National Amusement Park Historical Association

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National Amusement Park Historical Association

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The official page of the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Also, visit our Facebook Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/58582076659/

10/19/2026

NAPHA is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Robin Innes at age 72. Robin worked in the Public Relations department of Cedar Point for over 30 years (1981 to 2012) at a time the park was emerging as the roller coaster capital of the world. Robin served as Cedar Point’s Director of Public Relations for 17 years – from 1995 until 2012. During his tenure, NAPHA was pleased to work closely with Cedar Point assisting Robin and his team in promoting the park’s history including Cedar Point’s 125th Anniversary in 1995, the 20th Anniversary of Magnum XL-200 in 2009, and the Shoot the Rapids announcement in 2010. NAPHA would like to extend its condolences to his family including his wife Katie, daughter Cassidy, and five grandchildren.

10/14/2026

Come join the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA) for a fun filled day at the all-new Universal Kids Resort on Sunday Oct. 18th! Located in Frisco, TX, this theme park designed for children of all ages opened earlier this year in 2026. We’ll meet at 1:00 p.m. at the Universal Kids sign just outside the park’s main entrance for a group photo. All attendees are then welcome to stay together and enjoy everything that Universal Kids Resort has to offer!

More info about this meet-up: https://www.facebook.com/share/1WELzUn1K6/
Learn more about NAPHA Informal Meet-Ups: www.napha.org/meetups

10/13/2026

Pioneer Train at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA.
Opening in 1960 alongside with the park's other miniature train Ole' Smokey, the Pioneer Train features 3 diesel powered coaches from the Allan Herschell Company. 2 resemble 1865 steam models and 1 contemporary diesel engine. This 16-inch miniature train travels 1.5 miles through the park, past the campground, and into the woods.

Check out the NAPHA YouTube Channel with regular uploads of historic and unique rides and attractions from around the country!
https://www.youtube.com/

10/10/2026

NAPHA is hosting 2 upcoming informal meet-ups at Universal Kids Resort on 10/18 and Fun Spot America on 11/20! Click the links for more details regarding NAPHA Informal Meet-Ups, hosted by NAPHA members for anyone to join! You don't even have to be a member to join in on the fun!

NAPHA Informal Meet-Ups: www.napha.org/meetups
Universal Kids Resort: https://www.facebook.com/share/1WELzUn1K6/
Fun Spot America Orlando: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C5gdJwgss/

Not a NAPHA member? Join today! https://napha.org/Membership

10/07/2026

NAPHA has three virtual trivia nights coming your way! All three are free for NAPHA members or a $5 donation for non-members. Visit https://napha.org/virtual to register and put your knowledge to the test!

10/06/2026

X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, CA.
Debuting in 2001 as X, this was the world's first 4th dimension coaster. Following a second "X-Rail", the ride vehicle's seats on other ends of the track were flipped into positions and maneuvers not seen on any other roller coaster at the time! This was also the final ride made by Arrow Dynamics. In 2008, the ride received new trains from S&S Worldwide with on-board audio, plus an off-ride flame thrower, a new color scheme, and the X2 rebrand. X2 was officially announced that it would be retired on Aug. 29th, 2026

Check out the NAPHA YouTube Channel with regular uploads of historic and unique rides and attractions from around the country!
https://www.youtube.com/

10/04/2026

Well folks, it’s another upcoming virtual trivia night! Visit NAPHA.org/events to learn more!

09/29/2026

Zombie Castle at Playland Park in Rye, NY.
First known as the Laff in the Dark, this 1934 Traver Engineering dark originally had a more light-hearted and colorful theme. In 2001, the ride changed into Zombie Castle. R. E. Chambers Company added newer and scarier stunts while still keeping the old dark ride charm.

Check out the NAPHA YouTube Channel with regular uploads of historic and unique rides and attractions from around the country!
https://www.youtube.com/

09/25/2026

As of September 2026, the future of Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in Ocean City, New Jersey, remains uncertain. The pier’s 144-foot Ferris wheel is expected to be demolished after its owner, developer Eustace Mita, said the aging structure had deteriorated too much to be safely dismantled and relocated. Ocean City officials have also issued a notice declaring part of the property unsafe after sections of the decking showed signs of deterioration.

Wonderland had operated on the Ocean City Boardwalk for nearly a century before closing permanently on October 13, 2024, amid financial difficulties. The amusement park first opened in 1929. Since its closure, the property has remained in limbo, with Mita proposing a hotel development while city officials and community members have discussed possible alternatives. In June 2026, Ocean City’s City Council designated the site an “Area in Need of Rehabilitation,” adding another step to the ongoing process of determining the property’s future.

09/22/2026

Charlie Brown's Rushing River Log Ride at Kings Island in Mason, OH.
First opening at Coney Island in Cincinnati, OH in 1968, this Arrow Dynamics log flume, plus a number of other attractions, was relocated to Kings Island opening with the park in 1972. Passengers take a ride up into a water mill, through the trees, and down a 40 ft. drop.

Check out the NAPHA YouTube Channel with regular uploads of historic and unique rides and attractions from around the country!
https://www.youtube.com/

Address

Amarillo, TX
79107

Website

http://www.napha.org/

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