from:

http://cec.chebucto.org/ClosPark/PL-Wasag.html

"Playland was incorporated in 1932 on a 2.4 hectare parcel of land on the waterfront at Wasaga Beach by William G (Bull) Fielding. Given that the area was already popular, an amusement park was a logical extension. Rides included over the years a Ferris Wheel, Carousel, "Wild Mouse", "Tilt-A-Whirl" (Selner) and "Roll-O-Plane" (Eyerly).


The park's contents were auctioned October 26, 1985. Closing rides included Herschell boat, motorcycle, carousel, and roller coaster rides. The carousel was a 1947 model with wood/aluminum horses. The roller coaster was likely a "Little Dipper" model and was dated 1969. "


I thought the mention about the Herschell boat was kinda cute...

Then there is the old playland that was in in San Fransiskie, too...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc5BxadWMf4...feature=related

http://www.markreubengallery.com/bs_sanfra...isco/1405ac.jpg

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...en%26safe%3Doff

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt...en%26safe%3Doff

...which is prolly the one Isaak make's reference too...

; )

UP

P.S. For me it was POP-Pacific Ocean Park (the ending of an old era, too sad...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ7yugaQF-0

http://pacificoceanpark.tripod.com/

I loved the video clip of Pacific Ocean Park, Pat (who happens to be an uncle).

The Playland at Wasaga Beach was interesting to read about, also. It is in northern Ontario so I doubt Chris was there as a kid. Most of the old buildings in Wasaga Beach burned down a little over a year ago in a huge fire.

This is the amusement park that was in our town that we all remember as kids:

http://cec.chebucto.org/ClosPark/BurlBech.html

Burlington Beach (opened in 1903, closed in 1978)

More about the Herschell name:

The carousel remained until the park's closure, after which it went into storage for a few years. It was bought in 1982 by The Carousel Society of the Niagara Frontier and may be seen today working at The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum in North Tonawanda, New York.

Thank for the addy, FifiKitty.

I've always been an 'old school' amusement park sort of person. When I went back and read about the one in my hometown, I never realised how many times the thing burned down (and was re-built).

Of course, I knew a fellow who was a teenage squater for a time right after POP closed. He told some interesting stories of how there was lots of military surplus (read LOTS) from WWII there, and that shortly before the last time it burned down (read days), there were military ship/s berthed right off the old pier that picked up some rather interesting heavy (military) machinery and such (hidden under the pier/area).

I was told by another source that they had often speculated the Japanese were going to attack the California coast (prior to Pearl), so perhaps this may make a little more sense how the area was rebuilt/built up again (prior to the War) considering a disproportionately small number of the businesses there had insurance to cover their losses......

UP

My family and I used to go to "Playland" in SF. My grandma lived in Oakland and that would be the day trip to go to "Playland" for the day. I have pictures of my family there (somewhere). And I also went there with my ex (before we were married) and have many memories.

Looks like a fun place, especially being right on the beach. I wish there were more places around like that. There is still one at the end of the boardwalk in Ocean City, MD. Lots of childhood memories there, for me.

Where are the photos, Munchie? Come on, I know you have them stashed somewhere. I'd love to see old photos of you at "Playland". Your Grandma was cool. She went to Playland AND took you to see Elvis. (if that was the same Grandmother....)