amarillo chamber of commerce - HPN Books

WONDERLANDPARKSmiling faces, giggles, and family fun formore than sixty years! Wonderland Park isthe summertime place to be in the TexasPanhandle. The magic began in 1951 whenPaul and Alethea Roads’ vision turned intoa reality. The name was Kiddieland and thefun started with three kiddie-rides, a boatride, Lil’ Dipper roller coaster, and a car ridebuilt by Paul Roads. Today the park, namedWonderland greets about 200,000 guestseach year with a plethora of fun filled rides.The Roads created a legacy of joy and delightfor those who visit the park and a heritageof hard work and dedication to their family.The Roads’ daughter Paula, and her husbandPaul Borchardt, and the Borchardt’s daughterRebecca Parker, operate the park today withthe same dedication. Alethea is still active inthe park.A partnership with the City of Amarillothat began when Kiddieland opened sixtyyears ago continues today. Wonderland Parkis located within the city’s ThompsonMemorial Park north of downtown Amarillo.A prominent landmark beside U. S. Highway287, Wonderland Park has been a viable partof the community on Amarillo’s north side.The park adds to Amarillo’s economy eachyear and provides employment opportunitiesfor youth across the region. Summertimeemployment runs about 250 and fourteenworkers maintain the park year-round.Wonderland provides Amarillo residentsand visitors a unique experience not availablein most cities of Amarillo’s size. It draws peoplefrom the surrounding region, and thatmoney stays in Amarillo. Wonderland Parkhires contractors and buys supplies locally.Generally, new rides are developed andreconditioned onsite. Wonderland continuesto work with the City to develop WonderlandPark by providing a safe, fun place for familyentertainment in Amarillo.Today, Wonderland Park is the largestfamily-owned amusement park in Texas.Attractions include 6 water rides, the exciting200-foot Drop of Fear, 4 roller coastersincluding the famous Texas Tornado with itsthrilling loops, and an 18-hole miniature golfcourse. Wonderland Park has something foreveryone and the magic, the smiles and ofcourse, the cotton candy—continue!Top: Wonderland Park has brought joy tothousands of children since 1951.Left: The Texas Tornado is in the AmericanCoaster Enthusiasts Hall of Fame.QUALITY OF LIFE215