For a change, there were more kids than rumors swarming around Kiddieland last weekend as the venerable amusement park in Melrose Park opened for the season.
“Nobody has taken over the property yet,” said Tom Norini, general manager of Kiddieland, which opened in 1929.
In recent years, Norini has been forced to fend off rumors that the park’s miniature train ride and other amusements would be dismantled to make way for a giant discount warehouse.
Norini says the family venture that operates Kiddieland has five years remaining on its lease for the land and is hoping for another five-year extension.
His challenge is preparing for June 4, when Kiddieland swings into full operation. The amusement park is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, until then.
As for now, Norini said rumors of Kiddieland’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
“We hope it never happens,” he said.
