Burns Park in Little Rock, Arkansas, was devastated by the March 31st tornado. However, the city has been diligently working to repair and reopen the park. A significant step in this recovery is the $3.1 million contract recently approved to rebuild Funland, the beloved amusement park within Burns Park. This investment signifies the final stage in restoring Burns Park to its former glory, with the promise of being even better than before.
Rebuilding Funland: A Community Effort
North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick expressed the importance of the council’s financial commitment to revitalizing Burns Park. The $3.1 million allocated for Funland’s reconstruction includes a significant contribution of just over $1 million from FEMA. This funding underscores the collaborative effort to bring Funland back to life.
The road to recovery has been challenging. The tornado struck shortly after the city installed brand new rides at Funland, including one called “The Twister,” ironically destroyed by the actual twister. Mayor Hartwick recounts the experience, highlighting the stark contrast between the excitement of the new rides on March 30th and the devastation on March 31st.
A New and Improved Funland for All
Remarkably, a tank and Funland’s iconic train survived the tornado. The train will be a prominent feature in the redesigned Funland, complete with a tunnel. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the rebuilt Funland is its commitment to inclusivity. The new attractions will be accessible to all children, including those with disabilities, featuring amenities like a wheelchair-accessible seesaw. Mayor Hartwick emphasizes the importance of providing equal opportunities for all children to enjoy Burns Park and Funland.
Exciting New Attractions at Burns Park’s Funland
The new Funland will boast some of Arkansas’s most impressive playground equipment and potentially the largest splash pad in Central Arkansas. Development Consultants Incorporated (DCI) and GameTime, renowned designers with projects across the state, are behind these new attractions. Mayor Hartwick’s ambitious goal is to have the new Funland open by July 4th, bigger and better than ever.
A Return to Fun for the Community
Funland holds cherished childhood memories for Mayor Hartwick and countless others. His determination to restore the park by next summer speaks to its importance to the community. The goal is to see children enjoying the pavilions, waterslides, and all that Funland has to offer, bringing back the joy and laughter that define the park’s legacy. The reopening of Funland represents not just the restoration of a beloved amusement park, but the resilience and spirit of the Little Rock community.
