Libertyland

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Libertyland was Memphis, Tennessee's only amusement park. Opened in 1976, it was located at 940 Early Maxwell Blvd. It was structured under the nonprofit 501(c)4 US tax code.

In an anticipated and well-thought out move, Libertyland closed its doors for good on October 29, 2005 and was auctioned off on June 21, 2006 by Norton Auctioneers of Michigan, Inc. It was reportedly closed, at least partially due to white flight, which left the area it was physically located much different than it was 30 years ago. Its nickname, "Six Flags over Orange Mound", reflects the hesitance of many Memphians and suburbanites to travel regularly to the area in which it is located.

Libertyland had many rides but two were considered historic rides. The Zippin Pippin and the Grand Carousel. The Pippin was America's 2nd oldest operating wooden roller coaster. It was built in 1912 but was moved to its location in the park in 1923. The Grand Carousel was built in 1909. These rides are listed with the National Register of Historic Places.

Libertyland stands adjacent to the Mid-South Fairgrounds and Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

Now a group "Save Libertyland" is trying to save the park.

The rides and the equipment were sold in a public auction in June 21, 2006. Robert Reynolds and Stephen Shutts, partners in a traveling museum called the Honky Tonk Hall of Fame & Rock-N-Roll Roadshow, showed up planning to bid on one of the roller coaster cars. They purchase the entire Pippin for $2,500 and have 30 days to remove it from auction close.

[edit] Recently

A company named T-Rex is planning on opening a new park summer of 2007
An auction was held to auction off all the rides and concession stands on June 21, 2006. The "Revolution" roller coaster was sold to DelGrosso's Amusement Park.
On December 7th, 2006 Joyland, Inc. sent the City of Memphis a letter of intent stating the company wanted to build a new amusement park on the old Libertyland site using some of the old parts of the park, including the Zippin Pippin. Joyland will put 5 million dollars into the project if approved, and the lease will be a 36-month term with the option of Joyland eventually purchasing the land.

[edit] Trivia

The Zippin Pippin was Elvis Presley's favorite roller coaster. Robert Reynolds and Stephen Shutts, partners in the Honky Tonk Hall of Fame & Rock-N-Roll Roadshow museum on wheels, bought the Zippin Pippin in an auction for $2,500.