A historic amusement park in Iowa on the shores of West Lake Okoboji is to be given a $12 million makeover.
Arnolds Park has been a tourist destination since the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s. This brought large numbers of holidaymakers from the cities, eager to enjoy camping, fishing and shooting parties on Wesley Arnold’s land.
1930 saw the construction of The Legend roller coaster and the park’s transformation into a recognisable amusement park.
Plans for the upgrade include a new Roof Garden Ballroom closely resembling the historic two-story ballroom. The Majestic Pavilion will also be renovated along with an expansion of the Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum and the construction of a lakeside boardwalk.
An anonymous group of donors has reportedly pledged $6 million to the Restore the Park campaign.
A further $2 million has been raised through contributions from the Historic Parks Inc. and The Park Foundation boards. A committee of current and past board members will be responsible for securing the shortfall through fundraising.
Images courtesy Arnolds Park
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2017/05/10/historic-amusement-park-iowa-get-12-million-renovation/316232001/
