Special fund created for Kiddieland

Over the past few years, improvements have been made at Kiddieland through generous donations from private donors and support from Pittsburg Beautiful. These improvements include fresh paint and maintenance on the roller coaster, the airplane ride, the carousel, and various improvements to the park’s fencing and storage facilities.

Pittsburg Beautiful, a coalition to improve the image and appearance of Pittsburg, has supported the general landscaping of Kiddieland, and recently, the park’s infrastructure.

“We talked together about what some dreams could be for Kiddieland, what needs it has, and where does Kiddieland need help?” Pittsburg Beautiful Member Nancy Scott shared. The group cited some needs and prioritized them. At the very top, Scott said, was the sandblasting and painting of the roller coaster, completed just in time for the 2026 opening season of the park.

Following a conversation and an assessment of the amusement park with Pittsburg Beautiful members and City of Pittsburg staff, it was decided that long-term support would be beneficial.

“We feel that Kiddieland is a precious place for Pittsburg,” Scott said. “And we need to celebrate it and show it off to the world and also assure that it will be there for generations.”

Through the partnership of the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department (PPRD) and the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, a special fund for the amusement park was made, the Friends of Kiddieland Fund. This will ensure more improvements and maintenance are funded in the years to come. Donations to the fund will support projects such as restoring and painting rides, upgrading equipment, enhancing landscaping, and maintaining park structures.

Anyone interested in donating can visit SoutheastKansas.org/Kiddieland to donate to the park.

“We are so grateful to have the opportunity to start the Friends of Kiddieland Fund,” said Kris Loy, Pittsburg Parks & Recreation Director. “The fund will help ensure children will continue to make memories there for many more years.”

About Kiddieland

Kiddieland was established in 1953 in Lincoln Park, at 801 Memorial Drive, Pittsburg, KS. The children’s amusement park features multiple rides, including a mini train, a gentle roller coaster, spinning tubs, a transportation-themed roller coaster for the littlest riders, and even a carousel and Ferris wheel.

There are snacks and treats available for visitors, and families can rent the park for private parties by calling PPRD at 620-231-8310.

The amusement park is a seasonal attraction, opening late spring and closing near the end of summer.

About Pittsburg Beautiful

Pittsburg Beautiful is a coalition, established in 1998, to improve the image and appearance of Pittsburg. The group works through support of government action, coordination with other like-minded organizations, and fostering individual responsibility for and appreciation of the beautification of Pittsburg.