Douglas Park Amusements was an amusement park located in Danville, Illinois that opened in 1953 at 1333 East Main Street in Danville. The park was owned and operated by the City of Danville and employed about 20 people during the summer months. Douglas Park Amusements was a popular destination for families from Danville and the surrounding area.
The park was open from May to September each year. The park featured a number of rides, including the Little Dipper roller coaster, a Tilt-A-Whirl, a carousel, boats, a Ferris wheel, and a miniature train. There was also a playground, a picnic area, a number of games of skill, and a refreshment stand. The park was especially busy on weekends and during the summer months.
The park closed sometime in the late 1970s. The exact date of closure is unknown, but it is believed that the park was closed due to financial difficulties.
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| Brenda Mac driving the train at Douglas Park Amusements. |
Today, the site of Douglas Park Amusements is still a public park. However, there are no longer any rides or attractions. The park is now used primarily for picnicking, walking, and playing sports.
Although Douglas Park Amusements is no longer in operation, the memories of the park live on in the hearts of those who visited it. The park was a place where families could make memories that would last a lifetime.
Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
I grew up in Danville, born late 1957, I enjoyed going there as a young child on the weekends to listen to bands and the beginning of me enjoying to dance. Later in time I worked there for a few years, I operated a few different rides but the tilt-a-whirl was the main one until when they brought in the bumper cars and I operated them. A couple years later I enlisted to the USN. I believe they actually got rid of the rides due to personal injury insurance! Sure do miss those days in Danville and what was available to the public.
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