Place shopping area.
Segregation at the Park
It is important to know that the Ponce de Leon amusement park was a "whites-only" park. This means that only white people were allowed to enter as visitors. A sign at the entrance clearly stated, "colored persons admitted as servants only." This was a rule from a time when racial segregation was common. It meant that people of color could only enter if they worked there, not to enjoy the park. This was a very unfair practice.
Park Closure and New Buildings
The Ponce de Leon amusement park closed its doors in the early 1920s. It had been a popular spot for many years.
After the park closed, a new building was constructed on the site. This was the southeastern headquarters for Sears, Roebuck and Company. It opened in 1926. Today, this large building is known as Ponce City Market. It is a popular place with shops, restaurants, and offices.
