Springlake Amusement Park facts for kids
| Location | 1900 Springlake Drive, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Status | closed |
| Opened | 1924 |
| Closed | 1981 |
| Owner | Roy Staton |
Springlake Amusement Park was a fun amusement park located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was a very popular spot for families and friends to visit for many years. The park first opened its gates in the 1920s and offered exciting rides, a swimming pond, and a place for picnics. It became a beloved part of the city's history before it closed in 1981.
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Welcome to Springlake Amusement Park!
Springlake Amusement Park was a famous entertainment spot in Oklahoma City. It was known for its exciting rides and as a place where many famous musicians performed. The park started small but grew into a big attraction. It brought joy to many people for over 50 years.
How Springlake Began
The park was started by a man named Roy Staton. He first opened a spring-fed pond for swimming and picnics around 1916. Later, in the early 1920s, he decided to make it even better. He added many rides that he bought from another park called Belle Isle Park. He also built a large ballroom for dancing and events.
In 1929, a very special ride was added: the Big Dipper roller coaster. This roller coaster became a famous part of the park for the next 50 years!
A Popular Place to Play
For a long time, it was free to enter Springlake Amusement Park. You only paid for the rides you wanted to go on or if you wanted to swim. This meant families could enjoy a picnic by the lake without spending much money.
The park was super popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Many famous entertainers came to perform there. Imagine seeing stars like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Righteous Brothers, Roy Acuff, Conway Twitty, and The Beach Boys live!
Why Springlake Closed
Sadly, the park started to face some challenges. In 1971, there were some community tensions that affected the park. Also, the park changed owners, and the new owners, Thomas Traveling Shows, faced difficulties keeping everything in good shape. There was also a big fire that damaged the arcade area.
All these problems led to the park's closure. In the spring of 1981, a big sale was held where all the rides, buildings, and park items were sold. Some pieces even traveled as far as Peru! What was left, like big electric motors and old bumper cars, was buried right there on the park's land.
What's There Now?
Today, the land where Springlake Amusement Park once stood is home to the Metro Technology Center. This is a school that helps people learn new skills.
Even though the park is gone, a few things remain. The old amphitheater is still there. You can also see a car from the famous Big Dipper roller coaster and many old photos of the park on display at Metro Tech. They help us remember the fun times at Springlake Amusement Park!
- Springlake Amusement Park at the Roller Coaster DataBase
