Rotary Storyland Playland Family Amusement Park
Nestled in the shade of Roeding Park, Rotary Storyland & Playland has been the backdrop of local memories for decades. We strive to remain an enjoyable place for families to affordably spend time together.
Playland
Dr. Joe Logan served as president of North Fresno Rotary Club from 1954-55, and first imagined Playland in Roeding Park. In the spirit of community service, Dr. Logan created the idea of a "playland" with rides on city property-the revenues from the park could go towards providing funds for additional park facilities throughout the Fresno area. A lease was agreed upon with the city, and Playland was constructed in record time.
2010 marked the 55th anniversary of Playland, which opened to the public May 30, 1955. Playland was an immediate success, netting profits of $33,000 its first year of operation-it has been an invaluable piece of the Central Valley's heritage since.
Storyland
Only a few years after Playland, Storyland opened to the public on May 19, 1962-immediately it captured the hearts of children all across the valley. A park devoted to fantasy and fairy tales turned out to be a wonderful addition to Roeding Park.
Originally funded by the City of Fresno and Junior League of Fresno, Storyland's faced possible closure in 1994. The Storyland and Rotary Playland boards joined forces in April of that year, and Playland donated $100,000 to preserve the Fresno treasure. It continues to be a place of fantasy and wonder for children today.
A History of Giving
Over the last 50 years, Rotary Storyland & Playland has contributed over $2,000,000 to the community. Notable contributions include:
- An $80,000 donation to the City of Fresno to purchase the land for Woodward Park in 1965
- A donation of $64,000 to the City of Fresno to create Logan Park in 1973
- A donation of $190,000 to the former Fresno Metropolitan Museum in 1982
- Over $500,000 to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo over the past 30 years
We are grateful to the generous donors who have supported us, and who continue to help us create lasting memories for children and families!
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