The Abandoned Joyland

In 1949, one of Wichita's major landmarks was born. Purchased and opened to the public by Stanley and Margaret Nelson, the park was a main attraction, thriving with families and teenagers alike. 

Those who grew up in or around Wichita have emotional attachment to this home of one of the first wooden roller coasters in the world, and formerly, one of two Mammoth Military Wurlitzer Band Organ. 

Sadly, the park has been abandoned since 2006. Two families have since attempted to buy out and re-open the park, but to no avail. The undeniably intriguing abandonment of the park is a gem for urban explorers, but is unfortunately the downfall of the remains. 

Since 2007, park has fallen victim to vandalism. Defacers and looters have trashed buildings with graffiti markings and, in some cases, set fire to several buildings that ran along what used to be the midway of the park. Barbarians such as these are frustrating pests to those wishing to document the abandoned park. Since it is now, once more, owned by Margaret Nelson, it is the opinion of many that bored teenagers need to respect the property of one original co-founder of the park.

Pictured above is the super creepy dark ride "The Whacky Shack". 

As much as I love exploring, you couldn't get me to go in there for anything. No sir.

The refurbished Log Jam.

Log flumes for the Log Jam. In the past, the park

was flooded and two of the flumes were swept down

the river. One was found just days later while the 

other was discovered over a year later floating in 

the Arkansas River about 7 miles from the park.

Here are some before and after pictures of the park. The "after" pictures were taken in 2010.

Inside Whacky Shack. Creepy!

Remains of the dark ride.

For more photos and information about Joyland, visit the following blogsites:

http://www.abandonedok.com/joyland-amusement-park/

http://www.tommyandjames.net/joyland.html