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Park Profile
www.parkworld-online.com
Visitors flock through the gates
at the grand opening
Ride broker Len Soled, president of Rides-4-U, acknowledges Etheridge. “We are looking forward to
furnished 18 pieces for Wild West World, helped furthering that tradition with Wild West World.”
secure financing and assisted in delivery, set-up and
installation. He believes the park will succeed Taking a Chance on the Prairie
because “it has a very good mix of equipment, an Located just 15 miles away in Wichita itself, Chance
interesting western theme and the focus on family Morgan supplied Wild West World with both a 36ft
values will help sustain the park. The park also Classic Carousel and a CP Huntington train. Richard
appeals to people's historic interests and shows how (Dick) Chance believes that the closing of Joyland
the west was formed. Mr Thomas Etheredge is one of after 50 years left a void in Wichita. “The
the most energetic individuals in the industry and that metropolitan area is big enough to support a park,”
will create success.” he contends. “The State of Kansas has over two
Within 200 miles of Wichita are Frontier City in million people. That's his market. Thomas is a good
Left: Cheryl and Thomas
Oklahoma City and Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, promoter and marketer. After the first year he'll need a
Etheridge, developers and
Missouri. Both theme parks are expected to continue big attraction to get people to return, but that's the
founders of Wild West World
to market in Wichita. But Wichita's former local park, park business. You need new attractions if you're
Joyland, has closed. “Joyland was a wonderful park going to continue to grow. We hope to sell him a Below: The Sidewinder,
that created memories for countless families,” steel coaster and other rides as he grows. Thomas is a
by Moser Rides
JUNE 2007 35
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