Amusement Park News

  Following the tremendous success of Adventureland's recent auction of a Log Ride boat, which raised $5,100 for Give Kids the World Village, Adventureland Resort is thrilled to announce yet another unique piece of theme park history is up for auction. Adventureland has donated a chair from its iconic Sky Ride attraction (1975-2021) to support the life-changing mission of Give Kids the World Village. This auction offers fans a chance to own a tangible piece of Adventureland's legacy while making a significant difference in the lives of those in need. The auction is now live and ends on Wednesday, August 16. You can find the auction here.  It all leads up to Adventureland's first-ever Coasting for Kids event on Saturday, August 19. This special event invites families and coaster enthusiasts to enjoy a day of non-stop rides and excitement, all in support of Give Kids the World Village. Participants who raise at least $100 by August 12 will receive admission into the ...   [read more]

  James “David” Dean, 67, died peacefully in the loving care of his wife, Kristi, at their home in Lubbock, Texas on Monday, May 29, 2023.David was born July 31, 1955, in Amarillo, Texas, to James Edward (Jimmy) and Katherine Alma Webb (Katie) Dean.David was a 1973 graduate of Tascosa High School in Amarillo and attended Texas Tech University for 2 years as an Engineering student.In 1973, David, alongside his parents, acquired Mackenzie Park Playground, renaming it Joyland Amusement Park. David married the love of his life, Kristi, in November 1990. Upon the passing of Jimmy Dean in 1993, David became CEO of Joyland. David's mother, Katie, passed away in 2019 at the age of 100.David had an amazing ability to diagnose and understand mechanical problems, and to fix almost anything. Under David and Kristi's leadership, Joyland grew to be one of the most well-known and important small businesses on the South Plains employing generations of families. When asked what he ...   [read more]