Memphis Kiddie Park has been putting smiles on children's faces since 1952. We offer 11 amusement rides for children, a concession stand, arcade, and miniature golf course. We are truly a landmark of the Greater Cleveland area serving generations of area children.
Memphis Kiddie Park opened on May 28, 1952. It was designed and built by Stuart Wintner, a native Clevelander. In its second year of operation, Bill Applegarth came to Kiddie Park as a ride operator. The next year he became manager. Both Stuart, with his wife Lanny, and Bill, with his wife Delores, continued to run the park together until their respective retirements. But, the family tradition lives on. Now operated by Stuart and Lanny's son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Elli, and managed by Bill and Delores' son-in-law and daughter, Mike and Judy, the park continues to carry on much as it did when it first opened.
In 1952, kiddie parks were fairly popular. Cleveland had three in addition to kiddie rides at Puritas Park and Euclid Beach. The other kiddie parks have long since closed: Kiddieland on Northfield Road in Warrensville Heights and later Kiddieland at the Zoo. Across the country, kiddie parks closed as land became more valuable and owners lost interest. Today, Memphis Kiddie Park is one of less than a handful of survivors, flourishing in Cleveland.
