Wonderland Amarillo Celebrates 70 Years

There was a big birthday celebration in Amarillo today, and at 70 years old it looks like there's no signs of slowing down or old age at this birthday party. I'm talking about Wonderland which even with a storm moving in still found a moment to celebrate 70 years of fun and games in the Texas Panhandle

Now if you're gonna have a birthday party you need plenty of treats and there was no shortage of those to be found along with the incredible staff at the park serving them up. the centerpiece was a beautiful sheet cake with a collage of some of the early views of the park.

Wonderland Park today as we know it came along way from its humble origins when Paul and Althea Roads first opened what was then known as "Kiddie Land" 70 years ago in 1951 with only three rides, all of which were built by Paul Roads himself.

Naturally it was an instant hit bringing joy to folks all across the Panhandle. Paul initially worked at the then Amarillo Air Force Base for the first 10 years the park was open. He then made it full time after that continuing design and construct attractions in the park.

The name change to Wonderland Park occured in 1969. Interestingly enough it kept a theme going with Thompson Park's other tenant the Story Land Zoo which was also getting it's footing at about the same time.

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Today the Roads Family is very much still involved in the park, While Paul and Althea have passed on, Both of their children continue to take active roles in the day to day operation of the park keeping it in the family. Congratulations! and to many many more years of fun!