HistorySmith - Playland At The Beach

The following is excerpted from Playland at the Beach - The Early Years

Kiddie Rides offered a largely untapped market after World War II. Realizing the trend, in 1950, Whitney moved his small assortment to the space left by the removal of the Shoot the Chutes and the Tumble Bug on Balboa off the Great Highway. These flat rides were cheap to install and created that new draw he wanted. They remained there until select rides relocated to Fun-Tier Town in 1960.


	Figure 1 - The boat rides were a kid favorite. They were slow, safe and seemed to do something. Image courtesy of Ian Samuels		Figure 2 - Kids favored the speed boats. No sail and you know they went faster. Image courtesy of Steve Faulkner		Figure 3 - . . . and they also provided a great photo opportunity to show off your finest. Image courtesy of Playland-Not-at-the-Beach

			Figure 1 - This cowboy is ready for another ride. Image courtesy of Dennis O'Rorke
	Figure 4- Bubbles the Whale was a fun up & down ride. He made the cut to Fun-Tier Town. Image courtesy of Steve Faulkner		Figure 6 (Right) - Guaranteed to stay on track, there was an assortment of vehicles to choose from. Image courtesy of Steve Faulkner


	Figure 7– A young Gary David learns this is serious business and required intense concentration. Image courtesy of Heather David		Figure 8 - This young man is having the time of his life. Really! Image courtesy of Playland-Not-at-the-Beach


	Figure 9 - The Kiddie Coaster actually Offered some thrills. It was comparatively fast and had some decent banks and turns. Image courtesy of the San Francisco History Center


	Figure 10- Taking the turns in stride, the kids had something to brag about. Image courtesy of the San Francisco History Center		Figure 11 - Not as wild as Captain Satellite's helicopter ride, it still got the job done. This ride also went on to Fun-Tier Town. Image courtesy of Playland-Not-at-the-Beach


	Figure 12 - The Kiddie Carousel was a colorful addition. Whitney purchased multiple carousels for Playland. Image courtesy of Dennis O'Rorke


	Figure 13 - There's nothing equal to playing Dale Arden and Flash Gordon. If you don't who they are, you need to look it up. Image courtesy of Underwood Archives