Don’t Close Kiddieland!

The Chicago Tribune reported that this will be the last summer for Kiddie Land. Last summer, my kids had an incredible time there. I had not been there in years. So, great after 81 years, now they’ve got to close it.

Unlike the neighborhood carnivals or the over the top Six Flags, Kiddie land is perfect for the under 10 crowd. The Merry go rounds have this beautifully crafted retro cars, motorcycles and vehicles for the kids to ride on. The wooden roller coasters have all the rumbling and excitement of old school coasters. What I love is you pay one price and then the kids are off: bumper cars, tilt a whirl, log runs, or just riding old cars. I’m not crazy about the free soda, but the kids love it.

The article suggested the owners of the land want to sell it to Costco. Don’t get me wrong, I love Costco. I depend on Costco every month, but it doesn’t seem worth tearing this place down for a giant big box store. When will this country learn to retain something if it has a unique presence or value. Can’t we learn from cities like Rome? Do you really think they are ever going to destroy the Roman Forum for a new Target?