Kiddie Park

Most amusement parks added or built up their kiddielands after World War II to give servicemen and women a place to take the Baby-boomer generation for a day of fun. One year before he came to Chester and managed Rock Springs Park, C.C. Macdonald, 20 years ahead of his time, created a kids-only amusement park in San Antonio Texas. According to his son, R.Z., C.C. invested in the Kiddie Park to give out-of-work buddies a place for employment. “Kiddie Park” is still in operation today and is “America's Oldest and Original Kids Amusement Park” having been around for kids since 1925. (Click here to see their website)

So, what Kiddie Rides were in Rocks Springs over the years? Let’s take a look!

The Turnpike Cars
Kiddie Cars
Kiddie Trolley
Kiddie Train (Courtesy of Sherry Emery)
Kiddie Whirlo
Kiddie Ferris Wheel
Kiddie Boats
Boats and Airplanes
Kiddie Airplanes
Rock Springs Kiddie Park Rides 1970

(Unless otherwise indicated, all images courtesy of Rich Brookes from the Clarence O. Durbin Collection)

The Kiddie Train

From the mid to late 30s, until it was sold in 1948, the Kiddie Train ran next to the Cyclone in the southern end of the upper midway section of Rock Springs Park. The ground upon which the 35’x85’ track was laid had been the splash lagoon section of the Shoot-the-Chutes Ride during the C.A. Smith years. Later, under the ownership of C.C. Macdonald, the cement pool was drained and converted into a go-cart track (See Images of America: Rock Springs Park p. 59). The Chutes pool was subsequently filled in during the Hand Years and was the location of several rides including the Caterpillar, the Aerial Joy Ride, and the Kiddie Train. In the January 24, 1948 edition of Billboard Magazine, the train and 2 cars were advertised for the unbelievable sale price of just $700. (Seen pictured from left to right are Jim Wilson and Dickie Hand; photograph courtesy of Sherry Emery)