News: Joyland's Roller Coaster will not open with the park

Posted at 2:40 PM EST (1940 GMT)

Mar. 15th, 2006 -- Workers have begun clean-up work at Wichita's Joyland Amusement Park. The park is expected to open this time next month. Two notable rides that will not open with the park in April are the park's Skycoaster and historic Roller Coaster.

The operators, T-Rex Group, have yet to sign the lease from the Nelson family. They plan on leasing the park until they can get it rezoned. Signs will be put up near the highway to try to draw people to the aging park. Between $3 and $5 million will be spent this season alone to rehab the park.

Roller Coaster needs an extensive renovation and it will take some time. The Skycoaster should be ready to open shortly after the opening day, April 16th. If the park can do well, a $10-$15 million waterpark will be installed for the 2007 season.

For more information, see The Wichita Eagle.