Joyland Amusement Park
Wichita, Kansas
July 19, 2013
Page Two






When Joyland was open it had a nice selection of rides including a log flume, carousel, bumper cars, round up, a sky coaster and much more.



At the end of the season the Nelson's would take the cars off of the rides and put them into storage so there is hope that some day they may run again.  The thing is the years have not been the kindest to Joyland with several building fires, vandalism and Mother Nature slowly taking the park back.  Something needs to be done soon to save this.



Where there once was fun and joy it is now covered in spray paint and is used as a dumping ground.



What is an amusement park other than a business?  Amusement parks are places where we connect with friends and family.  We share intense experiences there.  Lasting memories are made here.  Children face their fears and conquer the big ride and end up walking away with confidence where there once was doubt and fear.  First kisses are had there.  Laughter is the language there.  A grown man can scream like a little kid at an amusement park and no one thinks anything about it. 



Amusement parks create joy and fun which are two things every person on this planet needs.  The need to laugh, the need to smile and the need to do it all with others is hardwired into our brains.  That's why amusement parks exist.  They are the soul of a city.  Seeing the soul of Wichita slowly rotting away was hard to see and even harder to feel.



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Paul B. Drabek