Monday, November 2, 2009

Could the city help save a 60-year-old Wichita landmark? One man hopes so.

Joyland has been closed for the past three years. At his South Wichita home, Jerry Dowdy is working on plans to open it again.

"I've loved Joyland all my life and it's no sense in it just sitting there empty," said Dowdy.

Dowdy dreams of not only rehabbing the rides but also using some of the buildings for a school for the blind and a children's learning center. He will go before the city council Tuesday morning to ask for a $2 million loan.

"I know this ain't like down in Old Town or nothing but it's something that people would enjoy," said Dowdy.

But as for the city investing in Joyland, well, at least one council member isn't thrilled about the idea.

"I don't know if amusement parks are hot on the investment lists for city government. We can look to a recent example up in Park City where one couldn't make it so you know with the economy right now not doing too good, with a lot of people laid off in this community, I'm going to be very skeptical," said Council Member Jim Skelton.

Joyland hasn't had such a joyous history. Since longtime owners Margaret and Stan Nelson closed it, two groups have unsuccessfully tried to keep it going. Now the park sits empty.

Dowdy realizes the city could say no to his plan.

"Well, we're hoping they don't say that but of they do then we go to other organizations," said Dowdy.