Wicksteed Park.

[Paninistickers]

1 hour ago, RoboFox said:

Awh, man. Like many of us, I used to love going there in the summer with my grandparents and cousins. Felt like just the best place.

 

I haven't been since probably about 1997, but looking online there's a number of rides remarkably still going strong. However many of the ones aimed at older kids / adults seem to have been removed and never replaced.

 

Anyone remember the Nautic Jets? Assuming they were demolished, but they were basically a sledge on a ramp and not at all safe.

 

The awesome double pirate ship seems to have been sold a few years ago. The vomit-inducing Rotor ride disappeared. I think there was a large paddle steamer-type boat on the lake at some point, too.

 

Didn't they also manufacture playground equipment?

 

That rotar ride I guess was that spinning  g force washing machine thing. 

 

An extraordinary ride. Like something off James bond. Never experienced anything like it before it since

[FoxesDeb]

18 minutes ago, Paninistickers said:

That rotar ride I guess was that spinning  g force washing machine thing. 

 

An extraordinary ride. Like something off James bond. Never experienced anything like it before it since

I remember that one, I was never brave enough to go on it. The name of the boat into the water on a rope out of a shed is really annoying me now. I did find this though 

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-northamptonshire-38377219/wicksteed-park-s-water-chute-has-been-listed

[CosbehFox]

1 hour ago, Paninistickers said:

That rotar ride I guess was that spinning  g force washing machine thing. 

 

An extraordinary ride. Like something off James bond. Never experienced anything like it before it since

Always closed because they were cleaning up sick by memory. 

[murphy]

19 hours ago, isaidno said:

Uses to go when I was a kid. Don't think it's changed since the 1980's.

Exactly the problem in my opinion.

 

I occasionally go to the antique fair they hold there and it's like walking into a time warp.  You half expct Ruth Madoc to walk around the corner in her yellow coat.  (One for the kids there).  It also looks neglected and unloved like some Eastern Bloc compound.

 

They didn't move with the times and that was their downfall in my opnion.  

 

[fuchsntf]

Alot of grandparente will be saddened,a Part of their childhood nice memories were Left there...!!!

[Raj]

A great old school type place,we used to go when the kids were younger than they are now. Not the massive rides but it was always s great day out  Will miss the memories.

[Raj]

The go karts were a laugh although you could never actually race as everyone just had a set speed.

The roller coaster was about 80 years old but gave you s couple of good thrills.

The umbrella roundy and uppy downy  ride was fun!!!!!

[Paninistickers]

1 hour ago, murphy said:

Exactly the problem in my opinion.

 

I occasionally go to the antique fair they hold there and it's like walking into a time warp.  You half expct Ruth Madoc to walk around the corner in her yellow coat.  (One for the kids there).  It also looks neglected and unloved like some Eastern Bloc compound.

 

They didn't move with the times and that was their downfall in my opnion.  

 

I know what you mean but that was part of its charm. 

 

The place wreaked of naivety and an almost total lack of business nous. Presumably run by local do-gooders rather than Merlin or Warner bros....and I liked it for that

[fleckneymike]

2 hours ago, Paninistickers said:

I know what you mean but that was part of its charm. 

 

The place wreaked of naivety and an almost total lack of business nous. Presumably run by local do-gooders rather than Merlin or Warner bros....and I liked it for that

Me too.

 

It was no frills and aimed exclusively at little kids. Had a real charm in the simplicity of the fun, attracted just the right sort of crowd in terms of not appealing to older children who might frighten the younger ones. The most endearing aspect was its charitable status; to have such a wonderful area with free access for all is such a commendable thing and meant all social groups could mix, no one would be priced out, everyone could pick and choose what to enjoy without the fear of not being able to afford to go.

 

I really hope they can raise enough money to get the attractions up and running again.