Rastuso Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 A business trip got me to Bartlesville, OK (what other reason would get you there?) My last visit was in the off season,so I missed the coaster. I arrive this time and head there immediately after checking into the brand new Hilton. Well, in this metropolis, even in the Summer, the kiddie park is only open for a couple of hours in the evening. So, I go back to the hotel and twiddle my thumbs. After dinner, I head back over real quick for a visit. The place is pretty full. Lots of families were enjoying a sort of dilapidated looking park that was very clean, and full of classic rides. This park is one of the many Kiddie Parks that appeared back in the 50s and 60s. The star attraction, of course, is the Herschell kiddie oval Little Dipper roller coaster. This is supposedly the oldest coaster in North America. There is an older one in the Netherlands, called Rodelbaan, and then the coaster at Memphis Kiddie Park. Many media outlets claim that the one at MKP is the oldest, but I believe the correct thing is it is the oldest operating in its original location. ACE lists the BKP coaster as being made in 1947, but it was moved before making it to its current location. I really don't know for sure. I've ridden both. The coaster here delivered as expected, and you get three circuits for 50 cents!! The park is also full of some very old kiddie spinners and a small guage train that makes a large loop around the entire, city owned, park. THere is an antique carousel that looked unusual too. Tickets are 25 cents each, amazingly, and many rides only take one ticket. It's like stepping back in time. -RO The sign is made from a sacrificed train, to honor the pagan God, Frank Phillips. The massive first drop About half of the park The locomotive The classic train cars The antique carousel Parting shot of coaster Ghetto skate park near the parking lot Redneck air conditioning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shavethewhales Posted August 7, 2010 Share Posted August 7, 2010 Ha ha, Bartlesville is actually my home town. I haven't been by Kiddie park in a long time, but it looks like not much has changed from the photos besides the lack of some of the big old trees. The ninja turtles-themed tumble bugs is the best ride there. I'm pretty glad to live in a town with the last surviving kiddie park. If anything happens to it, you can be sure I'll fight tooth and nail to protect it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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